New model Audi Safety Car for the WEC
The introduction of a new fleet of Audi safety and track cars has recently been seen in the WEC, although thankfully they have not yet had to be deployed.
The specially adapted Audi R8 V10 + is a 610bhp mid-engined car which will be charged with the important task of neutralising the field, should there be an on-track incident during a race. The car is easily capable of 300kph and has been honed and track tested prior to its introduction.
In charge of the preparation and maintenance of the two safety cars is Georg Bauer, who explained the set-up inside the cockpit, and how the WEC official safety car driver, Thierry Veyrie, can communicate with FIA Race Director, Eduardo Freitas.
“On the top surface of the car we obviously have the roof bar lights, which on the left and right side are yellow, and in the middle we have the green light,” said Bauer, who works for the specialist Audi division, quattro GmbH. “Inside we have the FIA marshalling system and a radio system which has channels to connect the driver and co-driver directly with Mr Freitas. This also allows the driver and co-driver to talk together as well.”
Communication is always a vital element in conducting the safety car procedures efficiently, and the occupants of the Audi R8 V10 + have a quick and easy PTT (Push to Talk) button located on the specially made steering wheel.
As well as the two official Audi safety cars, there are also three medical cars and a special rapid response Track Car from the German marque. These vehicles are Audi RS4 and Audi RS3 models respectively. The chief medical car will be driven by a specialist paramedic driver who will be alongside the FIA Medical Delegate.
The Track Car is driven by four-time Le Mans winner and FIA Driver Advisor, Yannick Dalmas. This car is used primarily to de-activate any hybrid system technology on the cars in the event of a stoppage or incident on the track. Designated engineers from teams are taken by this car so they can work on their cars.
“It is a special Audi, for sure,” said Bauer. “It is an important link in a good and big team effort, and it was nice that the first race for this particular model was on our home ground in Germany.”
The Event Manager for the World Endurance Championship, Cédric Vilatte, added: “We are very grateful to our WEC partner Audi for the provision and excellent maintenance of these vehicles. The performance and reliability of any Safety or Track cars for use within a race has to be an overriding factor when choosing the car, and Audi never fails to provide this.”