Second race simulation mastered in the heat of Valencia

Munich, 5th June 2012. Demanding fitness tests, in-depth theory classes and, last but not least, a comprehensive on-track session lasting three days and finishing with three test races: despite a marked increase in the intensity of the training and an extensive event plan, the young drivers in the 2012 Formula BMW Talent Cup mastered the latest course in Valencia as they continue on their road to a career as a professional racing driver.

The participants, aged between 14 and 19, spent about 12 hours in temperatures of up to 30+ degrees on the challenging former Formula One track at Valencia’s “Circuit Ricardo Tormo” – a programme that really asked questions of their fitness. It was no coincidence that, as well as the energy-sapping on-track sessions on the four-kilometre plus circuit, the drivers also underwent detailed fitness tests, having already started the training programme with an extensive fitness week in Finland. Fitness coach Moriz Wikström reported: “They all reached a good level of fitness, which gives us something to work with over the remainder of the season.”

The junior drivers from eleven countries have taken their next step towards the “Grand Final” in Oschersleben. When the course draws to an end with the highlight of the season from 14th to 16th September, this year’s class will share the bill with the DTM. And there will once again be a lot at stake: the winner of the three races in Oschersleben will receive funding from BMW for a season in a higher-level racing series in 2013.

Before then, the participants will attend a further five meetings, the contents of which will become increasingly challenging. Media and fans unable to make it to the events can follow the action during the test races by means of an online Live Timing function at http://www.motorsport-events.se/livetiming-formula-bmw/. Video reviews of the events are also available on the BMW Motorsport YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/BMWMotorsport

Dirk Adorf, BMW works driver and head instructor:

“Valencia was a very challenging event – both due to the challenging circuit and the extreme temperatures. Despite this, all the participants proved that they are ready to step up to the next level of their training to become professional racing drivers. It is now important to maintain their concentration, as the next meeting in Silverstone from 8th to 10th June is just around the corner.”

Callan O’Keeffe, first place in test races one and three:

“I had a fantastic weekend in Valencia. Winning two of three test races is a great result. I am obviously a little disappointed that I could not also win the second test race, but I learned a lot – particularly how to successfully defend my lead under pressure.”

Tristan Viidas, first place in test race two:

“Everything went perfectly for me in the second test race. I started from second and was then able to close in on Callan O’Keefe, before ultimately moving into the lead. That was a great experience and the highlight of everything I will take with me from Valencia.”

Result of test race one: 1. Callan O’Keeffe (ZA), 2. Tristan Viidas (EE), 3. Ralph Boschung (CH), 4. Marvin Dienst (DE), 5. Gianmarco Ercoli (IT), 6. Ioan Mihnea Stefan (RO), 7. Alfonso Celis (MX), 8. Louis Delétraz (CH), 9. Marco Läsch (DE), 10. Hugo de Sadeleer (CH), 11. Pieter-Jan-Michiel Cracco (BE), 12. Lukas Jäger (AT), 13. Fabian Schiller (DE), 14. Malgorzata Rdest (PL).

Result of test race two: 1. Tristan Viidas (EE), 2. Callan O’Keeffe (ZA), 3. Marvin Dienst (DE), 4. Ralph Boschung (CH), 5. Gianmarco Ercoli (IT), 6. Louis Delétraz (CH), 7. Alfonso Celis (MX), 8. Lukas Jäger (AT), 9. Marco Läsch (DE), 10. Pieter-Jan-Michiel Cracco (BE), 11. Alfonso Celis (MX), 12. Hugo de Sadeleer (CH), 13. Fabian Schiller (DE), 14. Malgorzata Rdest (PL).

Result of test race three: 1. Callan O’Keeffe (ZA), 2. Ralph Boschung (CH), 3. Gianmarco Ercoli (IT), 4. Ioan Mihnea Stefan (RO), 5. Alfonso Celis (MX), 6. Louis Delétraz (CH), 7. Lukas Jäger (AT), 8. Fabian Schiller (DE), 9. Malgorzata Rdest (PL), 10. Tristan Viidas (EE), 11. Marvin Dienst (DE), 12. Hugo de Sadeleer (CH), 13. Marco Läsch (DE), 14. Pieter-Jan-Michiel Cracco (BE).

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