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Formula BMW Americas. 2009 Championship Guide.

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Race Calendar.

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Rounds

Date

Location

Event

1 & 2

Autódromo 21st – 22nd March 2009 Miguel E. Abed, Puebla

FIA WTCC

3 & 4

Virginia Intl. Raceway 25th – 26th April 2009 Danville, VA

Grand-Am Sports Car Series

5 – 7

Miller Motorsports Park, 15th – 17th May 2009 Tooele, UT

American Le Mans Series

8&9

Lime Rock Park, 17th – 18th July 2009 Lakeville, CT

American Le Mans Series

10 – 12

Road America, 14th – 16th August 2009 Elkhart Lake, WI

American Le Mans Series

13 &14

Mosport Intl. Raceway, 29th – 30th August 2009 Bowmanville

American Le Mans Series















Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Foreword. Dear Motorsport Enthusiasts, Another interesting season lies ahead for Formula BMW. The restructuring of the three championships into Formula BMW Americas, Formula BMW Europe and Formula BMW Pacific proved a resounding success last year. Thanks to its closeness to the BMW Sauber F1 Team, Formula One and other top-class racing categories, and because of the unique BMW Motorsport Education and Coaching Program, Formula BMW has been able to further strengthen its position as the leading entry-level class in single-seater racing. Last year Formula BMW Americas celebrated an impressive debut, following in the footsteps of Formula BMW USA, which had produced many American talents since 2004. In 2009 the series will feature in the support program of the American Le Mans Series, the FIA World Touring Car Championship and the Grand-Am Sports Car Series. Those young drivers who can shine on such a stage will very quickly make a name for themselves in international motorsport and can look forward to a successful career. In any case, the experience of Formula BMW will arm the drivers with the right knowledge – both on and off the track.

Alexander Rossi secured his place in the history books by becoming the first Formula BMW Americas champion in 2008. His victory at the Formula BMW World Final also earned him a test drive with the BMW Sauber F1 Team. His ultimate goal – shared perhaps by all the drivers – is Formula One. There have never been as many former Formula BMW drivers competing as regular Formula One and test drivers at the pinnacle of motorsport as there are this season. Sébastien Buemi is the first graduate of Formula BMW to follow directly behind another former Formula BMW driver, Sebastian Vettel, into a Formula One team. Timo Glock, Nico Rosberg and Adrian Sutil are also among the regular drivers for the 2009 Formula One season. Christian Klien adds strength to the BMW Sauber F1 Team as test and reserve driver, while Nico Hülkenberg has also made the step up into motorsport’s elite class as test driver. This shows that the direction of our young talent program is right on track. I wish you a successful motorsport year. Sincerely

Mario Theissen

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Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Contents.

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Race Calendar.

2

Foreword Mario Theissen.

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Contents.

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First Steps on the Big Stage.

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Right Up Close to ALMS.

10

Successful Careers Thanks to Formula BMW.

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The Fastest School in the World.

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FB02 – The Car that’s Making the Difference.

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Challenging Circuits.

26

The Maxim: Equal Opportunity.

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Drivers & Teams.

34

Did You Know...?

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Statistics.

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Partners.

44

Contacts.

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Formula BMW Americas 2009.

First Steps on the Big Stage.

After its impressive debut last year, Formula BMW Americas is entering its second season in 2009. The series is part of BMW’s global promotion of young talent in motorsport, which has been helping skilled youngsters to enter the world of single-seater racing since 1991 and has given them the requisite know-how for a successful career along the way. “Formula BMW possesses a high profile,” says BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. “It offers young drivers, usually those fresh out of karting, the ideal opportunity of taking their next career step.” Formula BMW has become more international than ever since 2008. Besides Formula BMW Americas, aspiring youngsters also compete in cross-regional championships in Europe and in the Pacific region to determine their champions. Spectators of Formula BMW Europe and Formula BMW Pacific, too, won’t just be looking forward to thrilling races in 2009. They will also be certain of seeing some of tomorrow’s biggest stars live on the track.

Magnificent Victors in a professional Setting. Last year Alexander Rossi (US) claimed the championship title with 10 victories and nine pole positions. In the Rookie rankings, Canadian and Formula BMW Junior Gianmarco Raimondo emerged as the best newcomer in single-seater racing. As in 2008, Formula BMW Americas will once again feature on the program for renowned international racing series this year.

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Formula BMW Americas 2009.

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Formula BMW Americas 2009.

The curtain-raiser for the youngsters forms part of the FIA World Touring Car Championship event in Puebla (MX), where the drivers from the BMW national teams, including triple touring car world champion Andy Priaulx (GB), will be battling for points. The youngsters’ next two races will be staged against the backdrop of the Grand-Am Sports Car Series at the Virginia International Raceway. The season’s remaining 10 rounds share the program with the popular American Le Mans Series (ALMS). Full Support on the Way to the Top. Every Formula BMW driver has the same ambition: to reach Formula One. During the course of the season the young hopefuls will profit not only from the series’ close relationship with the BMW Sauber F1 Team, but also through displaying their talents before a massive audience, professional racing teams and important motorsport media representatives. The personal growth of these talented young drivers plays a pivotal role in Formula BMW. Champion drivers need not only great natural skill, they also need the education and experience which starts in Formula BMW. BMW Motorsport’s comprehensive Education and Coaching Program, which is offered to all competitors, has proved crucial to Formula BMW’s success. It has prepared a number of Formula One’s current stars for their ultimate careers.

Racing at the highest Level.

Ambitious Drivers Want to Cause a Stir.

The ALMS gives the Formula BMW Americas competitors the opportunity to view another BMW Motorsport project at close hand: armed with the new racing version of the BMW M3, the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team will compete in the GT2 class. In Joey Hand (US), Bill Auberlen (US), Tommy Milner (US) – himself a former Formula BMW USA driver – and Dirk Müller (DE), BMW of North America is sending four ambitious drivers on to the track in two cars.

The entry list has 13 drivers from eight different nationalities racing for six different teams. Drivers who are back for a second chance at winning the coveted title include 2008 Rookie of the Year Gianmarco Raimondo, Giancarlo Vilarinho (BR), who finished sixth overall last year, and Gabby Chaves (CO).

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen says: “The Formula BMW races held in support of the ALMS will generate synergy effects in terms of PR, marketing and logistics. We are convinced that the expansion of the race calendar into Mexico as part of the World Touring Car Championship event there will further increase interest from all the Americas. This was also the case when we staged last year’s World Final in Mexico City.” Participants in Formula BMW Europe and Formula BMW Pacific even have the chance to gain their first experience in a Formula One environment. While Formula BMW Europe sees seven of its eight meetings on the program of Formula One events, Formula BMW Pacific also complements the support card of the pinnacle of international motorsport at the Grands Prix of Malaysia and Singapore. It is therefore hardly surprising that today Formula BMW is viewed as the world’s premier entry-level single-seater racing category.

As far as who comes from where is concerned, the United States can boast the largest number of competitors, with three. Other countries represented are Canada, Brazil and Colombia with two each, and then one driver apiece from Australia, France, Panama and the Dominican Republic. Equal Chances for All. All drivers in Formula BMW Americas are competing in identical Formula BMW FB02 race cars. Test days are limited, leading to cost savings and creating equal opportunities for the drivers to demonstrate their talents. Rookies get three additional test days, in order to gain valuable experience for the first year in single-seater racing. Every driver is ultimately able to rely upon a powerful yet safe racing car. Powered by a 140 bhp BMW engine, the FB02 can reach a top speed of 230 km/h. A carbon-fibre monocoque chassis, mandatory HANS (head and neck support) and the specially designed FORS safety seat protect the driver and contribute to first-class safety standards. 7

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Talent and Tradition. BMW’s latest young driver program draws on a long and successful tradition reaching back to the Seventies, when BMW first introduced its BMW Junior Program. This preceded even the spectacular BMW Procar Series, in which young talents took on established Formula One stars during Grand Prix weekends. Their vehicles were all identical: the legendary BMW M1. On a number of occasions BMW Juniors came out on top. Juniors play an equally important role in BMW’s current young driver development strategy. BMW financially supports the most talented drivers competing in the three international Formula BMW series, who also participate in the BMW Motorsport Education and Coaching Program. The 2009 Formula BMW Juniors, who will receive support from BMW in their first Formula BMW Americas season, are Alex Ellis (CA), Daniel Vela (DO) and Robert Garcia (US). Last year’s Rookie of the Year, Gianmarco Raimondo, is the fourth Formula BMW Junior. The scholarship awards $ 80,000 and participation in BMW Motorsport’s Education and Coaching Program.

