BMW Group Classic paid tribute to three-time Formula 1 world champion Nelson Piquet at a special event held at the historic Circuito Estoril. Organized by Dener Motorsports in collaboration with BMW Group Classic and Dener Pires, a close friend of Piquet, the celebration brought two of the Brazilian legend’s most iconic cars back to life: the Brabham BMW BT52 Turbo and the BMW M1 Procar.

The Brabham BMW BT52 Turbo earned Piquet the title of Formula 1’s first turbo world champion in 1983, while the BMW M1 Procar secured his championship in the BMW Procar Series in 1980. At Estoril, Piquet himself took the wheel of both cars, first in a shakedown session before completing laps of honour in the BT52 Turbo the following day.

The event was attended by key figures from Piquet’s racing past, including former Brabham team owner Bernie Ecclestone, car designer Gordon Murray, and several Brabham mechanics. For Piquet, it marked an emotional return – his first time in the BMW Formula 1 car since 2015 and likely his last.

BMW Group Classic’s mechanics ensured both cars were in flawless condition, with the BT52 Turbo making only its second appearance this year after the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Piquet reflected on his career with BMW, calling the BT52 Turbo “a work of art” and recalling the intensive 1983 season that saw him cover more than 40,000 km in testing and races. He credited the BMW turbo engine, early use of telemetry, and a strong gearbox as decisive factors in his championship victory.

Between 1978 and 1991, Piquet contested 204 Grands Prix, securing 23 victories, 485.5 points, and three world titles (1981, 1983 with BMW, and 1987). His BMW highlights include winning the Procar Series in 1980, the Nürburgring 1000 km in 1981 with Hans-Joachim Stuck, and becoming the first Formula 1 world champion powered by BMW in 1983.

The Estoril tribute not only celebrated Nelson Piquet’s extraordinary career but also honoured BMW’s lasting impact on Formula 1 heritage.