BMW is to build on the recent publicity surrounding its M1 Hommage concept car by resurrecting the original model’s one-make race series at this year’s German Grand Prix.The original M1 was the basis for M1 Procar, a series that allowed up-and-coming drivers and gentlemen racers to take on F1 stars back in 1979 and 1980. This year’s revival will comprise a pair of races at Hockenheim’s round of the F1 championship on 20 July. A 10-car grid of original M1s will compete, and the driver line-up will feature many of the drivers who competed almost 20 years ago; Jacques Laffite, Christian Danner, Marc Surer and Prince Leopold of Bavaria are all entered.BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen said, “Just a mention of the M1 Procar series today still triggers an enthusiastic reaction. This revival serves as a thank-you to the fans.”The bigger picture is that BMW could been keen to build further on the M1’s heritage as preparation for an all-new, Audi R8-rivalling supercar of its own.
by Autocar
2 July 2008
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