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New Management Partner for Formula BMW Americas. For the 2009 season, Rahal Letterman Racing will be in charge of the management of Formula BMW Americas. The move means that a single team will both partner with BMW of North America in the American Le Mans Series – with its two BMW M3 racers – and oversee the Formula BMW series in America. “We are pleased to have found in Rahal Letterman Racing a professional, well integrated partner with great experience in US motor racing,” commented Theissen. Rahal Letterman Racing co-owner and US racing legend Bobby Rahal (US) said: “Formula BMW has long produced one of the finest entry-level open-wheel racing series in the world, and Rahal Letterman Racing is proud and excited about forging this new partnership with the series. We saw first-hand when my son Graham competed in the series that Formula BMW offers the complete package for the young driver, providing an affordable series with a level playing field that still exposes the drivers and teams to high-profile events and challenging circuits. When you add those benefits to the proven stewardship and support of BMW Motorsport, Formula BMW is easily the best choice for the young drivers that aspire to the higher levels of the sport.”

Various Role Models. That drivers graduating from Formula BMW have the qualities required to make it to the very top was proven in 2008 by, among others, Red Bull Racing’s Sebastian Vettel (DE). Four years ago he claimed the German Formula BMW ADAC Championship with 18 victories in 20 starts. Just two seasons later he was appointed test and reserve driver for the BMW Sauber F1 Team, and, as substitute for Robert Kubica at Indianapolis, became the youngest driver ever to score a world championship point. Subsequently he was signed as race driver by Scuderia Toro Rosso, going on to win the 2008 Italian Grand Prix – as the youngest-ever winner – for the team. The current test and reserve driver for the BMW Sauber F1 Team, Christian Klien (AT), had his first experience with a single seater racing car in Formula BMW, as did Formula One regulars Sébastien Buemi (CH), Timo Glock (DE), Nico Rosberg (DE) and Adrian Sutil (DE). In Nico Hülkenberg (DE) another successful Formula BMW driver will line up as Formula One test driver in 2009.

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Fast Track to a Formula One Cockpit. The step from Formula BMW to a Formula One car is smaller than in any young hopefuls’ wildest dreams. This year, as was the case at the four previous Formula BMW World Finals, the BMW Sauber F1 Team will once again reward one of the Formula BMW drivers with a test drive in the BMW Sauber F1 Team car. In 2005 the first-ever Formula BMW World Final took place at the Bahrain International Circuit. Fans in the desert emirate were treated to world-class motorsport. Marco Holzer (DE) took the honours in a nail-biting finale. A year later saw another driver competing in the then Formula BMW Germany championship, namely Christian Vietoris (DE), secure the win, this time in Valencia (ES). The Formula BMW World Final returned to the Circuit de la Comunitat in 2007, where BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen presented the winner’s trophy to Philipp Eng (AT). In the fourth running of the event, Alexander Rossi (US) claimed victory at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City (MX), thus becoming the first non-European driver to taste World Final glory. “The very thought of driving a Formula One car makes me speechless,” Rossi said. “Since I first saw Formula One, I have wanted to drive such a racing car. Now this dream becomes reality.”

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Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Right Up Close to ALMS. In Formula BMW Americas, drivers not only gain experiences that they will use for the whole of their racing lives, but they are also exposed to an important international motor racing environment. The talented youngsters are given the chance to demonstrate their ability in front of thousands of racing fans, teams with great traditions, and renowned media representatives. They have the opportunity to learn first-hand more about the challenge of operating in the atmosphere of an FIA WTCC, GrandAm or ALMS paddock.

A Proven Concept. “Our concept of promoting talent on an international platform has proven itself,” says BMW Motorsport Director, Mario Theissen. “During 2008 former Formula BMW drivers once again celebrated outstanding successes in various racing series. The same will be the case this year. In Formula One alone no less than five of our graduates regularly take the start. In addition, Formula BMW has still managed to record stable numbers of competitors, despite the current economic difficulties. 10

This proves categorically that our comprehensive racing driver development programme is bearing fruit.” Formula BMW thus gives them unrivalled opportunities to showcase themselves and their sponsors. The main events, at which Formula BMW America races form part of the support program, regularly attract massive live audiences during the course of each weekend. Additionally, Formula BMW races are watched by key motor racing figures, including the decision makers of major car manufacturers. And, with many motorsport journalists signing on for each race, they can benefit from a big media presence. The drivers also gain invaluable experience of demanding tracks which can help them in the future as their careers develop. The BMW Sauber F1 Team also plays an extremely important role in the young Formula BMW drivers’ education. Every Junior or participant in the BMW Motorsport Education and Coaching Program is offered at least one opportunity per year to visit the BMW Sauber F1 Team‘s base in Hinwil, Switzerland. Personnel from departments such as Sponsoring and Engineering, impart their knowledge.

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

First Kilometers in Formula One with BMW. Formula BMW doesn’t just show the young talent the path that can ultimately lead to Formula One. Many successful drivers have actually gained their first F1 experiences directly with BMW. Nico Rosberg made his start on December 3, 2002 when he drove for the BMW WilliamsF1 Team in Barcelona – at just 17 he was the youngest driver ever to complete a Formula One test. One year later, Ho-Pin Tung became the first Chinese to have the opportunity to test a Formula One car. The 2003 Formula BMW Asia champion completed 42 laps in his first outing in Jerez (ES). Sebastian Vettel enjoyed his first start – at the wheel of a BMW V10-powered Formula One car – on September 27, 2005 and celebrated his first GP victory less than three years later in Monza. Marco Holzer, Christian Vietoris and Philipp Eng have all found their way into the F1 cockpit via winning the Formula BMW World Final between 2005 and 2007. Last year’s winner Alexander Rossi will get his chance in 2009.

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Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Successful Careers Thanks to Formula BMW. A quarter of the drivers on the 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship grid entered single-seater racing through Formula BMW. Sébastien Buemi (Scuderia Toro Rosso), Timo Glock (Toyota), Nico Rosberg (Williams), Adrian Sutil (Force India) and Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing) are all regular team drivers battling for points. Christian Klien supports the work of Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld as test and reserve driver for the BMW Sauber F1 Team. Test driver Nicolas Hülkenberg (Williams) completes the impressive list of Formula BMW graduates featuring in this year’s Formula One season. Former BMW drivers aren’t just causing a sensation at the pinnacle of motorsport. Since 2002 more than 60 drivers have taken the logical next step from the BMW young talent program into Formula 3. Hülkenberg, who won the Formula BMW ADAC Championship in 2005, for instance, signaled his talent by winning the Formula 3 Euro Series last year.

Formula BMW Equals Quality.

Eight drivers have so far moved into the GP2 Championship, the best-known feeder series for Formula One. Buemi, Glock and Rosberg all entered the pinnacle of motorsport in this way. Formula BMW drivers are also highly prized among the teams in the A1 GP World Cup of Motorsport. More than 30 talented young drivers from Formula BMW have so far entered this series, where they have already racked up 15 wins between them. Former Formula BMW drivers also make up almost one third of the line-up in the new FIA Formula Two Championship. These include Robert Wickens (CA), 2006 Formula BMW USA Champion, and Philipp Eng (AT), winner of the 2007 Formula BMW World Final. Numerous Formula BMW graduates have also established themselves in top-class series in the USA. The best example is Graham Rahal (US). The son of motor racing legend Bobby Rahal (US) is the first former Formula BMW driver to win a race in the popular IndyCar Series – and also the youngest driver in the history of the championship to achieve this feat. We present in-depth profiles of some of the most famous students of Formula BMW...

