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Formula BMW - The Championship

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 two international series: Formula BMW Europe and Formula BMW Pacific.

On nine occasions the young drivers have the chance to demonstrate their ability on the most important stage in motor racing, when they appear on the programme of Formula One Grands Prix.

In addition to this, popular racing series like the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) also provide an ideal backdrop for the thrilling Formula BMW races.

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 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. Last season alone, five former BMW drivers lined up in this series – and with great success. Nico Rosberg, Timo Glock, Adrian Sutil and Sébastien Buemi all scored World Championship points. Sebastian Vettel even celebrated four Grand Prix victories and finished the season as runner-up in the Drivers' Championship. Nicolas Hülkenberg and Bruno Senna will join the quintet in 2010 as regular F1 drivers. A number of other Formula BMW graduates can also hope to get a taste of Formula One as test and reserve drivers.

The juniors race in identical cars: the exceptionally safe FB02. BMW based the design of the car on the safety standards from Formula 3, and even used Formula One safety standards for the FB02. The car produces 140 bhp and boasts a top speed of up to 230 km/h, depending on the gear ratio.