Formula BMW - Interview with BMW Motorsport Director Dr Mario Theissen

Interview with BMW Motorsport Director Dr Mario Theissen. Q: Dr.
Theissen, the Formula BMW ADAC Championship 2004 has come to an end.
What's your conclusion for the season? Dr Mario Theissen: We have
witnessed some fantastic sport. Virtually all 20 races were exciting
until the last bend and the last two races in Hockenheim were top-class
events. It's extremely rewarding to see the progress that has been made
by our new generation pilots within the space of a few months. This is
particularly the case for the ten sponsored drivers from BMW and the
ADAC Q: And champion Sebastian Vettel is one of them. Dr Theissen:
When Sebastian won the Rookie Cup in 2003, it was clear that he had a
great deal of talent. This year, he took another great step forward. He
performed outstandingly. It will be a very long time before his 18 wins
and 387 points are beaten. Now Sebastian has grown out of the Formula
BMW ADAC Championship. Next year he will be lining up on the starting
grid in the Formula 3 Euro Series. We should like to wish him every
success there. Q: The internationalization of Formula BMW is
continuing. After Formula BMW Asia was established a year ago, Formula
BMW Series were also launched in Great Britain and the USA in 2004. Did
everything go according to plan? Dr Theissen: The Formula BMW UK
Championship had a flying start. Formula racing has a long tradition in
Great Britain and most of the teams had a great deal of experience.
Although it's not the same story in North America, Formula BMW USA
managed to establish itself immediately as the most important
entry-level series in Open Wheel Racing there. It won the hearts and
minds of a lot of fans this season. Q: How do you explain the
worldwide success of Formula BMW? Dr Theissen: Firstly, we set standards
when it comes to safety. Our vehicles meet all safety criteria for the
significantly more powerful and faster Formula 3 racing cars. Secondly,
Formula BMW offers its drivers more than simply a car. Our training and
coaching programme teaches the next generation of drivers everything
they need to know about making their way in the world of motor sport.
This concept has taken Formula BMW right to the top: Formula BMW has
developed into the top entry-level series for global Formula racing from
a standing start. Q: And now? Dr Theissen: We are currently holding
the observation trials for 2005 at the BMW Racing Center in Valencia.
We've discovered a number of talented young drivers there, and they
will certainly attract a lot of attention in the future. I'm already
looking forward to the next season.