BMW RingTaxi M5 replaced with BMW M3

Just as unfortunate, Sabine Schmitz - the lady who famously took up Jeremy Clarkson's challenge of completing a lap of the circuit in a Ford Transit van in under 10 minutes - is no longer a part of the RingTaxi drivers team. BMW said in a recent statement that other professional BMW advanced drivers would continue to run the program.

So it's not really that big of a deal for those simply seeking a few thrills on the track. But for true Nurburgring aficionados, the news is devastating. BMW and the M5 have been conducting RingTaxi laps for decades now. The problem is, this might just be the tip of the iceberg as it seems the new track owners are doing everything they can to cut ownership costs. We just hope the RingTaxi isn't eventually cancelled altogether.

There is some light at the end of this dark tunnel though, because Sabine has announced she will be providing 'SpeedTaxi' laps in a 997 Porsche GT3 RS race-prepped car instead.

Although the idea of you and three of your mates squashing into a V10 sedan to be flung around by Sabine sounds pretty good, the one-on-one experience in the GT3 is sure to be just as pleasing.

Apart from the car swap, the other main difference is the price. It will now cost 449 euros ($620) to go for a lap with Sabine compared with the BMW RingTaxi price of 195 euros ($269).