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Formula BMW » Overview

Formula BMW is the world's leading, entry-level series in single-seater racing. Talented youngsters from the age of 15 are given the opportunity to step up from karting to open-wheel racing in three international series: Formula BMW Europe, Formula BMW Americas and Formula BMW Pacific.

BMW is completely responsible for the organisation and marketing of Formula BMW, and it is the company's goal to prepare up-and-coming junior drivers, who have learned their trade in the world of karting, for a successful career in single seaters. A crucial component of this concept is the BMW Motorsport Education and Coaching Programme, to which all registered Formula BMW drivers have access. Here the drivers not only learn more about driving technique, tactics and set-up work, but also focus on fitness, diet, sponsorship and how to deal with the media.

Numerous successful drivers benefited from BMW's commitment to promoting young drivers. These include Christian Klien, the current test and reserve driver in the BMW Sauber F1 Team. Nico Rosberg, Adrian Sutil, Sebastian Vettel, Timo Glock and Sebastien Buemi - who are all regular drivers in the 2009 Formula One World Championship - all started their careers in Formula BMW.

The juniors race in identical cars: the exceptionally safe FB02. BMW based the design of the car on the specifications and higher safety demands which must be met by Formula 3 vehicles. In some areas, the FB02 even achieves Formula One safety standards. The car produces 140 bhp and boasts a top speed of approximately 230 km/h, depending on the gear ratio.

The Car

Unique, yet identical for all - that is the Formula BMW FB02. This car is among the safest and best performing vehicles in entry-level single-seater racing. Every driver has the same specification race car available to him, so that talent and the personal attributes of the driver - not only in driving but also in finding the perfect set-up - play a decisive role in the outcome of the competition.