The New BMW M5 Selected as Official Safety Car at MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix 2018

Since 1999, BMW M has always taken the lead whenever the world’s best motorcycle pilots take to the race track. In addition to custom-made and compulsory safety devices, the BMW M GmbH engineers have donated an extensive line of BMW M Performance accessories to the Safety Car, creating not only eye-catching accents but also fulfilling functional requirements for aerodynamics, cooling and lightweight construction.

 2018 marks the 20th season of BMW M as the “Official Car of MotoGP™”. Since the start of the partnership, BMW has consistently introduced innovative ideas to the commitment – and always ensures the highest possible degree of safety at the racetrack, courtesy of the very latest technology. BMW M Division creates new highlights every season with its Safety Cars. The latest models and impressive technical innovations – this is what makes the BMW M MotoGP™ Safety Cars of the past, present and future so special.

​Featuring M xDrive all-wheel drive for the first time in the high-performance segment this car takes BMW M GmbH into new territory. This change of tack sees the M5 exploring new dynamic dimensions and offering greater everyday practicality in all driving conditions. The new M xDrive is the most emotionally engaging all-wheel-drive system yet to grace the high-performance segment. It works with a central transfer case with multi-plate clutch and distributes drive fully variably between the front and rear axle, as required. Another ingredient in the car’s supreme traction in all road and weather conditions is the Active M Differential at the rear axle, which also works fully variably and has a locking effect between 0 and 100 per cent.

The transformation of the BMW M5 to a MotoGP™ Safety Car was completed by the inclusion of special racing features and the necessary safety equipment. The front splitter is a prototype developed specifically for the BMW M5 MotoGP™ Safety Car. The bonnet latches are taken directly from racing. The bucket seats from the BMW M4 GTS guarantee a combination of comfort and maximum security for their occupants when being in action on the racetrack. The flat light bar on the roof uses modern LED technology. It is controlled via a specially-developed cockpit panel. Another important signalling system is provided by the flashing front lights, consisting of blue LED lamps in the front grills and flashing corona rings for the headlamps.

Ahead of the race, Rabih Ataya, General Manager of Alfardan Automobiles, commented:

“A MotoGP™ Safety Car faces enormous challenges. It is vital to lead a field of unique, high-performance race prototypes safely through all sorts of conditions.  Innovative motorsport technology is an essential part of this. The new BMW M5 forms the perfect basis for a safety car, as its technical features ensure perfect handling, even at the limits of driving dynamics – on the road and on the racetrack. Development never stands still in MotoGP, which is always pushing its limits further and further. The same is true for the BMW M GmbH – and the new M5 MotoGP Safety Car is an outstanding example of our pursuit of innovation and maximum levels of performance.”

He continued: “The MotoGP™ fascinates every season with dynamics, high performance and innovation – attributes which are unequivocally connected to BMW M. Alfardan Automobiles has gone from strength-to-strength in Qatar and we are proud to continue our successful partnership for the fourteenth year running with the internationally focused MotoGP™ again this year. We remain, as ever, committed to supporting and promoting Qatar’s ever-expanding sporting calendar.”

The MotoGP™ Championship is the pinnacle of motorcycle racing in the world. Starting in 1949, the sport has become hugely popular and is followed by millions globally. It is synonymous with exciting racing, high performance and the very latest technology. World Championship titles are awarded in three categories: the elite Moto GP class, Moto2 and Moto3.

Alfardan Automobiles kicked off the year with the announcement of its newly renovated and expanded BMW and MINI Khalifa Service Centre, bringing new and improved facilities and services to its customers. The service centre is based in in Madinat Khalifa next to Land Mark Mall and is open from Saturday to Thursday from 7am – 12pm.

The new BMW M5 will be unveiled at an exclusive event taking place during the MotoGP™ and will be available in Qatar showrooms from next month.