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Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Christian Klien. Christian Klien has made the jump from Formula BMW to Formula One. The Austrian appeared in the predecessor to the current Formula BMW series between 1999 and 2001 – and enjoyed great success. The current test and reserve driver for the BMW Sauber F1 Team claimed five overall victories and four top placings in the Rookie Cup. In the 2000 season he finished third in the Drivers’ Championship. After leaving the BMW junior racing series, the Austrian continued to be successful. In 2003 he won the Formula 3 Masters and then switched to Formula One. He went on to race in 46 Grands Prix and picked up 14 World Championship points for the Jaguar and Red Bull teams. Since the 2008 Formula One season he has been the BMW Sauber F1 Team’s third man. “In Formula BMW I learnt the basics of formula racing,” Klien recalls, “and so joining the BMW Sauber F1 Team was a bit of a homecoming for me. I was really pleased to become part of the team in 2008.”

Timo Glock. “Formula One has always been my goal,” says Timo Glock. A dream he shares with all the current Formula BMW drivers. However, hardly any other driver has made such a focused effort to make it to the pinnacle of motor racing as the German. He has caused a stir in every series he has competed in so far and has been a race-win contender right away. In 2001, he secured the German Formula BMW title and afterwards charged across the higher single-seater categories at racing speed. In Formula Three, the GP2 Series and even in the American ChampCar World Series, he made a permanent impression. In 2004, Eddie Jordan offered him the chance of proving his skills in Formula One – and again Glock delivered in fine style. At first, as test driver, he impressed the engineers with his massive technical comprehension. When he was offered the opportunity to contest his maiden Grand Prix at Montreal, he also displayed the necessary fighting spirit by finishing seventh – and scoring two World Championship points. From winning the GP2 title in 2007 he went on to join Toyota for his first complete Formula One season.

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Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Adrian Sutil. Adrian Sutil is one of the latecomers to motorsport: While many of his fellow Formula One drivers, including Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld, took their first laps in karts at a very young age, the German didn’t get behind the wheel until he was 13 and was at the time proving himself to be a gifted pianist. But once on the race track, he immediately demonstrated his exceptional driving talent and won several national and international titles. Aged 19, Sutil moved up into single-seater racing. After a magnificent win in the Swiss Formula Ford 2002 series he enjoyed a successful year in the Formula BMW ADAC Championship. He finished sixth, claiming three podium places and two pole positions along the way. After coming second in the 2005 Formula 3 Euro Series, a comfortable win at the 2006 Japanese Formula Nippon and one season as test driver in Formula One, he was signed up as a regular driver for Spyker in 2007. In his first F1 season Sutil picked up his maiden point and won a seat at Force India for 2008. At the Monaco Grand Prix of the same year he seemed on his way to his first big success: a few laps before the finish he had climbed up into fourth – but his hopes were dashed when Ferrari driver Kimi Räikkönen crashed into the back of his car. Sutil is driving for Force India again in 2009.

Nico Rosberg. Nico Rosberg, son of Formula One World Champion, Keke Rosberg, who won his title in 1982, first sat behind the wheel of a Formula One car on 3rd December 2002 in Barcelona, an opportunity awarded by BMW in recognition of his achievements in the German Formula BMW ADAC Championship, during which Rosberg won an impressive nine of 20 races. At 17 years of age, he was the youngest driver ever to take part in an F1 test. Rosberg’s performance in Barcelona earned him two further runs with the team, first in Jerez in December 2003 and again in January 2004 in Barcelona. The BMW WilliamsF1 Team subsequently signed Rosberg as its test driver for the 2005 season, a year in which he also competed in the GP2 Championship – and immediately triumphed. Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director, explained: “Promoting, supporting and observing young drivers plays a key role in securing the future of this sport at the highest level. In 2002, Nico Rosberg came out on top of the Formula BMW series against 28 other talented drivers helped, in part, by the diverse training programme that accompanies the BMW series. We’re very excited that another young man has been promoted from a new generation of drivers emerging from the pool of talent we’re nurturing.” Rosberg has been a regular Formula One driver for WilliamsF1 since 2006. 14

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Sebastian Vettel. Sebastian Vettel has rewritten history. The 2004 German Formula BMW champion is the first Formula BMW driver to have won a Formula One Grand Prix. At the 2008 Italian Grand Prix, Vettel, who had made his Formula One debut as test and reserve driver for the BMW Sauber F1 Team in 2007, impressed seasoned observers and spectators alike with his obvious ability. Driving in rainy weather amid difficult circuit conditions at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, the Heppenheim-born driver secured not only his first pole position on Saturday, but sensationally brought his Toro Rosso home in first place the next day. “A fantastic race, a fantastic weekend with pole position and a fantastic strategy this afternoon,” Vettel beamed after his victory. “The podium ceremony was unbelievable, and this is the best day of my life. I will never forget the feeling. It is unbelievable, it is better than I ever expected!” Vettel had already attracted attention while competing in Formula BMW. During his first season in the then Formula BMW Germany series he took home the Rookie of the Year award. In 2004 he made his mark like no other driver before him, scoring a scarcely believable 18 victories from 20 starts. In fact, his name still stands alongside most major Formula BMW records: a total of 23 victories, 32 podium places and 20 pole positions – plus a Formula One Grand Prix victory. “Formula BMW is the ideal springboard to a successful career as a race driver,” says Vettel. “You learn, you progress in such a way that you are able to compete at the next level. In Formula BMW you receive all the required tools.”

Sébastien Buemi. Switzerland’s Sébastien Buemi competes the 2009 Formula One season for Scuderia Toro Rosso. The 20-yearold finished the 2005 Formula BMW ADAC championship as runner-up to Nicolas Hülkenberg, another Formula BMW driver who stepped up to Formula One. “I am very happy,” Buemi commented after the announcement that he would race in Formula One. “It is almost impossible to describe how it felt when I knew that I will drive in Formula One in 2009. At the end of the day, however, it has not changed my job all that much. Now I can start working hard to ensure I am well prepared for the new season.” Buemi succeeded Vettel at Toro Rosso. “There is certainly a bit more pressure coming in just after Sebastian,” Buemi admitted. “However, he has improved the team, and I am grateful to him for this. It goes without saying that I will do my best to live up to the high standards he has set.” This marks the first time that a former Formula BMW driver has succeeded another as a regular Grand Prix driver in Formula One. It proves that Formula BMW is consistently giving talented young drivers the necessary tools to make the step up into motorsport’s elite class. 15

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Graham Rahal.

The name Rahal needs no introduction: During his successful career, Bobby Rahal celebrated three titles in the ChampCar Series and a victory in the legendary Indianapolis 500. His son Graham is aiming to achieve similar success. His career in single-seater racing started in Formula BMW USA. Following a spell in kart racing, Rahal gathered valuable experience in the FB02 car in 2004 and finished the championship in seventh. Following a further year of learning and a successful year in the ChampCar Atlantic Championship, Rahal seized the opportunity to proceed to ChampCars. In only his third race of his career he crossed the line in second, thus becoming the youngest ever driver to finish a race on the podium in this competition. In his first race of the 2008 season in St. Petersburg, he even crossed the line as winner in the newly formed IndyCar Series.

Tom Milner Jr.

One of the top young drivers in American road racing, Tom Milner Jr. used a background in the Formula BMW Americas Championship to prepare him for a career on the world’s great road courses. Milner, who currently drivers the new BMW M3 for the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team in the American Le Mans Series, was a Formula BMW Scholarship recipient in 2004 as he finished eighth in the championship standings and fourth in the rookie points. He moved from Formula BMW Americas to an ALMS BMW in 2004 and has been a consistent threat for a podium finish ever since.

The Stars of Tomorrow.

Numerous graduates of the Formula BMW series have proven that they have what it takes to make it to the very top. Get to know some of the promising candidates.

Nicolas Hülkenberg.

Nicolas Hülkenberg received an early Christmas present on 13th December 2007, when Williams confirmed him as their Formula One test driver for the 2008 season. The young gun had experienced his first drive in a Formula One car in Jerez de la Frontera. “The speed and brakes were out of this world,” said Hülkenberg. “Now I know why it is important to get a lot of experience in the lower classes before moving up to Formula One.” He started gaining experience in the Formula BMW ADAC Championship, which he won in 2005, picking up eight victories along the way. The following year he made a lasting impression in both the German Formula Three Championship, in which he came fifth overall, and in A1GP. Here, he led A1 Team Germany to nine victories and the overall title. Hülkenberg also coped well with the Formula 3 Euro Series in 2007: He climbed to the top of the podium on four occasions, and finished his Rookie season in third place overall, just to claim the title one year later. Hülkenberg will again be a WilliamsF1 test driver in 2009. 16

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

James Hinchcliffe.

