The BMW V12 LMR, the prototype that secured victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1999, will make its first appearance in Italy since that triumph at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix. On display from September 4–6, 2026, the car will occupy the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI) hospitality area at Monza’s Autodromo Nazionale, offering fans a rare chance to witness a defining moment in motorsport history. This exhibition marks BMW’s commitment to celebrating its endurance racing legacy while bridging past and present in the sport.
The V12 LMR’s dominance at Le Mans wasn’t just about speed—it was a masterclass in reliability and precision. Driven by Pierluigi Martini, Yannick Dalmas, and Joachim Winkelhock, the car outlasted rivals among other major manufacturers, teams with long-standing success in endurance racing. Its V12 engine, a powerhouse for its time, pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the Circuit de la Sarthe, cementing BMW’s reputation as a competitor at the highest level.
Related: Toyota Daimler Volvo join European heavy hydrogen push
Monza, known as the Temple of Speed, serves as the perfect stage for the V12 LMR’s return. The track’s high-speed corners demand machines built for both aggression and control, qualities the V12 LMR embodies. While the car on display won’t look identical to its 1999 racing form, it will retain its core identity. Recently restored by BMW Group Classic for the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026, it was driven by Valentino Rossi, a BMW M pilot and motorcycle racing legend, during a hill climb. This pairing—two-wheels and four—highlighted the shared pursuit of speed across disciplines.
The car’s appearance at Goodwood featured a matte black livery with the number 46, a modern twist on its original blue-and-white Le Mans racing scheme. At Monza, the V12 LMR will appear in the same nero opaco (matte black) livery with number 46 as at Goodwood.
Related: Opel unveils new green campus in Rüsselsheim
BMW Group in Italy is present in the country for over 50 years and operates four companies employing 850 people. The brand’s decision to showcase the V12 LMR at Monza reflects its long-standing commitment to motorsport culture in Italy. The car’s display in the ACI hospitality area will offer more than a static exhibit—its roar, racing heritage, and the stories behind its Le Mans victory will bring history to life.
The Automobile Club d’Italia’s hospitality packages will grant access to exclusive displays like this one. For visitors, the V12 LMR will be a living piece of history, a reminder of how engineering, endurance, and ambition can redefine a brand’s legacy.
Related: Scale beats ownership in IVECO-Tata tie-up
Monza’s role as a proving ground for high-performance machines makes it the ideal setting for the V12 LMR’s return. The track’s iconic corners, including the Galleria del Vento and Parabolica, demand precision and control from drivers and machines alike.
