In 1978 the M23 was still used by Lunger for Liggett Group/B&S Fabrications, in the first part of the season, then a private M23 was also used by de Villota in his home grand prix and by Tony Trimmer in the British Grand Prix with the Melchester Racing. In the second part of the season it was finally entrusted by Liggett Group/B&S Fabrications to Nelson Piquet who conquered an honorable ninth place in the Italian Grand Prix, the last appearance for the M23 in the world championship.