GALLERY: MERCEDES REVEAL MOST POWERFUL SAFETY CAR OF ALL TIME

With an output of 430 kW (585 hp) and a top speed of 318 km/h, the AMG GT R is the most powerful and fastest Official FIA F1 Safety Car of all time. In this, the 23rd consecutive year, Mercedes-AMG will safely lead the Formula 1 field around the track when bad weather or accidents require its deployment. The AMG GT R is the ideal Official FIA F1 Safety Car, with the driving dynamics of the AMG GT3 racing car, and having spent a large part of its development time in the "Green Hell" of the Nürburgring.

"I am very much looking forward to my new company car. It is an absolute highlight in terms of driving dynamics and is one level higher up still than the AMG GT S of recent years. Of course, ideally the safety car should be deployed as rarely as possible – but when we have to safely bunch up the Formula 1 field and lead it around the track, we will be superbly equipped with the AMG GT R", says Bernd Mayländer, who will again be the driver of the Official FIA F1 Safety Car in the new season.

Never before has Mercedes-AMG packed so much motorsport technology into a production vehicle as into the AMG GT R. The front-mid-engine concept with transaxle, the powerful 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, the elaborately designed chassis, the sophisticated active aerodynamics and the intelligent lightweight construction lay the foundations for an especially dynamic driving experience.

Wide front and rear wings allow an increased track width for optimum grip and even higher cornering speeds. The front apron with AIRPANEL active air control system and the active aerodynamics profile in the underbody, the large rear aerofoil and the rear apron with double diffuser increase the aerodynamic efficiency and help ensure optimum grip. The lightweight forged wheels are likewise designed for maximum driving dynamics. The same applies to the active rear-wheel steering, the nine-way adjustable traction control system and the adjustable coil-over suspension with additional electronic control.

As a result, the AMG GT R offers the optimal prerequisites for the tough job in the premier class of motorsports. The requirements profile of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) for the Official FIA F1 Safety Car is demanding. It must be able to maintain a minimum speed level to prevent the tyres and brakes of the Formula 1 vehicles from excessive cooling and the engines from overheating. With a top speed of 318 km/h and 3.6 seconds for the sprint from zero to 100 km/h, the AMG GT R poses no risk for this to happen.

Alongside the safety car, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Estate is on hand to provide emergency care as the Official FIA F1 Medical Car of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. It is crewed by up to three medics. At the wheel is racing driver Alan van der Merwe, whilst his co-driver is FIA F1 deputy medical delegate Dr Ian Roberts. The rear seats accommodate one or two assistant medics from a selected specialist hospital near the particular racetrack.

For perfect occupant support and safety, the speedy estate is fitted with four sports bucket seats including six-point seat belts. Radio equipment enables communication with race control. To enable monitoring of racing activities, two iPads including InCar Hotspot and WLAN wireless network are also installed in the cockpit. The 490-litre luggage compartment safely accommodates the full complement of emergency equipment, including defibrillator and respirator.

The Official FIA F1 Medical Car follows the Formula 1 field on the starting lap, as the racing cars are grouped particularly closely together in this critical phase of the race. In the event of an incident, the medics are thus able to reach the scene of the accident as quickly as possible and administer first aid immediately. During the race, the Official FIA F1 Medical Car is lined up alongside the Official FIA F1 Safety Car in the pits lane.

As on the Official FIA F1 Safety Car, the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with an output of 375 kW (510 hp), the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission, the dynamic engine mounts and the electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential are on the same high level as the street-going version.