Formula 1 has signed a multi-year partnership with Aston Martin that will see the prestigious British manufacturer join Mercedes-AMG as a supplier of the sports' official Safety and Medical Cars.
In a first for F1, both the manufacturers will alternate the supply of their special vehicles at each Grand Prix in 2021.
Aston Martin has chosen a specially equipped version of its Vantage as its Safety Car while the manufacturer's new DBX model will serve as F1's medical vehicle.
Both cars feature Aston's trademark green livery, with Lime Green accents, as the manufacturer celebrates its return to F1 after more than 60 years.
Mercedes-AMG will continue to run their Mercedes-AMG GT R and Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Estate vehicles as their safety car and medical car respectively, with both sporting a brand-new bright red paintwork for 2021.
There will be no change in the driver's seat of F1's safety and medical cars, with Germany’s Bernd Mayländer remaining behind the wheel of the FIA Safety Car at each Grand Prix, while South African Alan van der Merwe will continue his role in steering the FIA Medical Car.
"We are very pleased to announce our new partnership with both Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG to provide the Official Safety and Medical Cars to the FIA Formula One World Championship," said Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
"Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG are iconic automotive brands, and we are proud of their place in our incredible sport.
"The safety and medical cars are a hugely important part Formula 1 and are always there to keep our drivers safe.
"Last season we witnessed the heroic speed and dedication required by the crews in rescuing Romain Grosjean from his dramatic accident, and the both the Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG cars are perfectly equipped to respond at a moment’s notice to ensure the safety of the drivers."
Tobias Moers, Chief Executive Officer of Aston Martin Lagonda said: "Together with the whole company, I am extremely proud of the Aston Martin brands return to Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport for the first time in more than 60 years and represents the start of a significant new era for Aston Martin.
"To see our acclaimed Vantage, our most dynamic sports car, performing the role of the Official Safety Car of Formula 1 and our first SUV, DBX, operate as the Medical Car on Formula 1 circuits around the world is a proud moment for us all".
Aston Martin will have the privilege of showcasing its two dedicated vehicles at the Bahrain GP, the first round of the 2021 F1 World Championship.
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