Successful first steps: perfect start to the Formula BMW Talent Cup

 Munich, 23rd April 2012. A total 5,922 kilometres of on-track experience, 29,172 gear changes and 420,283 metres of accumulated braking distance: Spielberg/Austria was the venue last weekend as the 16 drivers in the Formula BMW Talent Cup successfully took their first steps towards the Grand Final in Oschersleben (14th to 16th October). At the roll-out weekend, which was held at the demanding circuit in the Styria region of Austria, the drivers from eleven different countries took full advantage of the ideal opportunity to familiarise themselves with the 140hp, 230km/h Formula BMW FB02 in varying weather conditions, learn procedures in and outside the cockpit, and brush up on their theory. As well as amassing plenty of practical experience – the talented youngsters completed a total of 1,369 laps – the agenda also included studying the rules and regulations, as well as basic training in how to deal with the media.

The Formula BMW Talent Cup takes a unique approach to preparing its participants for the demands of motor racing. The young drivers, aged 14 to 19, receive fundamental training at a total of six racetrack events, during which they are given the necessary tools for a career as a racing driver. The talented juniors learn about the physical, medical and psychological aspects of the sport, as well as how best to deal with the media. The winner of the Formula BMW Talent Cup is decided at the Grand Final in Oschersleben, and will receive financing for a season in a higher-level racing series courtesy of BMW.

From 4th to 6th May, the 16 drivers continue their learning process at the second racetrack event in Sturup/Sweden.

Dirk Adorf, BMW works driver and head instructor

“The roll-out was a perfect weekend for the young drivers. Dry conditions on Saturday, rain on Sunday. This allowed them to familiarise themselves with and gradually acclimatise to the car in all conditions. They went about their tasks in a very disciplined manner and learned from scratch how to change gear, handle the brakes, and adapt to the process they will encounter in motor racing. They consistently put the information they received from the instructors into practice. That is how it should be.”

Callan O’Keeffe

“That was a great weekend, during which we learned a lot of basics, particularly about the car. There were a lot of new things to take in, especially coming straight from karting, as I have done. For example, the balance of the car. In addition, Spielberg was a completely new racetrack for me, and we experienced it in different weather conditions. Dry, damp, wet – we had a bit of everything. It was a good start.”

Malgorzata Rdest

“The roll-out was fantastic: I sat in the car for the first time this year, and was able to try out a lot of things in varying weather conditions. I now know what I have to work on to improve. The fitness training in Finland has already paid off, and I felt very happy in this regard. That allowed me to concentrate on the most important thing: driving, driving, and more driving.”

Drivers in the 2012 Formula BMW Talent Cup.

St. No. Surname, first name (nationality)     Date/place of birth

02       Viidas, Tristan (EE)                           21.08.1996/Tallinn (EE)

03       Delétraz, Louis (CH)                          22.04.1997/Genf (CH)

04       Celis, Alfonso (MX)                           18.09.1996/Mexico City (MX)

05       Boschung, Ralph (CH)                       23.09.1997/Monthey (CH)

06       Cracco, Pieter-Jan-Michiel (BE)        10.05.1995/Hulste (BE)

08       Stefan, Ioan Mihnea (RO)                 04.01.1997/Targoviste (RO)

09       Schiller, Fabian (DE)                         24.05.1997/Bonn (DE)

10       De Sadeleer, Hugo (CH)                    26.07.1997/Lausanne (CH)

11       Rdest, Malgorzata (PL)                      14.01.1993/Zyrardow (PL)

12       Ercoli, Gianmarco (IT)                       05.05.1995/Marino (IT)

14       O’Keeffe, Callan (ZA)                      09.06.1996/Johannesburg (ZA)

15       Dienst, Marvin (DE)                            24.02.1997/Worms (DE)

16       Van Loon, Julien (NL)                        29.05.1992/Apeldoorn (NL)

17       Jäger, Lukas (AT)                                03.01.1997/Vienna (AT)

18       Lauer, Isabella (DE)                            23.06.1995/Passau (DE)

19       Läsch, Marco (DE)                              10.01.1996/Wittlich (DE)

You can find more information on the Formula BMW Talent Cup and the current 2012 season at www.formula-bmw.com.