BMW V12 LMR | 24H Le Mans | 100th Anniversary – 1999 Poster
Following a double retirement in 1998, BMW made changes to its strategy, appointing Gerhard Berger, a former Formula 1 driver, as the head of BMW Motorsport. Under his leadership, two V12 LMRs were entrusted to the Schnitzer team, and the decision began to pay off. The V12 LMR driven by Tom Kristensen, JJ Lehto, and Jorg Müller won its first race at the 12 Hours of Sebring that year.
In 1999, BMW stunned the motorsports world by winning the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans with their V12 LMR prototype. The car was a true masterpiece of engineering, The V12 engine, built in Munich became more compact and 15 kg lighter. Even though it developed a staggering 580 hp with a maximum of 8,000 rpm, its fuel consumption was also improved to its predecessor. The car was a feat of automotive innovation, incorporating lightweight materials such as carbon fibre and magnesium to minimise weight and maximise performance.
The 67th 24 Hours of Le Mans is considered one of the most exciting in the race’s history, with Toyota, Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Nissan, and Panoz all competing for victory. Despite the #17 V12 LMR taking the lead multiple times throughout the race after a series of flat tyres from its competitors, the race was ultimately won by the #15 V12 LMR shared by Yannick Dalmas, Joachim Winkelhock, and Pierluigi Martini. Completing 365 laps around the Circuit de la Sarthe, the team secured the top spot on the podium and BMW’s first-ever win at Le Mans.
And after 25 years, BMW Motorsport will be finally returning to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the FIA WEC in 2024 with the BMW M Hybrid V8 Hypercar.
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