James Hinchcliffe won three races on his way to a rookie point title and a second-place finish in the 2004 Formula BMW Americas standings and the Canadian hasn’t slowed down since. Currently competing in the Firestone Indy Lights series, Hinchcliffe has shown to be one of the bright young stars of racing both on and off the track. He scored victories in the Champ Car Atlantics series in 2006 and 2008 before joining the Indy Lights series in 2009.

Daniel Morad.

2007 Formula BMW Americas champion Daniel Morad made his second season in the series count, winning four of the year’s first five races, including a victory that sparked a post-race fence climbing at Indianapolis. Morad stormed to the 2007 title after winning Rookie-of-the-Year honors in 2006. A winner in just his second Formula BMW Americas event, Morad continues to climb the open-wheel ladder and was named to drive the Team Lebanon entry in A1GP competition this year.

Simona de Silvestro.

Simona de Silvestro made her name with a strong 2006 season in the Formula BMW Americas Championship, and used that momentum to make her mark in open-wheel racing. A fourth-place finish in the 2006 Formula BMW Americas standings earned her a opportunity in the Champ Car Atlantics series, where she became just the second female driver to win a series race, taking the 2008 season opener at Long Beach.

Jonathan Summerton.

Jonathan Summerton cut his racing teeth as a championship threat in the Formula BMW Americas Championship as he battled his way to a third-place finish in the series’ inaugural year of 2004. Summerton had a strong season, scoring four victories and four poles including a win at Indianapolis and a pair over the weekend at Cleveland. Currently he is running in the Firestone Indy Lights series. One of the top American open-wheel drivers, Summerton has earned wins in the F3 Euro Series, A1GP and Champ Car Atlantic competition over the last three years.

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Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Robert Wickens.

For two years Robert Wickens made his mark on what used to be Formula BMW USA. Between 2005 and 2006 the Canadian celebrated five victories and picked up more points than any other driver. In 2006 he became the first Canadian champion. Following this triumph, Wickens’ career continued to bloom. In 2007 he lined up in the ChampCar Atlantic Series, in A1GP and in the World Series by Renault. Last year he finished sixth in the Formula 3 Euro Series and will this year compete in the maiden FIA Formula Two Championship.

Bruno Senna.

As nephew of the three-time Formula One world champion, Ayrton Senna (BR), pursuing a career in motorsport is a brave decision. Comparisons with the idol of millions of people around the world can generate a pressure that is hard for a young racing driver to deal with. However, Bruno Senna (BR) has managed. He has meticulously pressed ahead with his career in open-wheel racing, and has made it to the top of the GP2 Series. In 2004 he competed in the Formula BMW UK Championship, including races at the classic circuits of Brands Hatch and Rockingham. In the 2008 GP2 Series, Senna finished second, scoring two wins and three pole positions. He also completed his first Formula One test at Barcelona last year. And so it looks more than likely that another former Formula BMW star will soon make the step up to Formula One. This would also mean a return to the top level of motorsport for the name ‘Senna’.

Ho-Pin Tung.

If motorsport were an Olympic discipline, then Ho-Pin Tung may well have had the honour of representing his home nation China at the Beijing Games: he is the most successful Chinese motorsport star to date, having successfully stepped on to the international stage. Tung took his first steps in Formula BMW Asia. Ten wins and twelve pole positions saw him make quite a name for himself, and he topped the drivers’ rankings in impressive fashion. At the end of the season, there was a special highlight in store: he became the first Chinese to take a Formula One test drive with the BMW WilliamsF1 Team. After three years in Formula 3, and winning the German Championship in 2006, Tung switched to the GP2 Series in 2007. He recorded his best result in this championship to date in Monaco last year, where he finished on the podium in second place.

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Formula BMW Americas 2009.

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Formula BMW Americas 2009.

The Fastest School in the World. BMW’s support program ensures that ambitious and talented drivers are provided with the best possible preparation for their careers in international motorsport. Imparting this knowledge is one of Formula BMW‘s major objectives. The BMW Motorsport Education and Coaching Program is available to all drivers and forms the cornerstone of Formula BMW’s successful concept. The program broadens the horizons of the teenagers by honing not only their on-track skills, but also by providing vital guidance regarding their off-track conduct – both of which are essential to the drivers’ quest to reach the top of their profession.

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The curriculum of the renowned BMW Motorsport Education and Coaching Program includes technical aspects, such as working with data acquisition and car set-up, driving style and tactics, fitness and nutrition, and sponsor and media relations. Experienced instructors – among them current BMW works drivers – brief the young guns with valuable circuit analysis and tips prior to each race – particularly braking points and ideal cornering lines. Tuition aimed at improving lap times is also provided as part of individual debriefs after each session. Whether it be racecraft during the race weekend, tactics or set-up – with each race analysis the teenagers gain experience which will stand them in good stead in their future careers.

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

The Formula BMW Juniors. “A well-rounded support and education package lays the foundation, thus enabling the young drivers to meet the ever-increasing demands of their careers,“ says BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. In order to achieve these objectives, Formula BMW provides the drivers with the best possible tutors. Canadian Alexander Ellis, 17, of St. Catherines, Ontario; Cuban-American Roberto Garcia, 17, of Houston, Texas, and Dominican Daniel Vela, 14, of Miami, Florida, were chosen from 11 participants invited to the qualifying shoot-out held at the Formula BMW Racing Center at the Circuit de la Comunitat, in Valencia, Spain. A fourth Formula BMW Junior scholarship was awarded to the winner of the 2008 Rookie Cup, Gianmarco Raimondo (US). These young men join an exclusive group of Formula BMW Americas Juniors. Since its inaugural 2004 season, Formula BMW Americas has awarded 24 Formula BMW Junior scholarships and in each year a Formula BMW Junior has figured at the top of the results: 2004 Rookie Champion: James Hinchcliffe (CA) 2005 Overall and Rookie Champion: Richard Phillippe (FR) 2006 Overall Champion: Robert Wickens (CA) 2007 Overall Champion: Daniel Morad (CA) 21

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

FB02 – The Car that’s Making the Difference. 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. A cursory glance proves that the FB02 is a true-blue BMW. In collaboration with BMW’s California subsidiary DesignworksUSA, the hallmark styling cues of the BMW “Kidney Grille” provide the focal point for the integrated design of the FB02. Focus on Safety. Numerous factors go to explain why Formula BMW has secured such a strong reputation for being an incredibly safe entry-level racing series. When developing the FB02, BMW’s objective was to exceed the safety requirements of this class. And they succeeded: some elements of the FB02 even meet Formula One safety standards. “Our most important consideration in conceiving and designing the FB02 was to ensure the highest possible safety standards of single-seater racing,” says BMW

22

Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. That the objective was achieved was underlined last year, when Formula BMW celebrated its 350th race without serious injury to any of its competitors. Examples of the attention paid to safety standards are everywhere: the driver safety cell consists of an immensely strong and resilient monocoque formed from a carbon-fibre and Kevlar® sandwich construction. This not only provides a light, stress-bearing structure, but also one with impressive rigidity offering the best possible protection against penetration, resulting from its Kevlar® fibre construction. The FB02’s energyabsorbing deformable front and rear crash structures draw on Formula One technology, as do the Kevlar wheel retention tethers and energyabsorbing head restraints. Two features in particular testify to the safety standards found in this globally successful junior racing series. Formula BMW was the first entry-level formula to mandate HANS (Head And Neck Support), just one year after it was introduced in Formula One. It minimises serious neck injury by limiting the maximum extension of the neck in the event of an accident.

