BMW Group Classic Honors Formula 1 Legend with Iconic Race Cars at Circuito Estoril

World Champion, recently revisited his iconic racing cars at a special event in Portugal, reigniting memories of a legendary career.">

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September 30, 2025

Piquet Returns to the Track: Formula One Legend Revives Historic BMW Partnership

Estoril, Portugal – Three-Time Formula One World Champion Nelson Piquet recently took to the famed Circuito estoril near Lisbon, Portugal, for a special tribute event organized by Dener Motorsports. The occasion saw the 70-year-old Brazilian driver reconnect with two of the most pivotal cars of his illustrious career, alongside close friends and former colleagues.

A Reunion of Champions and Machines

BMW group Classic orchestrated the event, presenting both the Brabham BMW BT52 Turbo – the car that secured piquet’s first turbo-powered World Championship title in 1983 – and the BMW M1 Procar, with which he claimed the 1980 BMW Procar Championship. The event was made possible through the close collaboration between BMW and Dener Pires, a long-time friend of the Racing legend.

Piquet himself spent two days behind the wheel, completing initial warm-up runs before completing several laps of honor in the iconic Brabham BMW BT52 Turbo. Notably in attendance were Bernie Ecclestone, the former owner of the Brabham team, Gordon murray, the lead vehicle designer, and several former mechanics who contributed to Piquet’s success.

A Decade Later: Piquet’s Return to the Driver’s Seat

This marked Piquet’s first time driving his BMW Formula One car in a decade, following a 2015 appearance at a Formula 1 legends event in spielberg, Austria. He journeyed from Brazil to europe specifically for this event, acknowledging it might be his final possibility to experience thes racing legends firsthand.

The BMW Group Classic’s racing mechanics meticulously prepared both vehicles, ensuring they were in pristine condition for the occasion, and provided on-site support throughout the tribute.

this drive came shortly after the Brabham BMW BT52 Turbo’s appearance at the Festival of Speed in Goodwood, signifying a renewed celebration of the car’s storied history.

Piquet Reflects on a Golden Era

During the event, Piquet shared his reflections on these legendary machines and his championship-winning seasons.He described the Brabham BMW BT52 Turbo as “a work of art” and emphasized that competing during that period was “the best time of my life.”

He vividly recalled the extensive testing regime of the 1983 season, revealing that he logged approximately 33,000 kilometers in testing and 7,000 kilometers during race weekends, including qualifying and practice sessions. Piquet highlighted the strong team spirit,describing the atmosphere as akin to “a family.”

piquet attributed his 1983 World Championship victory to the innovative BMW turbo engine,developed after its competition.He also praised the early adoption of telemetry data transmission systems – initially used for engine monitoring – as crucial for rapidly resolving technical challenges, like fuel consumption issues. He extolled the strengths of the gearbox and BMW’s technology.

While acknowledging the immense power of the Brabham BMW BT52 Turbo, Piquet noted that managing such power was more commonplace in his era, contrasting with the braking techniques required in modern Formula One.

Nelson Piquet’s Career Highlights

Statistic	Value
Grand Prix Starts (GPs)	204
Grand Prix victories	23 (7 for BMW)
Total Grand Prix Points	485.5
Second Place Finishes	20
Third Place Finishes	17
World Championships	3 (1981, 1983, 1987)

Did You Know? BMW’s pioneering use of telemetry in the 1983 season marked a significant shift in Formula 1, enabling faster problem-solving and improved engine performance.

The Enduring Legacy of Turbocharged Formula One

The early 1980s marked an era of innovation in Formula 1, with turbocharging becoming increasingly prevalent. The Brabham BMW BT52 Turbo was at the forefront of this technological shift, pushing the boundaries of engine power and aerodynamic performance. According to Formula1.com, turbo engines were so powerful they drastically changed the driving style and car setups of the era.

today,Formula 1 continues to embrace hybrid engine technology,but the spirit of innovation remains. The pursuit of greater efficiency and power continues to be a driving force in motorsport.

Pro Tip: understanding the evolution of engine technology in Formula 1 provides valuable insight into the continuous pursuit of performance and efficiency in the automotive industry.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nelson Piquet and BMW

• what was Nelson Piquet’s most significant achievement with BMW? He won the 1983 Formula 1 World championship driving the Brabham BMW BT52 Turbo.
• How manny Formula 1 World Championships did Nelson piquet win? He won three World Championships in 1981, 1983, and 1987.
• What made the Brabham BMW BT52 Turbo so special? It was the first Formula 1 car to win a championship with a turbo engine, pioneering a new era of engine technology.
• where did the recent tribute event for Nelson Piquet take place? The event was held at the Circuito Estoril in Portugal.
• When was the last time Nelson Piquet drove a BMW Formula 1 car before this event? He last drove a BMW Formula 1 car in 2015 at a Formula 1 Legends event in Austria.

