BMW in the spotlight in 2026

Launched in March 1986, exactly 40 years ago, the BMW M3 E30 will be the star of the next Tour de Corse Historique, taking place from October 3 to 10, 2026. The destiny of this car remains deeply intertwined with that of the French island.

After Lancia in 2024 and Renault in 2025, it is now the turn of a German brand to take center stage this year. But truth be told, BMW M3 owners didn’t wait for this honor to show up in force on the island… More than 40 of them were already at the start in 2025! "It’s one of the best‑represented cars every year," confirms rally organiser Marie-Ange Dini. "But you never get tired of watching it go by, because it’s one of the most spectacular machines. And you never get tired of hearing it, because it’s also one of the most melodic."

One single WRC victory: in Corsica!

When it was launched in March 1986, the BMW M3 was not destined for a career in rallying, but rather on the racetrack. Its touring‑car victories would be spectacular, including four wins at the 24 Hours of Spa (1987, 89, 90, 92).

Its rear‑wheel‑drive layout seemed like a deal‑breaker for matching the mighty Lancia Delta Integrale. Yet three men believed in it: British preparer David Richards, BMW France president Jean Luc, and French driver Bernard Béguin. Together, they transformed the track‑focused machine into a rally car, working on suspension geometry, damping, and engine flexibility.

Less than six months after its first test drives, the Prodrive‑built M3 E30 was entered in the Tour de Corse. Bernard Béguin took the lead from the first stage. Paradoxically, the conditions seemed totally unfavorable to a “rear‑wheel‑drive car,” as a storm of snow and hail hit the Col de la Vaccia. Running on slick tires, Béguin thought he’d lose the rally… but that’s exactly where he won it! His main opponent, Jean Ragnotti in a Renault 11 Turbo, had gone off the road.

Driven by Jos Verstappen in 2026

Although that victory remained the only WRC win for a BMW M3, many more would follow in France with Béguin, then François Chatriot, who became national champion in 1989 and 1990. Simple, robust, reliable, efficient—the BMW M3 remains a formidable rally weapon even today. One of them even took the overall win at the Tour de Corse Historique 2025 with Olivier Capanaccia, while another will be a highlight of the upcoming edition, driven by Jos Verstappen.

---

Bernard Béguin, driver

“From the very first tests in January 1987, I immediately knew it was a good car. It had been designed for circuit racing, but it proved easy to develop for rallying thanks to its generous suspension travel. The victory at the 1987 Tour de Corse remains the greatest moment of my driving career. But I still regret not having competed in a full WRC season with the BMW M3. We had the ultimate weapon on tarmac, and five of the thirteen championship rallies were on fast‑flowing surfaces. David Richard thought he had convinced the decision‑makers in Munich. Unfortunately, the board changed its mind at the last minute, fearing a BMW might struggle in the snow. Ironically, the 1988 Monte‑Carlo was completely dry.”

Nathan Guyot, preparer

“Our Evorace garage has been specialising in tuning BMW M3 E30 Gr A cars for nine years. Working on this car is a real pleasure for three reasons. First, it’s easy to maintain. The four-cylinder in-line engine is compact and leaves enough space under the bonnet to make all the mechanical components easily accessible. For example, removing the gearbox takes no more than five minutes—ten times faster than on a front‑wheel‑drive car. Next, it’s reliable. Everything has been oversized, especially the drivetrain. With race preparation, the engine produces 320 hp, 120 more than the stock car. And yet it withstands repeated 9,000 rpm pulls over the 400 km of special stages in the Tour de Corse Historique without difficulty. Lastly, it’s a high‑performance car with extremely safe and predictable handling.”

---

A collector's poster

Eagerly awaited by collectors, the poster for the 2026 Tour de Corse Historique pays tribute to the BMW M3 E30, as well as to its predecessor, the BMW 2002 Ti Group 2 from the early 1970s. The artwork by Marie‑Laure Leonetti also celebrates the ochre cliffs of the rally’s most legendary special stage, Notre‑Dame‑de‑la‑Serra, with the citadel of Calvi rising in the background.

This poster, 40 × 60 cm, is sold for 9 euros in the Tour de Corse Historique online shop. The tribute to the BMW M3 will also be available across the full merchandising line, starting with the Benson & Cherry T‑shirt.