Ready for the race track: the MINI Racing Licence.

Munich. The MINI Racing Licence is a new programme launched by MINI Driver
Training for particularly ambitious drivers with a passion for motor sport. The
programme teaches participants how to control a MINI in racing conditions on a
closed track and thus gives them a full-on experience of the car's hallmark
driving fun. MINI Driver Training has assembled a team of instructors brimming
with racing experience - and led by title-winning racing driver Claudia Hürtgen
- for the programme. Over a period of two-and-a-half days, the professionals
cover the key elements of racing theory and practice. The MINI Racing Licence
is recognised by Germany's national motor sport authority, the DMSB, and
therefore qualifies the holder for acquisition of the German "A" licence, a
requirement for participation in the country's motor sport championships.

Training concludes in the MINI Challenge Race Car.
The MINI Racing Licence programme was inspired by the MINI CHALLENGE, which has
become one of the most popular brand competitions around. The participants are
therefore building up towards a full-throttle racing experience. Their
preparation sees them getting to grips with three different versions of the
MINI. The budding racing drivers take their first steps in a standard-trim MINI
Cooper S and a tuned MINI JCW before rounding off the course at the wheel of a
genuine MINI CHALLENGE racing car.

Safe driving and precise reactions.
Safety also takes top priority on the race track. To this end, the participants
learn about elements of driver safety training - such as the correct seating
position, use of the steering wheel, braking, oversteer and understeer - in the
initial theory section of the MINI Racing Licence.
On the second day, participants then practise the type of precise driving
manoeuvres only possible on closed-off race tracks. These include slalom tests
with braking through the corner, evasive manoeuvres and emergency lane changes.
The participants are then ready for their first laps in a pace car and an
introduction to driving on the racing line. In the subsequent theory section,
which culminates in a written test, the instructors cover the safety
regulations in motor sport, the significance of the various flags and the most
important stipulations of sporting law.
Day 3 is all about the racing experience. After a warm-up, participants
complete their first timed laps before an assessed free driving session with
the introduction of flags adds the icing on the cake.

Small groups for bespoke training.
In order to ensure that the training is as tailored to the individual and
effective as possible, each group is limited to eight participants. The MINI
Racing Licence training course for 2006 will take place on 29 - 31 August at
the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben. The training package costs 2,200 euros per
person, which includes full-board accommodation as well as use of the cars.

MINI Driver Training: four-wheeled fun meets safety.
The MINI Racing Licence is the latest programme offered by MINI Driver
Training. MINI Driver Training includes driver training courses for beginners
and more advanced drivers which aim to teach the participants how to retain
safe control of their vehicle at all times. The training is based on the
decades of experience amassed by BMW Driver Training. The Starter Pack is
geared towards novice drivers looking to gain a better understanding of the
technology and handling characteristics of their MINI. The Power Pack takes
place on race tracks and focuses on safe driving at high speeds with the MINI
Cooper S and MINI JCW. Back out on the road, graduates of MINI Driver Training
courses can then enjoy the benefits of being able to maintain control over
their MINI even in less frequently experienced situations, thus contributing to
overall road safety.

Further information.
Go to www.MINI.de/drivertraining, or telephone 01805-646437 (0.12 €/min)