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.
