Hubert Hahne

Hubert Hahne (28 March 1935 - 24 April 2019): German racing driver from Mönchengladbach who competed in Formula One briefly during the late 1960s and early 1970s while achieving legendary status as a BMW touring car driver. Built his reputation from 1964-1966 racing the works BMW 1800Ti touring cars in the European Touring Car Championship, establishing himself as one of BMW's premier factory drivers. Won the 1966 European Touring Car Championship Division 3 title, dominating his class and defeating strong international competition. Achieved his greatest touring car success at the 1966 24 Hours of Spa, winning the legendary endurance race partnered with rising star Jacky Ickx in a BMW 1800Ti.

In a support race for the 1966 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, Hahne became the first driver to lap the Nordschleife in under 10 minutes in a touring car, stopping the watches at 9 minutes 58.5 seconds in a BMW 1800Ti and setting a lap record that stood for years. Made his Formula One World Championship debut at the 1967 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, driving a Formula Two Lola T100 fitted with a 2-liter 16-valve BMW engine, which qualified the entry for Formula One regulations. Participated in five Formula One World Championship Grands Prix from 1967 to 1970, two of those at the wheel of Formula Two cars counting toward the championship.

Attempted to qualify a March 701-Ford for the 1970 German Grand Prix at Hockenheim but failed to make the grid, effectively ending his Formula One ambitions. Scored no Formula One championship points during his sporadic grand prix appearances, his performances hampered by uncompetitive machinery and limited opportunities. Finished runner-up in the 1969 European Formula Two Championship to Johnny Servoz-Gavin, demonstrating his single-seater racing abilities in the competitive junior formula. Continued racing BMW touring cars throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, driving various models including the BMW 2000Ti and the legendary BMW 2002.

Following Gerhard Mitter's death during practice for the 1969 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, BMW withdrew from the race and Hahne, as Mitter's teammate, also declined to compete as a mark of respect. After retiring from active competition, remained connected to BMW and German motorsport, attending historic events and maintaining his status as one of BMW's greatest touring car champions. Passed away on 24 April 2019 at age 84, mourned throughout the BMW community as one of the marque's pioneering racing drivers. Though his Formula One career was minimal, Hahne's touring car achievements, particularly his Spa 24 Hours victory and sub-10-minute Nürburgring lap, secured his legacy as a German motorsport legend.