Dress rehearsal in Hungary: Formula BMW drivers ready for the Grand Final

Giant leaps towards the grand finale: the young drivers in the Formula BMW Talent Cup used the final race simulations at the Hungaroring to prepare for the Grand Final of the training programme. Tests, three race simulations and intensive coaching – last weekend the Grand Prix circuit near Budapest played host to an extensive and extremely successful simulation of the season-ending event, which will be held as part of the DTM race weekend in Oschersleben from 14th to 16th September.

The pressure is mounting: the three races that form the Grand Final will decide the winner of the Formula BMW Talent Cup – and who will receive funding from BMW for the next step of their career in a higher-level single-seater racing series. The focus of the dress rehearsal at the Hungaroring was on set-up work and intensive data analysis with the driving instructors, as well as brushing up on knowledge of the rules. Just as they will be at the Grand Final, three races were held under the supervision of the permanent DTM race director Sven Stoppe at the Hungaroring last weekend, with Marvin Dienst (DE) winning one and Ralph Boschung (CH) claiming two victories.

The talented youngsters, aged 14 to 19, had exclusive access to the Hungaroring for intense testing sessions on two days. After a day without on-track action, in-depth analysis, detailed driver meetings and a media training session, the programme returned to the undulating circuit to simulate a race weekend. The Saturday featured free practice sessions, qualifying and Super Pole, while Sunday was all about the race simulations.

Dirk Adorf, BMW works driver and head instructor

“The good news is that there is enormous strength in depth in the Formula BMW Talent Cup. We can look forward to a thrilling Grand Final in Oschersleben. The class of 2012 has worked very hard all season long, and is very hungry for knowledge in many aspects. The dress rehearsal at the Hungaroring showed how this is reflected in close results. The participants in the Formula BMW Talent Cup are definitely ready for their grand finale.”

Marvin Dienst

“The whole weekend was super for me. I was always up there with the front-runners during the tests and practice sessions. I set the fastest time in qualifying and the second fastest in the Super Pole. I led the first race simulation from start to finish. The second was over far too quickly after a crash in the first corner. I made amends by finishing second in the third race. Now I am obviously looking forward to the Grand Final in Oschersleben.”

Ralph Boschung

“A good dress rehearsal for me. I got off to a good start in the first race simulation and was able to move up a few positions. In the second I actually worked my way to the very front. I led the third from start to finish. It could not have gone better. That obviously makes you hungry for more and a good result at the Grand Final. Now it is important to work even harder on the physical and psychological aspects – then anything is possible.”