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

FORS, the innovative rescue seat developed by BMW Motorsport specifically for Formula BMW, permits rapid response rescue in the event of emergencies and minimises the potential of increasing injury during extrication from the crashed vehicle. High Speed + Low Weight = Performance. However, safety is not the only impressive feature in Formula BMW. The FB02 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than four seconds, and can reach a top speed of 230 km/h. The 140 bhp, in-line, four-cylinder engine is responsible for these impressive figures. The 1.2-litre power train is equally impressive, and its maximum engine speed of 9,250 rpm corresponds to that of a typical racing engine.

The combination of compact design and horizontal cylinders ensure a low centre of gravity, which benefits the driving properties. The Hewland sequential gearbox incorporating six forward speeds plus reverse is employed to ensure optimum power transmission. This unit was derived from Formula 3, meaning it is well suited to achieve longer durability in Formula BMW. Tuning restricted. The Formula BMW regulations allow defined set-up changes of the FB02 to meet the characteristics of different circuits; the variables are aerodynamic set-up through front and rear wing angle changes, damper adjustment in bump and rebound, and choice of gear ratios or suspension set-up (ride height, camber, caster).

The cars may not be technically modified or tuned in any way, which ensures equal chances for all drivers while still providing, through the permitted changes, the essential technical education and experience required for their future careers. Data Analysis for Faster Lap Times. Basic speed and a competitive car is no longer enough to guarantee a racing driver success in today’s world of motorsport. Nowadays the driver must work together with his engineer to find the perfect set-up, in order to then be able to get the most out of his material. This is precisely why, in Formula BMW, the drivers learn the basics of data analysis, which forms the basis for any successful set-up work. The available data includes acceleration, braking and shear forces, brake pressures, travel of dampers, wheel speeds or throttle positions. The data is analysed in detail, in order to come to the right conclusions and achieve maximum speed out on the track.

23

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

FB02 – Technical Specifications. Engine.



Type: Water-cooled, flat, in-line four-stroke, four-cylinder engine, twin overhead camshafts, electronic fuel injection No. of valves: 16 Max output: 140 bhp at 9,000 rpm Max torque: 128 Nm at 6,750 rpm Displacement / bore x stroke: 1,171 cc / 70.5 x 75 mm Compression ratio: 11.5:1 Lubrication: Pressurized circulating lubrication with centrifugal force controlled scavenging valve Fuel tank capacity: 42 litres, FIA FT 3 spec Exhaust system: High-performance header, closed-loop 3-way racing catalyst Weight: 71 kg Engine management system: Bosch Motronic Fuel: Super plus (98 ROZ)

Gearbox.

Manufacturer/ Model: Hewland FTR 200 Type: Longitudinal sequential gearbox No. of gears: 6 forward plus reverse Differential: Limited slip Clutch: Single-disc dry clutch

Monocoque.

Construction: Carbon / Kevlar® fibre composite with aluminium honeycomb core Safety standard: FIA Formula 3 (Article 275, 2002), HANS compatible Crash structures: Carbon / Kevlar® fibre composite crash box, front and rear, steel roll hoop Seat shell: FORS (Formula Rescue Seat) system made of carbon / Kevlar® fibre composite, removable, seat with spine/head support and fixation belts Safety belt: Six-point safety belt





24

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Chassis. Aerodynamics. Data Recording.

Suspension: Independent double wishbone suspension with pushrods (aerodynamic pro filed), two wheel retention tethers per front and rear wheel Shock absorbers: ZF Sachs SP 3, adjustable in bump and rebound, single damper front, two dampers at rear Springs: Coil spring (600-1,100N/cm) Wheels: OZ Racing, Magnesium alloy, one-piece, centre-locking, front 8“x13“, rear 10“x13“ Tyres: Michelin slicks and wet tires, front 20/54-13, rear 22/54-13 Brakes: Disc brake, floating, 2-piston calliper, 2 brake circuits, adjustable braking bias front to rear Steering: Rack-and-pinion steering with energy absorbing safety steering column Front wing: Main profile with adjustable flaps Rear wing: Single lower profile, adjustable double upper profile Underbody: Stepped, three section underfloor



Model: 2D Datarecording Display: Steering wheel integrated information display, 9 LED shifting lights, gear display Memory capacity: 8 MB (90 min. recording time)

Dimensions.

Length / Width / Height: 3,975 mm/ 1,740 mm/ 980 mm Wheelbase: 2,610 mm Track front / rear: 1,537 mm / 1,466 mm Overall weight (dry): 465 kg

Price.

Standard equipment: EUR 57,950 (ex factory, without VAT, incl. wheels / tyres and data recording system)

25

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Challenging Circuits. In 2009, Formula BMW Americas will visit some of the most challenging circuits in America. Bill Auberlen (US), racing for BMW Rahal Letterman Racing in the American Le Mans Series, and BMW WTCC driver Alessandro Zanardi (IT) give us his thoughts on the tracks.

26

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

21st – 22nd March 2009, Rounds 1 & 2. Autódromo Miguel E. Abed, Puebla. FIA World Touring Car Championship.

25th – 26th April 2009, Rounds 3 & 4. Virginia International Raceway, Danville. Grand-Am Sports Car Series.

Track length:

Track length:

2.01 miles

3.27 miles

2008 pole positions: not on the calendar 2008 winners: not on the calendar

2008 pole positions: not on the calendar 2008 winners: not on the calendar

Alessandro Zanardi on the Autódromo Miguel E. Abed: “The Autódromo Miguel E. Abed is a very challenging and technical track. The grip levels are really low, it’s almost like racing on a street circuit. The drivers really need to be disciplined on a track like this. I think it’s a great addition to the Formula BMW Americas calendar, and being together with the World Touring Car Championship is also something special for them. Going to a different country like Mexico to race there is a whole new experience for the kids.”

Bill Auberlen on the Virginia International Raceway: “The VIR is a very old track. It was built in the 1950s and resembles some classic Grand Prix circuits like Spa-Francorchamps. It offers big elevation and some very challenging, fast corners. But there will also be some technical sections. I think this circuit will suit Formula BMW Americas very well.”

27

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

15th – 17th May 2009, Rounds 5 – 7. Miller Motorsports Park, Tooele. American Le Mans Series.

17th – 18th July 2009, Rounds 8 & 9. Lime Rock Park, Lakeville. American Le Mans Series.

Track length:

1.39 miles

Track length:

1.53 miles

2008: 2007 pole positions: 2007 winners:

not on the calendar Esteban Gutiérrez Esteban Gutiérrez Daniel Morad Esteban Gutiérrez

2008 pole positions: 2008 winners:

Ricardo Favoretto (BR) Alexander Rossi (US) Daniel Juncadella (ES) Alexander Rossi (US)

Bill Auberlen on Miller Motorsports Park: “Miller Motorsports Park is a state-of-the-art facility set outside Salt Lake City and near the famous Bonneville Salt Flats. The track is highly technical and is well suited for Formula BMW. With fairly short straights and numerous turns that require mid-turn momentum, smooth pedal transitions will be paramount. Like other Alan Wilson-designed tracks, passing opportunities are scarce, but I am certain our talented young drivers are up to the challenge and will put on a good show.”

28

Bill Auberlen on Lime Rock Park: “Nestled in the Berkshires, Lime Rock Park is an American classic, fast and deceptively difficult. Starting with ‘Big Bend’ all of your braking is done while turning in, as the concrete patches on the outside afford poor grip. Turn Three, the only left-hander, is a classic compromise late apex for the all important right-hander on to the meandering back straight. The last three turns are very fast, very challenging and very important to your lap time. In one section the Formula BMW drivers traditionally deliver some show-stopping scenes: riding over the hump frequently has all four wheels lifting clear off the ground.”

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

14th – 16th August 2009, Rounds 10 – 12. Road America, Elkhart Lake. American Le Mans Series. Track length:

4.04 miles

2008 pole positions: 2008 winners:

Alexander Rossi (US) Alexander Rossi (US) Mikael Grenier (CA) Alexander Rossi (US) Alexander Rossi (US) Adrien Tambay (FR)

Bill Auberlen on Road America: “Road America is a classic road racing course loved by all competitors. Apart from 14 challenging turns over four miles, its long straights provide great passing opportunities. It is not uncommon for the lead to change four times per lap. However, the real challenge comes from controlling the car on the high-speed approaches and puts an emphasis on braking and shifting skills. Probably my favorite section is the uphill run out of Canada Corner. We should all look forward to an exciting contest at Elkhart Lake’s Road America.”

