BMW is offering young Formula One hopefuls the chance to take their first step towards motor racing success at the Formula BMW Licence Course at Pembrey Race Circuit, from 2 –3 June 2008 and with it a chance to win a scholarship for the 2009 Formula BMW Europe series.
Just twenty places are available on the two-day course, the completion of which will grant the young drivers the opportunity to apply for an MSA International C Licence required to be eligible for entry into one of the three Formula BMW championships in Europe, USA and Asia.
The course will offer specialist driving coaching from a number of expert instructors, including triple FIA World Touring Car Champion and Ambassador to the Formula BMW series, Andy Priaulx. The two-day course will also focus on the basics of driving an FB02 car including instruction on gear changes, the racing line, cornering and driving behind a safety car.
During the event at Pembrey the judges will be keeping an eye out for the next generation of British racing talent, with an exclusive Formula BMW scholarship potentially up for grabs. They will decide if any of the drivers display enough raw talent and the right attitude to be awarded the scholarship which includes a grant of 75,000 euros and free participation in the Education and Coaching Programme.
The Formula BMW series offers an ideal stepping-stone for karters looking to move into single-seater racing. Drivers, as young as 15, can enter the world of motor racing behind the wheel of the state-of-the-art FB02 vehicle. Graduates of the Formula BMW series include Formula One drivers Timo Glock, Christian Klien, Nico Rosberg, Ralf Schumacher, Adrian Sutil and Sebastian Vettel.
This year’s new Formula BMW Europe series forms part of the Formula One support programme. An exciting season opener took place at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona on April 27, with other classic circuits such as the Silverstone, Hockenheim, Spa-Francorchamps and Monza all part of this year’s calendar.
Formula BMW Ambassador Andy Priaulx said, “I am delighted to be involved with the Formula BMW Licence Course, which offers an excellent introduction to the FB02 car and how to compete in the highly regarded Formula BMW series. I always enjoy working with new talent. Who knows, amongst them there might be a future world champion.”
Peter Walker, General Manager, Sports Marketing, BMW (UK) Ltd commented, " The Formula BMW Licence Course is an excellent initiative giving talented young drivers the opportunity to take their first step into the world of Formula racing. BMW is pleased to be able to offer course participants a solid foundation on which they can build their motor racing careers.”
To request a Regulations & Entry form, please contact:
Adrienne Watson – Formula BMW Europe Series Manager
Email: adrienne.watson@partner.formulabmw.com.
NB: The course is not for novice drivers. Previous competitive experience required.
Entry fee - £1,730. Closing date for applications Wednesday May 21, 2008
