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FORMULA BMW UK CHAMPIONSHIP
Mansell’s school run with F1 hopefuls Brands Hatch, 29 March, 2007. Britain’s best loved racing driver, Nigel Mansell turned school master today for the start of the Formula BMW season which he launched in unique style by taking the ‘Class of 2007’ on a lap of Brands Hatch in a yellow school bus. Reaffirming his involvement as ambassador to the Formula BMW UK Championship, Mansell spent the day acquainting himself with the new line-up of drivers who arrived at the Kent circuit ahead of the season opener on Sunday. The series attracts drivers as young as 15 who are looking to become the Formula One stars of the future. This season’s grid includes other well known names in motorsport - Henry Surtees, son of John Surtees (who remains the only person ever to win world titles on two and four wheels) and French youngster Anthony Comas, son of Formula One driver, Erik. First of a series of ’Mansell Masterclasses’, the exclusive bus trip involved a 45 minute lesson from the former Formula One World Champion, who was handing out lines of a different kind in the form of race tips on how to tackle the Indy circuit, which the young drivers face in Rounds 1 and 2 of the championship. Brands Hatch is renowned as one of the most technically challenging circuits in the UK, requiring drivers to produce their bravest and most precise performances. As they retraced the tracks of other great champions including Stirling Moss, Jenson Button and Ayrton Senna, Mansell recounted his personal experiences from the venue that saw him claim his first Formula One victory in 1985, as well as winning the last British Grand Prix to be staged at the circuit in 1986. The young audience listened avidly and took notes as he offered an inspirational insight into every turn of the famous track. Nigel Mansell commented: “It’s a pleasure to be involved in the Formula BMW series again. The championship not only offers a fantastic introduction to competitive single seater racing but additional support away from the track that is now so important. I find it really exciting to think that among these young drivers could be a future World Champion and if, by passing on any of my own experiences, I can be part of developing their careers, I’ll feel very proud.” Last year’s Rookie Cup Champion and one of the favourites for this year’s title, Henry Arundel, commented: “What an amazing start to the season. It’s not every day you get taught by one of the greatest drivers of all time. I can’t wait to get out onto the track and put into practice some of the tips he passed on.” Peter Walker, General Manager, Sports Marketing, BMW (UK) commented: “We’re delighted to have Nigel involved in the Formula BMW Championship – a series which prides itself on offering a rounded education both on and off the track. Nigel’s record at Brands Hatch speaks for itself and to hear first-hand about his own experiences has been both fascinating and extremely motivating for the young drivers.” A total of 18 drivers are set to battle it out for the 2007 Formula BMW UK Championship title. The series runs from April-September and consists of 18 rounds staged at eight different venues throughout the UK. This year’s grid sees a younger line-up than last season with over half of the drivers aged 16 or under. As well as the prestigious title, the winner will receive a test drive in a Formula 3 car with Double R Racing. For further information contact: Notes to Editors: Background: Formula BMW is the world’s leading entry-level class in Formula racing. In 2007 the series will be 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. 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 24th to 25th November 2006 the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo in Valencia hosted the DELL Formula BMW World Final. Young racing drivers from the four regional Formula BMW series competed against each other. Last year’s winner, Christian Vietoris, received the ultimate prize of a test drive with the BMW Sauber F1 Team.
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