17.03.2026FINA Motorsport BMW: Victory under historic circumstances

The 20th edition of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring took place in 1992. With the winning team completing just 76 laps, this edition was for a long time the shortest race in history. It wasn't until 2021, and again in 2024, that even shorter winning distances were recorded.

In May 1992, heavy rain on Saturday evening initially caused the safety car – which was still in use at the time – to slow the field. Later that evening, the race was suspended for the night. The Karussell section of the track was completely flooded. Additionally, a lightning strike temporarily disabled the fuel pumps in the pit lane.

After the restart and a total of only 76 laps completed, the BMW M3 E30 of the FINA Motorsport team, with its strong quartet of drivers, took the victory. Johnny Cecotto became the only Venezuelan to date to win the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. After successes in motorcycle racing, Cecotto moved into formula racing, where he made the leap to Formula 1 in 1983. However, an accident at Silverstone in 1984, in which he broke both legs, ended his career in the premier class. He then initially raced for Mercedes in the DTM, but soon switched to BMW, where he racked up numerous titles and victories.

The second driver of the winning team, Christian Danner, also brought Formula 1 experience. After 36 Grand Prix starts, Danner first moved to the IndyCar series and then to touring car racing, where he competed in endurance races as well as the DTM.

The third driver in the car was Jean-Michel Martin. In addition to the victory in the Eifel region, the Belgian won the Belgian Touring Car Championship five times, the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps four times, and even stood on the podium with a third-place finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Meanwhile, his son Maxime Martin continues the success story.

For Marc Duez, the victory in the FINA Motorsport BMW M3 was the first of a total of four wins at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. This puts Duez in second place in the all-time wins rankings with other greats like Peter Zakowski, Romain Dumas, and Marc Lieb. In addition to three victories at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the Belgian also enjoyed success in rallying.

FINA Motorsport was named after the Belgian oil company FINA, which acted as the team's main sponsor. However, the team competed under the German flag and was one of the most successful touring car teams of the 1990s. This is evidenced by a total of six victories at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and appearances in the DTM.

The BMW M3 E30 is considered one of the most successful racing cars of that era. Besides victories in various endurance races, the car also won numerous national and international touring car championships, including the DTM. Along with its striking design, these successes have ensured that the car continues to have a large following worldwide.

The white BMW M3 E30 with the red and blue FINA livery and starting number 2 has been released by WERK83 in scale 1:18. The model is manufactured to the usual high standards and features a true-to-life cockpit replica, steerable front wheels, and opening doors.

BMW M3 E30 #2 Winner 24h Nürburgring 1992 FINA Motorsport Team 1:18 WERK83, RRP €79.95, item-no.: W18038003

produits

BMW M3 E30 #2 gagnant 24h Nürburgring 1992 FINA Motorsport Team 1:18 WERK83

54,69 €