29th – 30th August 2009, Rounds 13 & 14. Mosport International Raceway, Bowmanville. American Le Mans Series. Track length:

2.46 miles

2008: 2007 pole positions: 2007 winners:

not on the calendar Esteban Gutiérrez Daniel Morad Alexander Rossi Daniel Morad

Bill Auberlen on Mosport: “My three all-time favorite tracks are SpaFrancorchamps, Watkins Glen and Mosport. Mosport boasts big elevation changes with blind high-speed corners. Once the home of the Canadian Grand Prix, the track has received major safety renovations. The first two turns deliver a breathtaking one-two punch followed by a quick knockout from Turn Three. It is always Mosport’s Turn Two that gets everyone’s attention.”attention.”

29

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

30

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

The Maxim: Equal Opportunity. “Despite the professional standard Formula BMW has reached in recent years, our aim remains to ensure that pure talent – not the biggest budget or the most impressive technical resource – is the deciding factor in Formula BMW,” says BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. The regulations for Formula BMW Americas have therefore been framed accordingly. All drivers are competing with the FB02 singleseater race car. No team is permitted to seek performance advantages through technical modifications or testing over and above those sessions permitted by the regulations.

Action Guaranteed.

The 2009 Formula BMW Americas season is made up of 14 races spread over six weekends. Two of these races are on the same bill as the FIA World Touring Car Championship, while two form part of the support program for the GrandAm Sports Car Series. The remaining rounds will be held at American Le Mans Series events. Each weekend consists of a free practice session, qualifying and two or three races. Each race lasts for approximately 25 minutes from the start of race signal to chequered flag. Excitement is the essence of racing. Accordingly the Formula BMW Americas points’ structure ensures a thrilling championship. Not only are the 10 best-placed finishers in each race awarded points, but the top qualifier is also rewarded. Motorsport newcomers in their very first season are also eligible for a separate prize fund in the Rookie Cup. Should a race be interrupted, full points will be awarded if at least 75 % of the distance has been completed. In the event that more than 50 % but less than 75 % has been completed, half points will be scored. Should the race leader have completed less than 50 % of the total distance at the point of interruption, no points shall be awarded.

31

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

The points’ structure is as follows: Pos. Pts.

1 20

2 15

3 12

4 10

5 8

6 6

7 4

8 3

9 2

10 1

Example: a Rookie qualifies fastest and finishes eighth in the race. As a result he scores three points in both the overall series classification and the Rookie Cup. The additional point scored for pole position gives him a total of four points in both categories

Who will succeed Rossi? All the drivers in Formula BMW Americas have a single aim: they hope to end the season as the “Formula BMW Americas Champion 2009” – and step into the footprints of last year’s champion, Alexander Rossi. The newcomers with no previous racing experience will also race for the “Formula BMW Americas Rookie of the Year 2009” award, while the teams will fight it out for the “Formula BMW Americas Team Trophy 2009”.

Test Days. Strictly controlled testing regulations serve two purposes: not only is a level playing field ensured, but costs are contained. All drivers in Formula BMW Americas have the opportunity to attend Official Tests organized by the series. Formula BMW Americas will offer a maximum of five official two-day tests (including the annual Introductory Test).

32

The Introductory Test was held at Carolina Motorsports Park on 3rd / 4thMarch. The course refreshed driver skills and orientated newcomers by providing pointers to the FB02, the regulations and race weekend operations, in order to prepare fully and with maximum safety for the season opener. Apart from Official Tests, private tests are severely limited. To avoid potentially unfair advantage, there is a rule prohibiting drivers registered for Formula BMW Americas from competing in any other series. A driver may compete in no more than two race events in another category or three race events in Formula BMW Europe or Formula BMW Pacific to ensure that no unfair advantage is gained by the better funded drivers over those with limited financial resources.

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Technical Regulations.

Prize Fund.

“It is forbidden to add or omit material, or modify in any manner, unless expressly permitted to do so by the regulations” – This citation from the Technical Regulations perfectly summarizes the stringent rules, which permit only routine maintenance and repair of the Formula BMW FB02 but no modifications of any kind. All of the engines for the international series are prepared by Schnitzer Motorsport in Freilassing (Germany). This guarantees that they all correspond to the specified performance. Service work is performed exclusively by BMW technicians, which prevents any modifications to the engine. This is the foundation of Formula BMW’s equal opportunities philosophy and one of the main factors for exciting battles on track.

Prize money is awarded on the following basis:

Each team is permitted to draw two sets of new tires per car from the official stock provided by the Michelin Race Service at each race event. In addition, each team is permitted to use one set of tires per car that have been used previously in the series for the Free Practice Session. All tires are registered and barcoded, and are subject to checks during the course of the race weekend. The minimum weight of the car in race trim, including drivers wearing full safety gear (helmet, overall, etc.), is 550 kilograms.

Pos. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Final Series Standing Pos. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Overall USD 1 1,250 USD 9,000 USD 7,500 USD 6,750 USD 6,000 USD 5,250 USD 4,500 USD 3,000 USD 2,250 USD 1,500

Per Race Prize Fund

Overall USD 900 USD 675 USD 525 USD 450 USD 375 USD 300 USD 225 USD 150 USD 75 USD 75

Rookie Cup USD 6,000 USD 4,500 USD 3,750 USD 3,000 USD 2,250 -

Rookie Cup USD 450 USD 375 USD 300 USD 225 USD 150 -

In addition, the “Formula BMW Americas Rookie of the Year 2009” may receive a Scholarship worth $ 80,000 for Formula BMW Americas 2010.

33

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Drivers 2009.

34

Gabby Chaves

Daniel Vela, Rookie

Wilson Philippe, Rookie

Eurointernational, Colombia

Eurointernational, Dominican Republic

Euro Junior Team, France

Date of birth: 7th July 1993 Place of birth: Bogota (CO) Hobbies: running, karting Favorite driver: Ayrton Senna (BR) Favorite circuit: Shanghai (CN)

Date of birth: 24th December 1993 Place of birth: Santo Domingo (DO) Hobbies: barefoot waterskiing Favourite driver: Michael Schumacher (DE) Favourite circuit: Valencia (ES)

Date of birth: 6th March 1993 Place of birth: Valence (FR) Hobbies: graphic design, playing guitar Favourite driver: Jackie Stewart (GB) Favourite circuit: : Le Mans (FR)

Formula BMW history: 4th place overall 2008 Formula BMW Pacific

Formula BMW history: -/-

Formula BMW history: -/-

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Giancarlo Vilarinho

Barrett Mertins, Rookie

Alexander Ellis, Rookie

Eurointernational, Brazil

Jensen Motorsport, USA

Autotecnica, Canada

Date of birth: 4th February 1992 Place of birth: Sao Paolo (BR) Hobbies: tennis Favourite driver: Ayrton Senna (BR) Favourite circuit: Interlagos (BR)

Date of birth: 30th June 1990 Place of birth: Alexandria (US) Hobbies: skiing, longboarding Favourite driver: Kimi Räikkönen (FI) Favourite circuit: Monaco (MC)

Date of birth: 25th September 1991 Place of birth: St. Catharines (CA) Hobbies: snowboarding, golf Favourite driver: Lewis Hamilton (GB) Favourite circuit: Mosport (CA)

Formula BMW history: 6th place overall 2008 Formula BMW Americas

Formula BMW history: -/-

Formula BMW history: -/-

35

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

36

Joao Horto, Rookie

Martin Sala, Rookie

James Kovacic, Rookie

Team Apex, Brazil

Team Apex, Colombia

Team Apex, Australia

Date of birth: 29th September 1990 Place of birth: Londrina (BR) Hobbies: karting Favourite driver: Ayrton Senna (BR) Favourite circuit: Londrina (BR)

Date of birth: 16th August 1991 Place of birth: Bogota (CO) Hobbies: video games Favourite driver: Juan Pablo Montoya (CO), Lewis Hamilton (GB) Favourite circuit: Monaco (MC)

Date of birth: 16th July 1993 Place of birth: -/Hobbies: karting, radio-controlled cars Favourite driver: Kimi Räikkönen (FI) Favourite circuit: Newcastle kart track (US)

