Teens make history

Walker-Hansell said: "There are 15-year-olds who are more experienced than some of the older circuit racing guys. T Cars was great for me, and the chance to step up to single-seaters early has allowed me to show I can win at this level."

BMW European Touring Car Championship frontrunner Andy Priaulx has been heavily involved with the championship's driver training programme, and believes that the younger competitors acquitted themselves well.

Priaulx said: "It's fantastic for the championship because BMW has put such an emphasis on training, not just in driving, but in mental training, fitness and development. Simon has proved that 15-year-olds can perform at this level."

BMW motorsport boss Dr Mario Theissen, who was at Thruxton and presented Walker-Hansell with his trophy, was delighted with the series' British debut.

Theissen said: "The racing was exceptional. With so many new drivers out there, to see such clean racing is exactly what Formula BMW is here for. "I watched the race with Andy [Priaulx], who was taking notes on any poor driving, and we were both very pleased. Simon drove an excellent race."

The second race of the weekend fell to privateer runner Tim Bridgman, who took the victory despite the influx of professional teams into the championship.
Bridgman said: "FBMW is designed to allow those without the big budgets to fight for wins, and it's fantastic to be able to beat them when we have so little money."