The Unsung Heroes: Mastering the Art of Safety Car Driving
In the high-stakes world of motorsports, where split-second decisions can make or break a race, there is one individual who plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and smooth running of the events – the Safety Car driver. Bernd Maylander, the man behind the wheel of the iconic Mercedes-AMG GT R Safety Car, is the focus of this captivating exploration into the intricate world of safety car driving.
Unlocking the Secrets of Safety Car Mastery
Precision Engineering: The Backbone of Safety Car Perfection
Maylander's role extends far beyond simply driving the Safety Car during a race. He is complemented by a team of four engineers who work tirelessly to ensure the car's setup is optimized for the specific track conditions. This meticulous attention to detail is crucial, as Maylander explains, "You start like in a proper first practice session of a race weekend – you start to feel the car, to set up your car." The Thursday high-speed track tests are where the team fine-tunes the car's performance, adjusting factors like tire pressures to ensure the perfect balance and handling characteristics.As the grip levels on the track increase throughout the weekend, the team must continually adapt the car's setup to maintain that optimal feel. "Mostly on a Thursday, the grip level is not as high as on a Friday or Saturday or even on a Sunday. So you have to set up your car a little bit to bring the car in the right balance, to have a good, perfect feeling inside the car," Maylander elaborates. This delicate dance between the driver and the engineers is what allows Maylander to perform his duties with the utmost precision and control.Mastering the Art of Situational Awareness
Driving the Safety Car is not just about navigating the track at high speeds; it's about maintaining a keen awareness of the entire race environment. Maylander emphasizes the importance of being "comfortable" in the car, as this allows him to focus on the critical task at hand – ensuring the safety of the drivers and the smooth progression of the race."And then for sure you're going step by step on a higher level – because to drive on a higher level should be done in an easy way, so you can still be focused on what's going on around you. That's what you need as well in a race, to have a good feeling, to not feel uncomfortable in the car. So you have to be comfortable and then you can even be more focused on what you have to do in your Safety Car job. That's very important," he explains.This heightened situational awareness is crucial, as Maylander must be prepared to react to any unexpected incidents or changes in the race conditions. By maintaining a calm and composed demeanor, he can make split-second decisions that can have a profound impact on the outcome of the event.The Thrill of the Chase: Embracing the Excitement
While the role of the Safety Car driver may seem serious and high-stakes, Maylander is quick to acknowledge the sheer enjoyment he derives from his work. When asked if driving the Safety Car is fun, he responds with a resounding "absolutely!" His infectious enthusiasm is a testament to the passion that drives him, even in the midst of the most intense moments on the track.However, Maylander is quick to temper this excitement with a dose of caution, emphasizing the importance of maintaining control and not pushing the limits. "But for sure, one more very important thing is to not drive over the limits, because your limit should be always under 100 percent, because you're winning nothing – just do your job as good as possible and still enjoy it," he advises.This delicate balance between excitement and restraint is what sets Maylander apart as a true master of his craft. He understands that the role of the Safety Car driver is not about personal glory or thrills, but about ensuring the safety and fairness of the competition. By embracing the thrill of the chase while maintaining a steadfast commitment to his duties, Maylander embodies the essence of what it means to be a true professional in the world of motorsports.
