Promoting junior racing drivers remains an important part of BMW Motorsport’s realigned programme.
In 2010 BMW will again support young hopefuls in Formula BMW Europe and in Formula BMW Pacific as they take their first steps in single-seater racing. The calendar for the European series, that has just been announced, will see the youngsters be the support act to Formula One at seven venues and also race at one of Formula 3’s premiere events.
The 2010 action for season three again kicks off in Barcelona and it was here in May of this year that the eventual champion, Felipe Nasr (BR), and Michael Christensen (DK) set the scene for a season long battle. The other Formula One venues will be Silverstone, Hockenheim, Budapest, Valencia, Spa- Francorchamps and Monza.
There is traditionally one non-Formula One venue and again it will be Zandvoort circuit. Every Formula BMW Europe competitor states Formula 3 is the next chosen step on their career ladder, so this is an ideal time for them to see just what they can expect. Also they can witness former series stars in this category. At each weekend the series will have its regular format of a free practice session, qualifying and two races.
However, the drivers will all have the chance to see what to expect on these iconic circuits during official tests held between March and May.
The dates for all of these apart from Hockenheim have been confirmed and are 9/10 March Monza, 21/22 March Barcelona, 6/7 April Silverstone, 12/13 April Spa-Francorchamps, 20/21 April Zandvoort and 25/26 May Budapest.
In past years, Formula BMW has proven to be the ideal springboard into the world of Formula One for many drivers. Last season alone, five former BMW drivers lined up in this series – and with great success. Nico Rosberg (DE), Timo Glock (DE), Adrian Sutil (DE) and Sébastien Buemi (CH) all scored World Championship points. Sebastian Vettel (DE) even celebrated four Grand Prix victories and finished the season as runner-up in the Drivers’ Championship, behind Jenson Button (GB). Nicolas Hülkenberg (DE) and Bruno Senna (BR) will join the quintet in 2010 as regular F1 drivers.
A number of other Formula BMW graduates can also hope to get a taste of Formula One as test and reserve drivers. Formula BMW Europe Date 17 December 2009 Subject Formula BMW Europe: Season Three Calendar.
