The start to the 2021 MotoGP racing season is set to be more exciting for more than the usual reasons. This year will see a new addition to the safety fleet. For the last two decades, Dorna Sports has been in partnership with Bavarian carmaker BMW to provide safety during MotoGP championships.
23 different car models of safety vehicles have been in use over this period. This year the M3, M4, and M5 CS safety cars are expected to be part of the line-up. They will be supplemented by two of the brand’s M 1000 RR safety bikes. Their design is not unfamiliar to WorldSBK fans as it is a variation on the S 1000 RR superbikes used to compete by the likes of Eugene Laverty and Tom Sykes. The M is being used to denote motorsport.
Safety cars play an important role in ensuring racing safety, as does the motorcycle clothing which projects the riders. They run laps ahead of the race to ensure there is no debris or other matter that could be dangerous to racers on the circuits. In the event of unexpected weather like rain, they ensure the track is still safe.
Once the race starts, they follow riders during their first lap, when there is the most danger of collisions and debris due to the high number of closely packed riders. If needed, they provide assistance and report from the ground. They can also be deployed to slow down the race if a yellow flag is hit.
This year the two M 1000 RR safety bikes will help to kick off the season in grand style. Fans can expect another surprise during later rounds from 18 April in Portugal. BMW is expected to further unveil more of its safety bikes, an X5 M Medical Car, an M8 Competition Gran Coupe Safety Car, and an M8 Competition Coupe Safety Car as part of its fleet.
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