Formula BMW history: -/-

Formula BMW history: -/-

Formula BMW history: -/-

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Robert Garcia, Rookie

Freddy Zebede

Michael Lewis, Rookie

Robali Motorsports, USA

Jensen Motorsport, Panama

Eurointernational, USA

Date of birth: 27th December 1990 Place of birth: Houston (US) Hobbies: racing, soccer Favourite driver: Ayrton Senna (BR) Favourite circuit: Spa-Francorchamps (BE)

Date of birth: 24th May 1991 Place of birth: Panama-City (PA) Hobbies: fishing, tennis Favourite driver: Michael Schumacher (DE) Favourite circuit: Road America (US)

Date of birth: 24th December 1990 Place of birth: Laguna Beach (US) Hobbies: skiing, soccer Favourite driver: Alessandro Zanardi (IT) Favourite circuit: Monza (IT)

Formula BMW history: -/-

Formula BMW history: -/-

Formula BMW history: -/-

37

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Gianmarco Raimondo Autotecnica, Canada Date of birth: 28th November 1990 Place of birth: St. Catharines (CA) Hobbies: playing drums, skiing, video games Favourite driver: Gilles Villeneuve (CA), Jarno Trulli (IT) Favourite circuit: Interlagos (BR), Montreal (CA), Sebring (US) Formula BMW history: 3rd place overall 2008 Formula BMW Americas, 1st Rookie Cup 38

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Teams 2009. Autotecnica.

Jensen Motorsport.

Contact: Phone: Email: Internet: Drivers:

Contact: Phone: Email: Internet: Drivers:

Enrico Diano +1 416 678 8277 [email protected] www.autotecnicagroup.com Alexander Ellis (14), Gianmarco Raimondo (50)

Eric Jensen +1 905 987 7778 [email protected] www.jensenmotorsport.com Barrett Mertins (13), Freddy Zebede (24)

Eurointernational.

Robali Motorsports.

Contact: Phone: Email: Internet: Drivers:

Contact: Phone: Email: Internet: Driver:

Antonio Ferrari +1 317 876 0950 [email protected] www.eurointernationalgroup.com Gabby Chaves (2), Daniel Vela (5), Giancarlo Vilarinho (9), Michael Lewis (42)

Andres van der Dys +1 713 539 5570 [email protected] www.robali.com Robert Garcia (21)

Euro Junior Team.

Team Apex.

Contact: Phone: Email: Internet: Driver:

Contact: Phone: Email: Internet: Drivers:

Alexandra Blackman +1 317 873 0526 [email protected] www.eurointernationalgroup.com Wilson Philippe (6)

Martin Bates +1 317 603 2741 [email protected] www.teamapexusa.com Joao Horto (18), Martin Sala (19), James Kovacic (20)

39

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Did You Know…? Did you know…that Formula BMW has

produced five current regular Formula One drivers? Nico Rosberg, Adrian Sutil, Timo Glock, Sebastian Vettel and Sébastien Buemi are all contesting the FIA Formula One World Championship in 2009.

Did you know...that in addition to BMW

Sauber F1 Team test and reserve driver Christian Klien one other former Formula BMW driver has secured a Formula One test seat? It’s Nico Hülkenberg.

Did you know…that Alexander Rossi

was not only the first US American to win the Formula BMW Americas title but also the first non-European driver to win the Formula BMW World Final in 2008?

Did you know…that Formula BMW

ped by BMW Motorsport specifically for Formula BMW? The Formula Rescue Seat permits rapid yet careful driver extraction in the event of a serious accident and has now been adopted in other categories.

Did you know…that the FB02 will easily beat any BMW road car track lap time, even a BMW M6?

Did you know…that the FB02 is powered

by an in-line four-cylinder engine producing 140 bhp?

Did you know...that in 2009 13 drivers

representing eight nations will contest Formula BMW Americas?

Did you know...that Alexander Rossi

scored seven hat-tricks in 2008? In fact, in one race he took victory, pole position and set the fastest lap.

Did you know...that in 2009 no Formula

from 0 to 100 km/h in less than four seconds?

Did you know…that Formula BMW was

Did you know…that the last race of the

Did you know...that in 2009 Formula

Did you know…that with his 23 victo-

the youngest driver ever to have won a Formula BMW Americas or Formula BMW USA race? He was just 15 years, three months and 21 days old when he clinched victory in Laguna Seca in 2005.

rad won the last Formula BMW USA title, while Esteban Gutiérrez claimed the Rookie Cup?

BMW Americas entrant will carry the Number One plate on his car as last year’s champion Alexander Rossi has left the series?

Juniors not only participate in the BMW Motorsport Education and Coaching Program, but also receive financial support packages worth $80,000 each?

Did you know…that Richard Philippe is

Did you know…that in 2007 Daniel Mo-

Did you know…that the FB02 accelerates the first entry-level formula to make the HANS system compulsory? The Head And Neck Support System prevents whiplash in the event of an accident, and is also mandatory in Formula One.

BMW will be staged alongside Formula One Grands Prix no less than nine times?

40

Did you know…that FORS was develo-

ries, 32 podium places and 20 pole positions Sebastian Vettel is the most successful Formula BMW driver ever?

Did you know…that Nico Hülkenberg was the first Rookie in any Formula BMW series to win not just the Rookie Cup but also the overall title in the 2005 Formula BMW ADAC Championship in Germany?

2008 Formula BMW Americas season had the tightest finish? Alexander Rossi crossed the finish line in São Paulo just 0.889 seconds ahead of Adrien Tambay.

Did you know…that there were five dif-

ferent race winners in the 2008 Formula BMW Americas season?

Did you know…that champion Alexander

Rossi completed more laps in the lead (134) than any other driver in the 2008 Formula BMW Americas season?

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Did you know…that Wilson Philippe is the younger brother of 2005 Formula BMW USA champion Richard Philippe?

Did you know…that extreme sports

enthusiast and journalist Dirk Gion attempted to break the speed world record for wind-driven vehicles in 2007, sitting in an FB02 while holding a kite?

Did you know…that Indy 500 winner

Bobby Rahal is now responsible for organizing the Formula BMW Americas series?

Did you know…that, with a maximum

9,250 rpm, the BMW engine used in the FB02 is by far the highest-revving entry-level engine, including Indy Lights or Formula 3, only 500 revs away from the top revs of a NASCAR engine?

41

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Statistics. Most Formula BMW Wins. Pos. 1 2 4 5

Driver Sebastian Vettel Marchy Lee Ying-Kin Alexander Rossi Esteban Gutiérrez Ho-Pin Tung Earl Bamber Jazeman Jaafar

Nat. DE HK US MX CN NZ MY

Series Formula BMW ADAC Championship Formula BMW Asia Formula BMW USA and Americas Formula BMW USA and Europe Formula BMW Asia Formula BMW Asia Formula BMW Asia

Years 2003 – 2004 2003 – 2004 2007 – 2008 2007 – 2008 2003 2006 2007

Wins 23 13 13 11 10 10 10

Most Formula BMW Podium Finishes. Pos. Driver Nat. Series 1 Sebastian Vettel DE Formula BMW ADAC Championship 2 Sébastien Buemi CH Formula BMW ADAC Championship 3 Maximilian Götz DE Formula BMW ADAC Championship 4 Adrien Tambay FR Formula BMW Germany and Europe Esteban Gutiérrez MX Formula BMW USA and Europe 6 James Grunwell TH Formula BMW Asia

Years 2003 – 2004 2004 – 2005 2002 – 2003 2007 – 2008 2007 – 2008 2006 – 2007

Podiums 32 26 24 21 21 19

Most Formula BMW Pole Positions. Pos. 1 2 4

42

Driver Sebastian Vettel Ho-Pin Tung Esteban Gutiérrez Marchy Lee Ying-Kin Marcus Ericsson Alexander Rossi

Nat. DE CN MX CN SE US

Series Formula BMW ADAC Championship Formula BMWAsia Formula BMW USA and Europe Formula BMW Asia Formula BMW UK Championship Formula BMW USA and Americas

