Formula BMW Juniors 2006 - Young talents awarded BMW sponsorship for 2006.

Since today it's official: the drivers, aged 15 and 16, will be competing in the 2006 Formula BMW Germany and, as Formula BMW Juniors, will receive special sponsorship. Nick de Bruijn of the Netherlands will complete the group of BMW Juniors. As the runner-up rookie of the Formula BMW season 2005, he will also benefit from the sponsorship package. Rookie winner Nicolas Hülkenberg has declined this support as he will be competing in a different race series next year.

In addition to financial backing worth 50,000 euros, the drivers will also take part in an Education and Coaching Programme specially tailored to their needs. This covers such aspects as driving technique, chassis set-up, sponsoring, fitness and media. Here the youngsters will benefit from BMW Motorsport's longstanding experience in promoting young talent as well as the support of the BMW Sauber F1 Team.

"With our concept it isn't simply a matter of driving a car. In the Formula BMW Education and Coaching Programme our Formula BMW Juniors learn everything they need to know to assert themselves in the big wide world of motor racing," says BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. Most of the youngsters come from the kart track and take to the wheel of a Formula vehicle for the first time during the licence course. At the Formula BMW Racing Center in Valencia, experienced instructors taught the talented youngsters how to handle the 140 bhp FB02 model. Mastering the racing line and the correct braking points were on the curriculum alongside theoretical tuition in driving physics and flag signals.

The international character of Formula BMW is also reflected in these instruction courses, with the 27 participants in the licence course hailing from ten different countries: Germany, Argentina, France, Holland, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Romania, Russia and the Czech Republic.

Formula BMW Juniors in Formula BMW Germany 2006.
Jens Klingmann (Germany), born 16.07.1990, lives in Leimen.
Josef Kral (Czech Republic), born 15.06.1990, lives in Hradec Kralove.
Fabio Leimer (Switzerland), born 17.04.1989, lives in Rothrist.
Maximilian Wissel (Germany), born 24.11.1989, lives in Alzenau.

Background:
Formula BMW is the world's leading entry-level class in Formula racing. In 2005 the series was held in Germany, the UK, 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 the FIA 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 was 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, Christian Klien and Nico Rosberg.

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."

From 13th to 16th December 2005 the Bahrain International Circuit hosted the first Formula BMW World Final. Young racing drivers from the four regional Formula BMW series competed against each other. The winner Marco Holzer will get a test drive with the BMW Sauber F1 Team.