Currently reading: BMW revives M1 Procar series
BMW will be resurrecting the original M1 Procar race series at this year's German Grand Prix

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.

John McIlroy

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