WHERE THE ADRENALINE IS.
From zero to goosebumps in an instant. On the most legendary racetracks. That's AREA M Track. Building on the tradition of racing legends such as Johnny Cecotto, AREA M Track offers experiences in a class of their own. Feel the myth and performance. On 20.9 kilometers through the “Green Hell.” In the curves of the Hockenheimring. On the 26 percent gradient of Bilster Berg.
Perfect your vehicle control, redefine your limits – a goal that Johnny Cecotto has been pursuing his whole life. In the interview, the former racing driver and BMW Motorsport champion talks about AREA M Track, the meaning of driving, and the special edition BMW M3 Cecotto named after him.
JOHNNY CECOTTO.
JOHNNY CECOTTO.
Nationality: Venezuelan
Profession: Former racing driver
Passion: Speed and precision
His #1 BMW M: BMW M3 Cecotto Edition E30
Motto: „You take the wheel and you feel it.“
Hi Johnny, thank you for taking your time to talk to us. Could you tell us: what does driving mean to you?
Driving is one of the most important things in my life, since I was only a few years old, while sitting on my father's legs, I started taking the steering wheel with my hands and going on a road with a lot of corners!
What is your favorite BMW M model?
The M3 Cecotto.
What has been your favorite AREA M experience so far?
My only Area M experience so far was at the Nürburgring for the production, and it was a good one!
Which driving maneuver did you really have to practice to master?
To win races and championships you have to drive fast with precision and without mistakes!
A road trip everyone should do at least once?
Do a fast lap at the Nordschleife!
What was your first car, and what was your first BMW M model?
My first car was a V8 Dodge Dart. My first BMW M was the M1.
ABOUT.
In 1975, Venezuelan Albert “Johnny” Cecotto became the youngest world champion in the Motorcycle World Championship at the age of 19. At 24, he switched to four wheels. After stints in Formula 1, where he was a temporary teammate of Ayrton Senna, Cecotto began to drive for BMW Motorsport in 1989 and won the Italian Touring Car Championship in a BMW M3 E30. His performance was so impressive that a limited-edition model was even dedicated to him: the BMW M3 E30 Cecotto Edition, limited to 505 units. In the following years, he enjoyed further triumphs with BMW Motorsport, including the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring and the Super Touring Car Cup title in 1993. Since 2003, Johnny has been taking it easier and driving in charity or special event races. He has kept his ties with the BMW M brand to this day.
