September 2005

TEAM AUTOTECNICA DRIVER RICHARD PHILIPPE CLINCHES THE 2005 FORMULA BMW USA CHAMPIONSHIP

(30 Sep 2005) - Team Autotecnica driver Richard Philippe, started from pole position at the Petit Le Mans’ season finale at Road Atlanta. Philippe finished 9 points ahead of 2nd place driver to take both the Overall and Rookie titles of the extremely competitive 2005 Formula BMW USA Championship. Philippe had a fabulous season, winning 3 races, started in pole position 6 times, the most of any driver this year. Out of the 14 races this year, Philippe managed to finish in the top five 10 times.

Philippe said, “I feel very good as a lot of hard work has paid off. Emotionally, it was very difficult to have to decide the Championship in the last race, but we came out on top. This was my first year racing cars and I learned a lot..."

“All we had to do was keep it on the track and we did it” a joyous Anthony Wei (Team manager) said as Philippe crossed the finish line. Philippe’s engineer Matthew Ferraro commented after the race, “Winning the 2005 Formula BMW USA Championship has been the final step in a long journey that began 14 months ago when Richard first tested with the team. Friday’s championship win is a testament to Richard’s professional approach to racing and natural talent. This season, Autotecnica has set a new standard in Formula BMW USA and I wish to thank the team for all their hard work and dedication. The team is set to begin its rigorous winter testing program to prepare for a successful Championship title defense in 2006.”