MotoGP Bharat GP: BMW Safety Car, Bike Reach Buddh International Circuit Ahead of India Grand Prix

The first MotoGP Bharat Grand Prix is all set to take place from September 22 to 24, 2023, at the renowned Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. With just a few days left for D-Day and preparations in full swing, the safety car and bike that might be used if required for the India Grand Prix arrived at the Buddh International Circuit. Both vehicles landed in New Delhi via air freight and were carried to the location in the early hours of Saturday, according to the organisers. Following the three Formula 1 races held at BIC between 2011 and 2013, the 13th round of the famous MotoGP event will be the venue's next major international racing event. The India Grand Prix, which is being put on by FairStreet Sports in association with Dorna Sports, promises to be an exciting spectacle with 41 teams and 82 riders competing in the MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3 categories. Notable competitors include Marc Marquez, Fabio Quartararo, Jack Miller, Jorge Martin, Francesco Bagnaia, and Marco Bezzecchi. 

Also Read: MotoGP Bharat GP: Here’s When, Where and How to Watch Indian GP in India

MotoGP Bharat GP: What is a Safety Car and Bike?

The safety car is essential for giving emergency medical care, as needed, in the event that any accident occurs in the first lap. It has enormous relevance to the safety procedure of the racing event. Additionally, the safety car, which is positioned at the back of the grid at the start of a racing event, is vital in checking the track conditions when necessary. In a carefully thought-out strategy, it follows the riders during the opening lap before retreating into the pit lane, resulting in an exciting race for spectators as well as competitors.

Three safety vehicles, including a BMW M5CS, will be on site for the races. On Sunday, the remaining safety vehicles, a BMW M2 (G87), which is also the main safety car for the race, and a BMW M3 touring, will arrive at the circuit. During the race weekend, the popular M 1000 RR from BMW will also be used as a safety bike.

MotoGP Bharat GP: BMW M2 

The BMW M2 Safety car is based on the road-oriented version of the model, with the only difference being the added safety equipment like a roll bar, RECARO seats, a 6-point racing harness, a fire extinguisher, safety car roof bar, and the matching front light on the former. The on-sale M2 sports a bold body kit that includes a unique front end with frameless horizontal kidney grilles and wide-set headlights, a stylish and practical rear spoiler, a low-slung GT-style rear diffuser, and quad exhaust tips.

Powering the second-gen BMW M2 is a TwinPower turbo in-line 6-cylinder engine - likewise utilised by the M3 and the M4 - making 454bhp of maximum power and 550Nm and peak torque and driving the rear tyres through an 8-speed Steptronic transmission as standard. The auto manufacturer claims the new M2 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in about 4.1 seconds (with the automatic gearbox). Meanwhile, the top speed of the car stands at 250km/h. It likewise includes adaptive M suspension as standard.

Also Read: MotoGP Bharat GP: Bikes and Equipment Arrive at Buddh International Circuit Ahead of Indian GP

MotoGP Bharat GP: BMW M 1000 RR

The BMW M 1000 RR is powered by a 999cc, four-cylinder, water and oil-cooled engine with ShiftCam technology from BMW. This motorcycle's peak power output is 210bhp at 14,500rpm, while its maximum torque output is 113Nm at 11,000rpm. The motor is coupled to a six-speed gearbox with a bi-directional quick-shifter and a slip-and-assist clutch. The bike can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 3.1 seconds and has a top speed of 314km/h. 

The bike also has several racing modes, including Rain, Road, Dynamic, Race, and three Race Pro modes. Each of these modes has a specific throttle curve that can be customised for the right responsiveness, as well as an engine brake with three-way adjustable engine drag torque. Rebound, compression, and preload adjustments are available on the M 1000 RR's front forks, while the rear mono shock also offers the same features. Two 320mm front discs and one 220mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS make up the bike's braking system. The M 1000 RR's carbon wheels measure 17 inches. The 2023 BMW M 1000 RR's competition model, currently available for purchase in India, is finished in Black Storm Metallic, while the Standard model wears Light White.