Rush, a new movie from Apollo 13 director Ron Howard slated to come out in 2013, might be the best racing movie since the 1971 Steve McQueen classic Le Mans, and rumors are swirling that 2008 Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton may have a role in the film.

In the lead-up to the movie, though, Howard has released some absolutely beautiful documentary photography from the production at the Nürburgring. Howard has been periodically releasing photos of the production on his Twitter account, and they provide a gorgeous rendering of both classic race cars and modern filmmaking. The cars used in the film are actual Formula 1 cars from the 1970s.

The new movie will follow the famous rivalry between Formula 1 drivers Niki Lauda and James hunt. Rush will focus on Lauda's life threatening 1976 crash during the German Grand Prix and his improbable return to racing a mere six weeks later.

The movie will star Daniel Brühl (Inglorious Basterds) as Lauda, Chris Hemsworth (Thor) as Hunt and Olivia Wilde as Suzy Miller, Hunt's supermodel wife.

Former Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton consulted with Howard early in the production of the film and impressed the director so much that Howard has said that there is a role for Hamilton if he wants it, The Sun reported.

The budget for Rush is estimated at $65 million by IMDB.

Click through the slideshow for Howard's pictures and accompanying tweets. A documentary clip about Lauda's crash is below.

Fog behind the Shell car.
"We were able to use the fog to advantage in our first brief scene. Sometimes you get lucky." Ron Howard
A crowd by the track.
"After a cool edgy scene between Hunt and Lauda in the morning, we shot racing and crowd reactions. Loud and fun." Ron Howard
A waterfall on the set of quotRush.quot
"A piece of business in our rain scene was to drain canopies in the Paddock" Ron Howard
Looks exciting.
"We used three different cameras to capture the authentic feel of that press conference for Rush." Ron Howard
A monitor with light.
"Director's monitor look at our last shot of the day. A winner's podium both Lauda and Hunt shared." Ron Howard
Ron Howard walks by the show.
"Ok. I obviously didn't take this one...but I am bending my rule and including it. A good day :-)" Ron Howard
Looks like Mardi Gras.
"Pre race flavor on our grid scene today for Rush." Ron Howard
A messy room.
"'James Hunt's' unmade hotel room bed Those are not Hunt's feet. " Ron Howard
The shop for quotRushquot
"Plenty of "moving parts" on this movie While we shot hotel room scenes mechanics tuned cars for tomorrow." Ron Howard
Check out the tires on that thing.
"Foggy at 6:40 this morning Rush's last day at this location for a while." Ron Howard
Beside the track while filming quotRush.quot
"Introducing a new character today as we filmed Historic F3 cars racing live, 'in camera.'" Ron Howard
Inside an F1 trailer on the set of quotRush.quot
"Setting a composition for a shot inside the McLaren trailer during the '76 season." Ron Howard
Lauda walks by the monitor.
"Charged pre-race moment in 2nd scene today. it was a blend of atmospheric visuals and strong character work all week." Ron Howard
A helmet for James Hunt.
"Actors have gained a real sense of what it was to inhabit the world of F1 in the 70s fun to see that in their work." Ron Howard
The Marlboro car on the set of quotRush.quot
"Crew of Rush really out did themselves these 3 weeks. Much good work done by talented people. Have a good wkend (sic) all." Ron Howard
A helmet for Niki Lauda.
"Starting a new sequence today for Rush Great energy at this location." Ron Howard
Scene through the frame.
"Director's monitor for the first set up of the day." Ron Howard
A classic 1970s racer.
"We were working with some unique classics all day." Ron Howard
Lotus in the rain.
"Vital part of Team Lotus." Ron Howard
Rolling car 48.
"And...that's a wrap For today. 4 pages and 20+ camera set ups." Ron Howard
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