Ready, steady, go: first race simulation in the Formula BMW Talent Cup

Munich, 7th May 2012. Another important section of the learning curve has been mastered: the young drivers in the 2012 Formula BMW Talent Cup successfully completed their first race simulation in Sturup/Sweden, and in doing so took a big step towards the Grand Final in Oschersleben. The programme devised for the 14 to 19-year-olds not only featured extensive test sessions on the narrow, winding track in Sturup, but also the first simulation of a qualifying session, practice starts and a test run.

In the Formula BMW Talent Cup, the junior racing drivers – most of whom come from a karting background – are given a unique step-by-step introduction to the demands of professional motor racing. The first race simulation at the second on-track event of the year represented another milestone in their development, after the 16 drivers from 11 countries had previously completed a fitness week, extensive roll-out and several media training courses. The training programme is aimed at the main goal in September: the Grand Final. BMW will fund the winner of the three races in Oschersleben for a season in a higher-level racing series in 2013.

The first qualifying and race simulation in Sturup/Sweden gave the first indication of the strength in depth of the field in the 2012 Formula BMW Talent Cup. Just one second separated pole-sitter Callan O'Keefe and the tenth fastest driver in qualifying. Callan O'Keefe (ZA) went on to narrowly defeat Alfonso Celis (MX) and Louis Deletraz (CH) in the practice race.

Dirk Adorf, BMW works driver and head instructor

"The participants in the Formula BMW Talent Cup once again gained an enormous amount of experience at the on-track event in Sturup. This time the timetable included a simulation of a qualifying session and a race, as well as practice starts. Right across the board, the young drivers mastered the new influences and impressions with great ambition and a hunger to learn, and they picked up a lot over the course of the three days. I think it was an important step in their development as professional racing drivers."

Callan O’Keeffe, first place in the qualifying and race simulations

"This weekend was very informative and a bit of a mixed bag for me. I ruined the tyres in the free practice and was unable to clock any fast times after that. This meant I did not really know how I compared to the others. I was back in business once I got the fresh set of tyres for the qualifying simulation, however. The pole position, fastest lap and first place in the race simulation might make it look as though it was easy for me. That was definitely not the case, however. It was hard work. Especially at the beginning."

Alfonso Celis, second place in the qualifying and race simulations

"Second place in the first race simulation is obviously a good result, but I would have liked to go one better. Unfortunately I made a lot of little mistakes at the start, which allowed Callan to pull away. However, that just makes me even more motivated to get my nose in front next time. I will work hard in the break before the next on-track in Valencia, and will put everything I learned this weekend into practice."

Result of race simulation, Sturup (accumulated).

Pos.          Name, Surname (Country)            Laps, Time                                     

01. #14   O’Keeffe, Callan (ZA)                     15 laps in 18:16.773 minutes

02. #04   Celis, Alfonso (MX)                        15 laps in 18:17.767 minutes

03. #03   Delétraz, Louis (CH)                      15 laps in 18:18.295 minutes

04. #02   Viidas, Tristan (EE)                        15 laps in 18:18.952 minutes

05. #05   Boschung, Ralph (CH)                   15 laps in 18:19.633 minutes

06. #12   Ercoli, Gianmarco (IT)                    15 laps in 18:20.379 minutes

07. #08   Stefan, Ioan Mihnea (RO)               08 laps in 08:25.661 minutes

08. #15   Dienst, Marvin (DE)                       15 laps in 15:46.341 minutes

09. #09   Schiller, Fabian (DE)                      15 laps in 15:50.934 minutes

10. #17   Jäger, Lukas (AT)                          15 laps in 16:02.414 minutes

11. #06   Cracco, Pieter-Jan-Michiel (BE)   15 laps in 16:02.614 minutes

12. #10   De Sadeleer, Hugo (CH)                15 laps in 16:09.792 minutes

13. #19   Läsch, Marco (DE)                         13 laps in 16:10.156 minutes

You can find more information on the Formula BMW Talent Cup and the 2012 season at www.formula-bmw.com.