6 replies to this topic

[Jon Saltinstall]

Once again history is confusing...

 

The attached picture recently posted on Instagram picture clearly shows Lauda at the wheel of the BMW at Monza 1987. We know that Lauda was being wooed by BMW to try out one of its M3 WTCC contenders and the Bavarian marque had even gone as far as putting his name on the entry list for the opening round of the 1987 Championship at Monza. However, everything I've read suggests that although he was present at the race, he did not drive.

 

This instagram picture would suggest otherwise. Does anyone know the truth of the matter? It would be really useful to nail this one way or the other!

 

 

 

[Michael Ferner]

Do you have a date? I can check Motorsport aktuell, which was sort of a Lauda fanzine at the time. If he was there, I'm sure MSA would have noticed.

[Tim Murray]

Date was 22nd March 1987:

http://www.touringca...1987 Monza.html

[funformula]

The picture above is showing Lauda most likely at the Nuerburgring pits, not Monza as suggested.

The windows of the VIP lounges above the garages are typical for Nuerburgring.

[Tim Murray]

This item appeared in Autosport following the Monza race:

[Michael Ferner]

The picture in the OP is of a different occasion, see the signage on the windscreen. When would the Nürburgring race or test have been?

[Jon Saltinstall]

Gents - this is most helpful and clarifies much of the enquiry. I  hadn't spotted the fact that this was the Nürburgring pits not the Monza ones - schoolboy error there!

 

The Nürburgring WTCC race meeting was on July 12th 1987: not sure what publication the Instagram post was taken from (it was forwarded to me by Fozzy) but I'm reading it that it was after the German race.