Source: BMW

German car manufacturer BMW will revive their famed M1 Procar series for a one-off double header in support of the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim next month.

Back in 1979 and 1980, the M1 Procar Series held rounds in support of the European Grands Prix, with the five quickest drivers in Friday practice joining the field of regular drivers for the race on Saturday.

A field of ten BMW M1 sportscars will compete in Germany, with former M1 racers Jacques Laffite, Christian Danner, Marc Surer, Dieter Quester, Harald Grohs, Prince Leopold of Bavaria, Jochen Neerpasch, and Frank Stella among the drivers.

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."

Swiss driver Marc Surer, who helped develop the M1 prototype, added: "There hasn't been a series as attractive before or since. With its mid-engined layout it was a bit of an animal to drive and had an outrageous soundtrack.

"You were really someone if you got to drive in one of those races. It was a unique opportunity for young drivers to measure themselves against the leading Formula 1 stars at the time."