Years 2003 – 2004 2003 2007 – 2008 2003 – 2004 2007 2007 – 2008

Poles 20 12 12 11 11 11

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Most Formula BMW Americas Wins. Pos. 1 2 3 5

Driver Alexander Rossi Daniel Morad Robert Wickens Reed Stevens Jonathan Summerton Andreas Wirth Kevin Lacroix Esteban Gutiérrez

Most Formula BMW Americas Pole Positions. Nat. US CA CA US US DE CA MX

Wins 13 7 5 5 4 4 4 4

Most Formula BMW Americas Podium Finishes. Pos. 1 2 3 5

Driver Alexander Rossi Reed Stevens Robert Wickens Daniel Morad Andreas Wirth

Nat. US US CA CA DE

Podiums 17 13 12 12 11

Pos. 1 2 3 5

Driver Alexander Rossi Esteban Gutiérrez Jonathan Summerton Richard Philippe Matt Lee

Nat. US MX US FR US

Poles 10 9 6 6 5

Formula BMW Americas. Year Champion Nat. Rookie Cup Winner 2008 Alexander Rossi US Gianmarco Raimondo

Nat. CA

Formula BMW USA. Year 2004 2005 2006 2007

Champion Andreas Wirth Richard Philippe Robert Wickens Daniel Morad

Nat. DE FR CA CA

Rookie Cup Winner James Hinchcliffe Richard Philippe Daniel Morad Esteban Gutiérrez

Nat. CA FR US MX

43

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Official Partner.

Cadence Design Systems enables global electronic design innovation and plays an essential role in the creation of today’s integrated circuits and micro-electronics systems. Customers use Cadence software and hardware, methodologies, and services to design and verify advanced semiconductors and electronic systems used in consumer electronics, networking and telecommunications equipment, computers, automotive systems and more. The company is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., with sales offices, design centres, and research facilities around the world to serve the global electronics industry. For further information please visit www.cadence.com

Gauteng Motorsport Company was established by the Gauteng provincial government to attract investment and tourism to the province through international motorsport. The first event was the GO-GP.ORG A1GP Gauteng, the fifth round of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in February. The next event is the sixth round of the FIM World Super Bike championship at Kyalami on May 15, 16 and 17. Gauteng Province is an economic hub of South Africa, contributing to 35% of the country’s GDP and 10% of the African continent’s GDP. The province offers a diverse range of opportunities from, tourism, commerce, investment, an established automotive manufacturing industry and a new motor sports lifestyle and development initiative. It is gearing itself toward becoming a “knowledge economy” concentrating on growing the ICT, BPO & BioTechnology sectors. Gauteng has a history of hosting the South African Formula 1 Grand Prix and other premium international sport events. The domain name GO-GP.ORG acts as a portal for grand prix fans, tourists and investors to access the province’s exciting offerings and at the same time become part of a new international Grand Prix Membership Club. For further information please visit www.go-gp.org

44

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Premier Technical Partner.

Think Castrol and you think performance lubricants. Whether on the race track or on the road, the Castrol name is synonymous with the most technically advanced lubricants available. With operations in some 70 countries, and over 100 agencies worldwide, Castrol meets the diverse needs of customers across the globe. Best known for its automotive lubricants, Castrol also produces lubricants for commercial vehicles, construction equipment, for industry and for the marine sectors. Castrol’s pioneering spirit and its involvement in the heat of competition can be traced to the company’s very earliest days. Founder, Charles Cheers Wakefield believed passionately in building the Castrol brand through an association with record-breaking achievements on land, water and in the air. As early as 1910, Wakefield produced a series of publications to chronicle Castrol’s contribution to these achievements - a legacy that remains to this day. Castrol continues to follow a philosophy of using motorsport to improve its products, pushing back technological barriers and forcing lubricants to the extremes of performance in a variety of applications. As an expert in finding ways to improve performance, Castrol, through its application of analysis, technology and innovation is able to provide unique insights into what it takes to create a winning performance in football.

Castrol highlighted this expertise through its proud sponsorship of the UEFA EURO 2008™ and is on the road to continue this success with its sponsorships of the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and 2014 FIFA World Cup™. Research and development is carried out in laboratories around the world, working closely with leading manufacturers, scientific and technical centres and universities. This background has earned Castrol an unparalleled reputation for innovation and quality. Today, Castrol is part of the BP Group - one of the three largest integrated energy companies in the world employing over 100,000 employees. The combination of the Castrol and BP lubricants businesses provides new and exciting opportunities for the future and places the company in the world’s top three lubricants manufacturers. 2009 sees Castrol continue in its Strategic partnership with the BMW Group and with BMW Motorsport. This partnership remains imperative to Castrol’s never-ending development of high quality products, both for competition racers and the production car owners around the world. Castrol is the official technical partner of Formula BMW. For further information please visit www.castrol.com 45

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Technical Partner.

Ferodo, originally founded in 1897, has become a leader in braking technology, renowned for its technological developments, and its presence in Formula One and racing around the world. Ferodo has used technology gleaned on the race course further to develop products for road-going vehicles, and now offers a range of braking products specifically designed for racing, high-performance and road-use, as well as expanding the original range of brake pads and shoes to a comprehensive range of brake discs, hydraulics and fluids. Ferodo is the brand chosen as the brake pad for all the Formula BMW series. For further information please visit www.ferodo.co.uk

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Michelin has been involved in motorsport for more than 100 years as the leading tire manufacturer worldwide. In 1977, for instance, the French company revolutionized Formula One with the introduction of radial tire technology. Thanks to a continuous knowledge transfer between series production and motorsport, both areas have been supporting each other successfully for years. The brand with the Michelin Man has been a reliable racing sports partner of BMW for years and will continue to be the official tire supplier of all Formula BMW series worldwide during the 2009 season.

OZ is synonymous with sportivity, excellence, prestige, tradition, elegance, performance and technology. OZ brand awareness comes mainly from the racing activities done in the past: since 1984 OZ’s partners have won more than 100 titles in the most important worldwide competition. OZ in 2009 celebrates 25 years in F1 and 20 in WRC. Since 2003 OZ has cooperated with BMW Motorsport supplying, as exclusive partner, the Formula BMW teams. The collaboration with the BMW Sauber F1 Team started in 2006 – first – as Technical Supplier and from 2008 as Official Supplier.

For further information please visit www.michelin.com

For further information please visit www.ozracing.com

ZF Sachs AG, the Powertrain and Suspension division of ZF Friedrichshafen AG, has already been supporting Formula BMW in global motorsport for several years. This series has produced many hopeful talents over the years, who eventually made it into Formula One. All Formula BMW vehicles are equipped with reliable clutches and dampers from Schweinfurt. In addition to that, ZF Sachs is also “Official Supplier” of the BMW Sauber F1 Team and supplies the high-tech rotational dampers for the BMW Sauber F1.09. That way motorsport is an excellent way to showcase the excellent performance of automotive components from ZF Sachs under extreme conditions. For further information please visit www.zf.com

Formula BMW Americas 2009.

Official Supplier.

PUMA is one of the world’s leading sportlifestyle companies that designs and develops footwear, apparel and accessories. It is committed to working in ways that contribute to the world by supporting Peace, Creativity, and SAFE Sustainability, and by staying true to the values of being Fair, Honest, Positive and Creative in decisions made and actions taken. PUMA starts in Sport and ends in Fashion. Its Sport Performance and Lifestyle labels include categories such as Football, Running, Motorsports, Golf and Sailing. The Black label features collaborations with renowned designers such as Alexander McQueen, Yasuhiro Mihara and Sergio Rossi. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Tretorn and Hussein Chalayan. The company, which was founded in 1948, distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs more than 9,000 people worldwide and has headquarters in Herzogenaurach /  Germany, Boston, London and Hong Kong. For further information please visit www.puma.com

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Contacts.

For further information on Formula BMW Americas, please contact: Series Information. Formula BMW Americas Randy Biggs Series Manager Fax: +1 614 529 7007 Email: [email protected]

Media. Formula BMW Americas Press Officer Eric Mauk Phone: +1 614 264 1254 Email: [email protected] BMW NA Motorsports Press Officer Bill Cobb Phone: +1 215 431 7223 Email: [email protected]