2011 BMW M5 laps the ‘Ring spy video

There is some method to this madness, with engineers likely using this track time to properly calibrate the stability and traction control of the new BMW M5.

The beauty of a spy video is that it also gives us a chance to hear the new M5's powerplant at full song - all but confirming that the V10 is in fact gone.

As an added bonus, our spy photographers also caught footage of the new BMW M3 GTS lapping the 'Ring.