Formula BMW Asia - BMW Motorsport increases scholarship

Kuala Lumpur. In a move which could make a career at the pinnacle of
international motorsport a reality for Asian youngsters, BMW Motorsport has
increased the funding levels for the five Formula BMW Asia Scholarships to
US$50,000 each. The cash contribution represents a substantial percentage of
the cost of a season in Formula BMW Asia, and illustrates BMW Motorsports'
commitment to developing young racing talent in the region.

Formula BMW Asia is particularly in the spotlight since the achievements of
China's Tung Ho Pin, the inaugural champion, were recognised and rewarded with
a coveted test drive with the BMW WilliamsF1 Team in Spain last month. The
search is already underway for youngsters to follow in his footsteps, and the
increased funding provided by the scholarships will mean success on the world
stage could become a reality for many more.

The concept behind Formula BMW Asia is to nurture youngsters from the very
beginning and groom them for an international motorsport career by training
them to the highest possible levels, drawing on the vast expertise and
experience of BMW Motorsport. The series is designed for individuals from
15years-of-age with either karting or only junior level racing experience.

Applications for the chance to qualify for one of the five Formula BMW Asia
Scholarships for the 2004 season of the burgeoning series are now open. The
Scholarship programme is open to anyone in Asia born between 1982 and 1988,
with no international racing experience. It provides a financial
contribution of US$50,000 towards the cost of competing in the 2004 Formula BMW
Asia season, plus a full Education and Coaching programme, free-of-charge,
designed to create skilled, professional young single seater pilots. The
programme includes Driving Skills & Tactics, Vehicle Dynamics & Chassis Setup,
Fitness Training & Nutrition, Media Training & Public Relations and Sponsorship
& Sports Management, and is provided by a team of experts from the field of
international motorsport.

The scholarship qualification course will be held during a two day training
session at the end of February. Those who complete this program successfully
will receive the international C licence. Applications may be made by
contacting series organiser, Motorsport Asia Limited, at + 603 2026 1680 or via
www.bmw-motorsport.com.

So successful is the Formula BMW concept that new series are being launched in
the United Kingdom and USA this year. The 10-round UK series will be run to
the same calendar as the prestigious British Touring Car Championship, while
the US series will see seven rounds run throughout North America.

The winner of the German Formula BMW ADAC Championship in 2002, Nico Rosberg,
son of former F1 World Champion Keke, has already been given two tests with the
BMW WilliamsF1 Team. The interest shown by one of the world's leading F1 teams
in Formula BMW drivers who show talent and promise illustrates the importance
of the series to drivers seeking a future career at the very top of
international motorsport.

In addition to helping youngsters with little or no racing experience to take
the first step on the road to an international motorsport career, the series
has been designed so that the most talented drivers, rather than the most
financially healthy, succeed. It is for this reason that both the car and the
training programme have been devised so that little if any advantage can be
obtained by extra investment. For example, there are a limited number of gear
ratios that may be used and the Schnitzer Motorsport built engines are sealed
to ensure equality of performance.

The Formula BMW, which sets new benchmarks in terms of safety technology, empty
weighs 455 kilograms. A 140 bhp BMW four-cylinder engine propels the car to
speeds of up to 230 km/h.

In 2004, the series is scheduled to visit Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, Japan and
China, and will once again boast of field of drivers from across the Asian
region.

After only one season Formula BMW Asia is now a recognised training ground for
future Asian F1 stars, and attracts avid media attention in both Asia and
Europe.

Formula BMW Asia runs as part of the Asian Festival of Speed, the region's
leading motorsport series, organised by Malaysian-based Motorsport Asia
Limited.

Commented Motorsport Asia's Managing Director, David Sonenscher, "The increased
scholarship funding now provides an unprecedented opportunity for young Asian
drivers. The fact that our 2003 champion was given a Formula One test by BMW
shows just how closely the series is followed around the world, and the
recognition it has achieved after just one season. Without doubt Formula BMW
Asia must be the number one choice for any youngster looking for an
international single seater career at the very top level."

Ends.
Issued by Motorsport Asia Limited. For further information, contact Nikki Kemp
in Hong Kong on (852)+ 2575 6995 or email prplus@hk.super.net

Rights-free images may be found at www.press.bmw.com