Formula BMW: First Formula BMW World Final scheduled for 2005.

First Formula BMW World Final scheduled for 2005.

Munich, 26th November 2004. In the search for the fastest junior driver in
Formula BMW, the first Formula BMW World Final is planned for 2005, BMW
announced today on the occasion of the Essen Motor Show. The event is expected
to be held in December 2005 at a venue yet to be confirmed. Qualifying rounds
are planned for the drivers - some as young as 15 - participating in the
Formula BMW series in Germany, Asia, the USA and Britain. The winner will be
decided in a final.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen: "The internationalization of Formula
BMW has made rapid progress since the start of the first series in Germany in
2002. After the launch of Formula BMW Asia in 2003, 2004 has seen the Formula
BMW UK Championship and the US series score an instant success as well. At the
back of our minds we have always wanted to see a world final for these talented
young drivers. In 2005 the time would seem to be ripe for it."

In the last three years, Formula BMW has shot from the starting blocks to
become the leading entry-level class in Formula racing worldwide. In 2004, the
four series were staged in 14 countries on three continents. Five events formed
part of the Formula One Grand Prix support programme - at the European GP on
the Nürburgring, in Bahrain, China, Canada and the USA. 79 drivers from 28
nations took part in a total of 68 races in the four sister series.

There are many reasons behind the success of Formula BMW. There's the BMW
Education and Coaching Programme, for one. Whether it's a matter of racing
technique, chassis setup or media training, "Here our drivers learn everything
they need to know to assert themselves later on in the world of motor racing,"
says Theissen. Then there's the safety aspect. The standard FB02 race car
powered by a 140 bhp BMW motorcycle engine not only exceeds by far the
requirements of the international motor sport governing body, the FIA, but also
features extras such as the HANS system and the FORS seat specially developed
for Formula BMW. There are, furthermore, major prizes to be won not just in the
World Final: in all four series, the overall winner and best rookie are each
rewarded with scholarships. In the German Formula BMW ADAC Championship alone,
these are worth 50,000 euros to each category winner.

Press contact:
Jörg Kottmeier, tel. +49 (0) 89 - 382 23401, joerg.kottmeier@bmw.de.