Formula BMW expands

The growing importance of motor racing in the Middle East will be further signified this weekend when the Bahrain International Circuit opens up the region's first BMW Performance Centre ahead of the inaugural Formula BMW Asia Championship in 2005

Jonathan Noble Jan 5, 2005, 10:34 AM

Formula BMW has rapidly established itself as one of the best junior categories, having held successful championships in Germany, Britain and the United States. Drivers who have impressed in the category include Christian Klien, Timo Glock and Nico Rosberg.

The Middle East has now joined the list of hosts and Bahrain has been singled out by BMW as the centre of its efforts in the region. Part of that will include a special licence course and qualifying heats for scholarship to the Formula BMW Asia Championship in 2005 to take place this weekend.

BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen, who has been keen figure in making Formula BMW so successful, expressed his delight at the new Middle East initiative.

"We are delighted to have won the Bahrain International Circuit as a partner of the BMW Performance Center," he said. "The race track is brand-new and boasts first-rate safety standards. The Gulf region, moreover, offers good climatic conditions in winter as well."