In 1983, things started to tighten up a bit. BMW and Jaguar would battle in division 3, Alfa Romeo's only challenger in division 2 was a fast but lonely BMW 323, division 1 should be the victim of the Belgian RAS VW team, although some other competitors would compete a full season as well.
Like 1982, BMW Motorsport and Eggenberger, developed a BMW, this time the 635i, which probably to the astonishment of BMW itself, was homologated in group A. Still, the car was not as powerfull as the Jaguar, but lighter, and it used less fuel.
The Jaguar was developed further, still a bit fragile but very fast. The battle with BMW was not only on tarmac, but at the green table as well; BMW and Jaguar issued protests, the BMW was accused of beeing too wide, the Jaguar's wheel arches were too wide at the inside. The protests were rejected, in case of the Jaguar a VIP version was discovered in the homologation papers. TWR-Rover was later accused of the same trick. This time, the cars were versions for the tropics. TWR = Third World Racing?
The season was even more exciting as 1982. The drivers' crown was contested up to the last race, where Quester's 4th place was enough to secure the championship. Alfa Romeo beat VW in the manufacturer's championship.
Some newcomers, not very impressive in 1983, were the Volvo 240 Turbo (we will hear more from them!) and the Ford Mustang, a car with less future. A more impressive car was the Rover Vitesse, a touring car with 4 doors!
The races: |
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Enna-Pergusa |