The first race of the 2010 Formula 1 season is just two short weeks away, and today Mercedes-Benz announced its gullwinged SLS AMG will perform pace duties for the race. Mercedes’ newest supercar will replace the two-year run of its SL63 AMG as pace car.
“Together with the entire AMG Team, I am very proud that the new SLS AMG is the official F1 safety car,” said Mercedes AMG CEO Volker Mornhinweg. “I’m sure all Mercedes and AMG fans will be excited to see the gullwing model together with the new Mercedes GP Petronas Team at the F1 circuits.”
Sitting in pit lane, and ready at a moment’s notice, the silver SLS AMG will be deployed after an accident or severe weather preventing normal race conditions. The SLS AMGs 6.2-liter V-8, putting down 571 hp and 479 lb ft of torque, should give the car no trouble keeping a decent speed. A decent clip is necessary to keep race car’s brake and tire temperatures in optimal operating range. The supercar is outfitted with a special aerodynamic light bar consisting of 700 LEDs. Cameras have been mounted to the vehicle so the driver can monitor the cars it leads and television viewers can stay on top of the action. Both driver and passenger will be wearing the specially fitted six-point seat belts fitted to the car.
For the third year running, a Mercedes C 63 AMG wagon will serve as the official medical car for the race. With its 457-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine and ample cargo space, the wagon has what it needs to arrive on scene in a timely manner with room for proper medical equipment.
With its first tour of duty coming on March 14, in Bahrain, Mercedes prepares the SLS AMG for its official launch just 13 days later on March 27.
