Holden Special Vehicles has increased its V8 Supercars presence this season, taking up the role of Safety Car and Course Car supplier.

The HSVs were in action last weekend in Abu Dhabi, resplendent in a new Pedders Suspension livery.

Pedders continue their naming rights sponsorship of the safety and course vehicles from 2010, where Holden Commodores were used.

General Manager of Marketing at HSV, Tim Jackson, said the Clayton, Victoria based company is thrilled to be stepping up its V8 Supercars involvement.

“We have been in discussions for some time with V8 Supercars, and it is great that we have been able to strike this type of relationship,” he said.

“We look forward to providing consumers a very exclusive on-track HSV Drive Experience with our race drivers at selected events, as well as expanding on the ‘Speed Trap’ at Bathurst by incorporating it into more events, and utilising more data for fans to enjoy.”

V8 Supercars CEO Martin Whitaker said it’s great to have HSV on board leading the 2011 V8 Supercar field.

“The HSV cars represent the connection between the racing activities and the road activities, and we are looking forward to working with HSV to make it a successful partnership,” he said.

“The cars will be present from our first event in Abu Dhabi, and then at all other events in the V8 Supercar Calendar.”

HSV is also involved with the Holden Racing Team, Bundaberg Racing, Garth Tander, Greg Murphy, Fabian Coulthard and Cameron McConville.

HSV is the fourth marque used for Safety Car duties in three years, after 2009 saw Nissan (GT-R), Holden (Commodore) and Audi (A4) head the field at various points throughout the season.

The Safety Car featured heavily in Abu Dhabi’s V8 Supercars round at the weekend. CLICK HERE to view Chris Jewell’s exclusive post-event Speed Talk column