Formula BMW UK - Brands Hatch - Preview

Oakes on form at Brands Hatch test session.

Bracknell, 04 April, 2006. At a bright, but cold Brands Hatch, Formula BMW
newcomer, Oliver Oakes (Carlin Motorsport) continued his impressive pre-season,
finishing quickest overall at the final Formula BMW UK Championship pre-season
test session on Monday, 03 April. The series gets underway with a race
double-header this weekend at the Kent circuit.

After finishing third fastest behind Michael Meadows (Master Motorsport) and
Jonathan Legris (Motaworld Racing) in the morning session, 2005 FIA World
Karting Champion, Oakes stamped his authority on the afternoon phase to finish
quickest driver on the Indy circuit.

The 2006 campaign looks set to be hugely competitive with an experienced group
of drivers setting the pace. Ross Curnow (Nexa Racing), Michael Meadows,
Jonathan Legris and Euan Hankey (Fortec Motorsport) all posted strong
performances, with just three tenths splitting the top group.

Niall Quinn, Carlin Motorsport's second driver, once again finished quickest
driver of this year's Rookie Cup crop and showed enough to demonstrate that he
can mix it with the more experienced Formula BMW drivers.

After finishing fastest rookie at the Oulton Park test, the 17-year old picked
up where he left off, to finish sixth fastest overall. Fellow rookies Kimiya
Sato (Rowan Motorsport) and Greg Mansell (Team SWR) completed the top three
rookie rankings, finishing ninth and tenth fastest respectively.

The single day test session, rescheduled from early March, saw a day of mixed
fortunes for Paul Rees (Coles Racing) who sustained damage to his car in the
morning session. Paul was unhurt and, with thanks to the team mechanics, was
able to make a return to the track in the afternoon.

There is a free practice for all teams at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit on 07 April.

Brands Hatch Times.
Monday, 04 March

1 Oliver Oakes (Carlin Motorsport) 46.671
2 Ross Curnow (Nexa Racing) 46.854
3 Michael Meadows (Master Motorsport) 46.863
4 Jonathan Legris (Motaworld) 46.867
5 Euan Hankey (Fortec Motorsport) 46.946
6 Niall Quinn (R) (Carlin Motorsport) 47.198
7 Niall Breen (Fortec Motorsport) 47.198
8 Michael Patrizi (Motaworld Racing) 47.275
9 Kimiya Sato (R) (Rowan Motorsport Ltd) 47.383
10 Greg Mansell (R) (Team SWR) 47.471

R indicates driver eligible for Rookie Cup

Background:
Formula BMW is the world's leading entry-level class in Formula racing. In 2006
the series will be held in Germany, the UK, Asia and the USA. Up-and-coming
drivers as young as 15-years-old are given the opportunity of entering motor
racing with the high-tech, standard FB02 race car.

This racing car has been seen on the grid since 2002 and has set standards
particularly on the safety technology front. The single-seater is propelled by
a 140 bhp BMW engine up to 230km/h and exceeds the FIA safety requirements for
its class. BMW Motorsport has developed the FORS Formula Rescue Race Seat
especially for Formula BMW. The HANS safety system is also mandatory.

In 2006, Formula BMW will be staged five times as part of the Formula One
support programme. All the series offer a multifaceted Education and Coaching
Programme as well as sponsorship for promising racing talents. The best known
alumni of this talent hothouse are Formula One drivers Ralf Schumacher,
Christian Klien and Nico Rosberg.

BMW Motorsport Director, Mario Theissen: "Formula BMW offers talented young
drivers more than just a car. In the Education and Coaching Programme we have
designed specially for them, they learn everything they need to know to hold
their own in the big wide world of motor racing. Formula BMW has shot out of
the blocks to become the top entry-level class for Formula racing worldwide".

From 13th to 16th December 2005 the Bahrain International Circuit hosted the
first Formula BMW World Final. Young racing drivers from the four regional
Formula BMW series competed against each other. The winner Marco Holzer will
get a test drive with the BMW Sauber F1 Team.

For further information contact:
Simon Breakell - mobile +44 7974 673 168, e-mail simonb@performancepr.com
OR
Florian Spinoly - mobile +44 7748 146746, e-mail florian.spinoly@bmw.co.uk