In 1989, Mercedes-Benz developed an alloy V-8 engine that bumped the power to 720 bhp. (Photo: Wouter Melissen)

For the fifth Sauber Mercedes attempt, the team again fielded two cars. All of the four difficult previous editions were quickly forgotten as the two cars were placed first and second on the grid. After a trouble-free race, the two cars crossed the line in the opposite order, clinching a convincing one-two victory.

The winning C9 was driven by Jochen Mass, Manuel Reuter and Stanley Dickens. The team kept the Le Mans-winning form for that season's World Championship, and with seven wins out of eight races, they were crowned World Champions at the end of the season.

Encouraged by the good results, Sauber developed a brand new car for 1990. The aluminum monocoque was replaced by a more modern and rigid carbon-fiber one. The C10 name was skipped because it was difficult to pronounce in German, so the new car was dubbed C11.

Much of the running gear, including the M119 engine, was carried over from the C9. Surprisingly the Swiss/German team did not return to Le Mans, instead focusing on defending the World Championship. They did so with visible ease, with the last race of the season being won by Jochen Mass and a young Michael Schumacher.

For the 1991 season Sauber developed the flat-12-powered C291, in accordance with the new F1 inspired 3.5-liter Group C regulations. Nevertheless, the C11 was brought back from retirement for Le Mans, but the flawless race of 1989 proved to be the rare exception as all three “Silver Arrows” fielded retired with mechanical issues.

At the end of the season, both Sauber and Mercedes-Benz withdrew from sports car racing to focus in Formula 1.

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