Safety cars typically use cars owned by the organizer of the circuit hosting the race. However, some race series have adopted a dedicated official safety car. Safety cars are supplied by automakers to appeal to race fans with the aim of improving their brand image.
In the case of Formula 1, in order to lead the running of the Formula 1 cars, the running speed is too slow with the safety car deployed on the circuit and the tire temperature gets cold. Therefore, it is said that a common official safety cars were introduced in all races because it may affect safety.
Safety cars of major race series
F1 : Mercedes-AMG GT R
Until the 2020 season, Mercedes-Benz (AMG) has supplied F1 safety car. Starting in the 2021 season, two companies, Mercedes-Benz (AMG) and Aston Martin, supply Formula 1 safety cars.
T̶o̶k̶y̶o̶ Bahrain drift ft. @MercedesAMG 😍#F1 #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/FnjFBVepHM
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 11, 2021
F1 : Aston Martin Vantage
Say hello to our @astonmartin Safety Car 😎#F1 #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/5QHQldGydL
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 11, 2021
MotoGP : BMW M8
SUPER GT : TOYOTA GR Supra
In SUPER GT, TOYOTA GR Supra has been adopted as the safety car from the 2020 season. So far, Nissan GT-R, LEXUS RC-F and Honda NSX have been adopted as safety cars.
SUPER GT Safety cars so far
Series | Manufacture | Model |
2008-2014 | Nissan | GT-R |
2015-2016 | LEXUS | RC-F |
2017-2019 | Honda | NSX |
2020- | TOYOTA | GR Supra |
Regulations of Safety Car Operation