Rounds 3 and 4 - Eurospeedway Lausitz - Preview

Klettwitz (GER). Aged just 17 years, German driver Nicolas Hülkenberg (Emmerich/Josef Kaufmann Racing) wowed the crowds on the first race weekend of the Formula BMW ADAC Championship. The rookie left experienced rivals in his wake to claim two race wins. "I'm looking forward to the EuroSpeedway, but it will be difficult keeping the other fast guys in check," states the junior racing driver, aware that there are two more favourites who will be gunning for top positions in the two races on Saturday and Sunday (30th April and 1st May): last year's third-placed Sébastien Buemi (CHE/ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg) and Rookie Champion Chris van der Drift (NLD/Team Rosberg).

The aim of the 26 talents contesting the Formula BMW ADAC Championship is a long-term career in motor sport. The young racers bring several years of experience on the kart track into this Formula championship, jointly run by BMW and the ADAC. If success and luck play together, the next stage - after two years - is the Formula 3 Euro Series. Among this season's competitors, along with six other ex-Formula BMW ADAC drivers, is the 2004 champion, Sebastian Vettel.

The next rung up on the career ladder has already been taken by Nico Rosberg. The 2002 Formula BMW ADAC Champion is now competing in the new GP2 Series. Those who make it all the way to the heights of Formula One have fulfilled the dream of an optimal career in Formula racing. Ralf Schumacher (Toyota) is one: "I gained a lot of experience in this series in 1992 and 1993. It was an ideal time for learning." Apart from Christian Klien (Red Bull Racing), Timo Glock - who was signed on as a driver by the Jordan Ford F1 team last year and now drives in the Champ Car Series - also looks back on the entry-level series: "In 2000 I was best rookie and in 2001 the champion. It gave a tremendous boost to my further career."

Championship standings after 2 out of 20 races (top 5):1. Nicolas Hülkenberg (GER/Josef Kaufmann Racing, 40), 2. Chris van der Drift (NLD/Team Rosberg, 24), 3. Sébastien Buemi (CHE/ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg, 23), 4. Benjamin Leuchter (GER/Team Lauderbach Motorsport, 16), 5. Sergio Perez Mendoza (MEX/4speed Media, 15).

Points Rookie Championship (top 5):1. Nicolas Hülkenberg (40), 2. Sergio Perez Mendoza (25), 3. Stefano Coletti (MCO/Eifelland Racing, 22), 4. Tobias Hegewald (GER/ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg, 20), 5. Nick de Bruijn (NLD/Josef Kaufmann Racing, 15).

Background:Formula BMW is the world's leading entry-level class in Formula racing. In 2005 the series will be held in Germany, Britain, Asia and the USA. Up-and-coming drivers as young as 15-years-old are given the opportunity of entering motor racing with the high-tech, standard FB02 race car.

This racing car has been seen on the grid since 2002 and has set standards particularly on the safety technology front. The single-seater is propelled by a 140 bhp BMW engine up to 230km/h and exceeds by far the safety requirements for its class. BMW Motorsport has developed the FORS Formula Rescue Race Seat especially for Formula BMW. The HANS safety system is also mandatory.

In 2005, Formula BMW will be staged five times as part of the Formula One support programme. All the series offer a multifaceted Education and Coaching Programme as well as sponsorship for promising racing talents. The best-known alumni of this talent hothouse are Formula One drivers Ralf Schumacher and Christian Klien.

BMW Motorsport Director, Mario Theissen: "Formula BMW offers talented young drivers more than just a car. In the Education and Coaching Programme we have designed specially for them, they learn everything they need to know to hold their own in the big wide world of motor racing. Formula BMW has shot out of the blocks to become the top entry-level class for Formula racing worldwide."

In December 2005 the Bahrain International Circuit will host the first Formula BMW World Final. Young racing drivers from the four regional Formula BMW series will compete against each other. The winner will get the chance to test a BMW WilliamsF1 Team car.