What are your favorite memories of Nelson Piquet’s career? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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What specific engineering innovations showcased in the BMW P7/P15 marked BMW’s initial entry into Formula 1 as a constructor?

A Celebration of Motorsport Heritage

The historic Circuito Estoril in Portugal recently played host to a breathtaking event honoring a Formula 1 legend, courtesy of BMW Group Classic. The event wasn’t just a display of automotive beauty; it was a deep dive into the rich history of BMW’s motorsport achievements, specifically within the world of Formula 1 racing.This gathering showcased a stunning collection of iconic BMW race cars, drawing enthusiasts and collectors from across the globe. The focus was on celebrating the legacy of drivers and engineers who shaped BMW’s success on the track.

The Estoril Circuit: A Venue Steeped in Racing History

Circuito Estoril, inaugurated in 1972, has long been a cornerstone of European motorsport. Hosting the Portuguese Grand Prix for many years, the track is renowned for its challenging layout and dramatic scenery. Its combination of fast straights, tight corners, and elevation changes makes it a favorite among drivers and a thrilling spectacle for spectators. Choosing Estoril as the location for this BMW Group Classic event was a fitting tribute to the circuit’s own storied past and its connection to Formula 1 history. The track’s atmosphere perfectly complemented the display of legendary racing machines.

Featured BMW Formula 1 Cars: A Glimpse into the Past

the event featured a remarkable lineup of BMW Formula 1 cars, spanning several decades of racing innovation. Key vehicles included:

* The BMW P7/P15 (1982-1983): These cars marked BMW’s initial foray into Formula 1 as a constructor. Driven by Nelson Piquet and Elio de Angelis,they represented a notable engineering undertaking for the brand.

* The Brabham-BMW BT52 (1983): Powered by a BMW four-cylinder turbocharged engine, this car achieved BMW’s first formula 1 victory at the 1983 French Grand Prix with Nelson Piquet at the wheel.

* The Benetton-BMW B186 (1986): This car continued the prosperous partnership between BMW and Benetton, showcasing the continued development of BMW’s turbocharged engines.

* The Williams-BMW FW22 (2000): Representing a more recent era, this car marked the return of BMW as an engine supplier to the Williams team, achieving notable success with drivers like Ralf Schumacher.

Each car was meticulously restored and presented in race-ready condition,offering attendees a rare opportunity to appreciate the engineering and design details that defined these iconic machines.

Beyond the Cars: Celebrating the People Behind the Success

BMW Group Classic’s event wasn’t solely about the cars themselves. It also paid tribute to the individuals who contributed to BMW’s Formula 1 success. Engineers, mechanics, and drivers – both past and present – were honored for their dedication and expertise.

* Driver Appearances: Several former BMW Formula 1 drivers were present, sharing their experiences and insights with fans.

* Technical Demonstrations: Mechanics demonstrated the intricacies of maintaining and restoring these complex racing machines.

* Past Displays: Exhibits showcased archival photographs, technical drawings, and race footage, providing a comprehensive overview of BMW’s Formula 1 history.

The Meaning of BMW’s Turbocharged Era

A recurring theme throughout the event was the importance of BMW’s turbocharged engine technology in the 1980s. These engines, while complex, delivered exceptional power and performance, allowing BMW-powered cars to compete at the highest level of Formula 1. The Brabham-BMW BT52,in particular,stands as a testament to the success of this technology. The event highlighted how BMW’s commitment to innovation in engine design played a crucial role in its Formula 1 achievements. This era of BMW formula 1 is often cited as a golden age for the brand’s motorsport programme.

BMW Group Classic: Preserving Automotive History

BMW Group Classic plays a vital role in preserving and celebrating BMW’s rich automotive heritage. Through events like the one at Circuito Estoril,the organization ensures that future generations can appreciate the history of BMW motorsport.

* Restoration Programs: BMW Group Classic meticulously restores classic BMW cars to their original condition.

* Parts Supply: The organization provides original parts and technical support for classic BMW owners.

* Events and Exhibitions: BMW Group Classic organizes events and exhibitions around the world, showcasing BMW’s automotive history.

Modern Relevance: Lessons from the Past

The event at estoril wasn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It also offered valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing modern motorsport. The emphasis on innovation,engineering excellence,and driver skill remains as relevant today as it was in the past. the event served as a reminder that success in Formula 1 requires a relentless pursuit of performance and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology.The principles that guided BMW’s early Formula 1 efforts continue to inform its approach to motorsport today.

Benefits of Attending Classic Motorsport Events

Attending events like the BMW Group Classic gathering at Estoril offers several benefits for automotive enthusiasts:

* Unique Viewing Experience: The opportunity to see