BMW M cars and bikes, official safety vehicles for MotoGP India

MotoGP, the pinnacle of motorcycle racing, has finally made its long-awaited debut in India at Buddh International Circuit (BIC), Noida. This marks a significant milestone for the Indian motorsport community and enthusiasts who have eagerly awaited the thrill of MotoGP racing on Indian soil. The very first MotoGP India round is underway from September 22-24.

MotoGP India has announced BMW M cars and bikes as their official safety vehicles. Four new safety vehicles have made their appearance, including three safety cars (BMW M2, BMW M3 Touring, BMW M5 CS) and one safety bike (BMW M 1000 RR). These vehicles will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of practices, qualifying sessions, and races, performing tasks such as technical test laps and more.

In high-speed motorsport events, such as Formula 1 or MotoGP, where vehicles push the boundaries of performance, accidents and unexpected incidents can occur. The deployment of safety vehicles allows race organisers to promptly neutralise the race, enabling track marshals to clear debris, attend to injured drivers, and create a safer racing environment.

Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India, speaking on the announcement said, “For over 25 years, BMW M Safety Vehicles have always taken the lead as the world’s best motorcycle riders compete at MotoGP. We are thrilled with the debut of MotoGP in India. It offers a unique opportunity for motorsports fans to witness the BMW M Safety Vehicles in action along with their favourite riders on the racetrack. An exceptional experience is also in store for BMW Excellence Club members with first-class hospitality, racetrack laps in BMW M MotoGP Safety Vehicles and a MotoGP India weekend full of high-voltage excitement and BMW M Power.”  

BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car
The new BMW M2, boasting a 460 hp TwinPower turbo in-line 6-cylinder engine and compact dimensions, serves as the ideal foundation for a BMW M Safety Car. Specifically designed for deployment on MotoGP racetracks, the M2 is equipped with various safety elements. These include a roll bar, RECARO seats, a 6-point racing harness, a fire extinguisher, the safety car roof bar, and the matching front light. Additionally, numerous M Performance parts such as an exhaust system, chassis upgrades, carbon wing mirror covers, a diffuser, and a rear wing have been integrated. The BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car will showcase the standard BMW M safety car livery. 

First-ever BMW M3 Touring MotoGP Safety Car
The foundation of this safety car lies in the first-ever BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive, merging the advanced technological prowess, performance, and expertise of the BMW M3 and M4 family with the practicality of a five-door touring model. Paying homage to 50 years of BMW M and the enduring partnership with MotoGP, the BMW M3 Touring MotoGP Safety Car boasts a distinctive 50 Years of BMW M Livery and proudly displays the comprehensive list of all MotoGP safety cars from 1999 to the present day.

To ensure its readiness on the racetrack, the BMW M3 Touring MotoGP Safety Car is fully equipped with the complete product lineup from BMW M Performance Parts. Additional safety enhancements include Recaro race seats, a 4-point harness, a safety cross beam, roof lights, front flashes, an emergency disconnector, and a fuel extraction system.

BMW M5 CS MotoGP Safety Car
The BMW M5 CS safety car stands out with its special Frozen Deep Green metallic paint finish. With M Power under the hood, the BMW M5 CS accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in 3.0 seconds and reaches 0 to 200 kmph in 10.3 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 305 kmph. Power is managed through an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, and the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which includes a 2WD mode for pure rear-wheel drive.

The BMW M5 CS is a testament to BMW M GmbH's commitment to lightweight design. The chassis has been fine-tuned to match the car's reduced weight compared to other M5 models, featuring revised coil springs at both the front and rear axles and refined damper control. Completing the performance package is the stainless steel M5 CS sports exhaust system with four unembellished tailpipes. Additional high-performance features include the M Carbon ceramic brakes.

BMW M 1000 RR MotoGP Safety Bike
The BMW M 1000 RR is the superbike homologated for racing. It has optimised aerodynamics and uses carbon, resulting in a significantly higher top speed of 314 kmph.

BMW M has been a continuous partner of MotoGP for over two decades, and 2023 marks the 25th season of their role as the "Official Car of MotoGP."