The new BMW M8 Competition is being put to work as the lead Safety Car for the MotoGP and it made its first appearance at the MotoGP Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in Austria this past weekend.

BMW has been supplying safety cars to the MotoGP since 1999 and the latest addition to the safety fleet is the M8 Competition which packs 460 kW and 750 Nm of torque from its 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Power is directed to all 4 wheels using an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission and a zero to 100 kph sprint time of 3.2 seconds is achievable.

"The BMW M8 and the BMW M8 GTE were developed in parallel, and these racing genes distinguish the BMW M8 models in all areas," said Markus Flasch, President of BMW M GmbH. "That's why it was a logical step for us to choose the BMW M8 Competition as a basis for our new MotoGP safety car. Even in its production version, this high-performance automobile is suited to the racetrack. With its innovative technical features, it is yet another example of our quest to keep pushing the limit upwards. With the BMW M8 MotoGP Safety Car, we are really excited to present a new, powerful lead car for the top tier of motorcycle racing."

The M8 Competition Safety Car is fitted with a number of M Performance Parts, many of which are available to customers. Key M Performance features include a titanium sport exhaust system, carbon tailpipe finisher, carbon rear diffuser and M Performance steering wheel.

The M8 GTE rear wing is hard to miss and the MotoGP livery is particularly striking. The interior features Recaro racing seats with Schroth safety belts and a roll cage with a fire extinguisher.

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