Formula BMW 2006 Season Review.

[totalmotorcycle]

Formula BMW 2006 Season Review.
December 5, 2006 - BMW Press Release - Total Motorcycle - www.totalmotorcycle.com



Contents.
1. Talent support at the highest level. 2
2. Review – Profile: Formula BMW Germany. 4
3. Review – Profile: Formula BMW UK Championship. 6
4. Review – Profile: Formula BMW Asia. 8
5. Review – Profile: Formula BMW USA. 10
6. Statistics 2006. 12
7. Vietoris wins 2006 DELL Formula BMW World Final. 16


1. Talent support at the highest level.
First experiences in a competitive field.
Exciting races, close decisions and highly gifted drivers: the BMW talent promotion represented by the four international Formula BMW championships once again succeeded in wowing the motor racing fans throughout the
2006 season. In Germany, Great Britain, Asia and North America, numerous promising young guns contested the series to gain their first single-seater racing experiences - and successes.
“Formula BMW has got a major significance”, says BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. “For young drivers that have outgrown kart racing,
it represents the ideal opportunity for making their next step on the motor racing ladder.” The successful Formula BMW concept is tailor-made for young drivers who may be as young as 15 years. As equality of opportunities is set in stone in the regulations, the talent of the drivers represents the
crucial factor. All the drivers contest the races with the Formula BMW FB02 car.
Furthermore, the unique BMW education and coaching programme provides the entrants with the ammunition for a successful career. This programme comprises the professional tutelage in numerous motor racing areas such as car set-up, driving skills and tactics, fitness and nutrition or dealing with sponsors and the media. Every year, the young drivers are supported by experienced instructors such as Andy Priaulx (GBR) and the two
BMW Team Germany WTCC drivers Jörg Müller (GER) and Dirk Müller (GER).
Education programme again yields fruit in 2006.
In 2006, once again numerous participants in the education and coaching programme made use of the perfect conditions represented by this instructive year, with Robert Wickens (CAN), who secured the Formula BMW USA title, excelling in particular. Jens Klingmann (GER), Formula BMW Germany Rookie Cup winner, also participated in the support programme.
The past season featured numerous premieres. Earl Bamber (NZL) was the first New Zealander to secure the Formula BMW Asia title. The 16-year-old also clinched the Rookie Cup. Simona de Silvestro (ITA) finished fourth in
the Formula BMW USA, thus proving to be the most successful woman to have competed in Formula BMW.


Breen and Vietoris win in Great Britain and Germany.
With nine victories, Formula BMW UK Championship winner Niall Breen (IRL) established a new season record for the series and was the first Irishman
to win the championship. Henry Arundel (GBR) won the British Rookie Cup.
In Germany, Christian Vietoris (GER) proved to be the dominating force
by winning nine races and securing nine pole positions. Still, Sebastian Vettel (GER) remains the most successful Formula BMW driver of all time:
Back in 2004, the 19-year-old secured the Formula BMW Germany title by winning 18 of the season’s 20 rounds. In 2007, Vettel will be in
Formula One as the BMW Sauber F1 Team’s official test and reserve driver, thus representing the perfect example of the potential career a Formula BMW participant may experience.
DELL Formula BMW World Final takes Vietoris to Formula One.
Quite obviously, it’s the goal of the majority of the Formula BMW drivers to make it into Formula One. Christian Vietoris, the winner off the DELL Formula BMW World Final, is offered a shortcut to the pinnacle of motor racing
by BMW. On 26th November 2006, Vietoris was victorious in this competition with opponents from all parts of the world, thus securing the chance of carrying out a test for the BMW Sauber F1 Team in 2007.
The event held at Valencia’s “Circuit de la Comunitat” represented the crowning conclusion of the 2006 Formula BMW season. 36 drivers battled it out with each other and entertained the crowds with thrilling motor racing.
In the event support programme, Alessandro Zanardi (ITA) celebrated
an impressive at the wheel of a Formula One car. Vietoris delivered a flawless performance and claimed victory at the challenging track located on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. His predecessor, Marco Holzer (GER), who won the inaugural World Final held in Bahrain last year, was offered the opportunity of testing the BMW Sauber F1.06 prior to the DELL Formula BMW World Final.
At the end of the day, Formula BMW again confirmed its reputation as a talent factory and the world’s leading entry-level series for single-seater racing in 2006.
2. Review – Profile:
Formula BMW Germany.
Review: 2006 Formula BMW Germany.
Last year’s Formula BMW World Final winner, Marco Holzer, made his mark on the first race weekend of the 2006 Formula BMW Germany season by repeating his performance from Bahrain and winning the first two rounds of the season. However, he wasn’t going to win the title. The championship was clinched by the driver who finished runner-up in the season opener:
Christian Vietoris (GER). Following round three at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz, the young gun took the championship lead – and defended it until the
very end of the year. Vietoris scored points in 17 of the season’s 18 rounds.

On the way to winning the championship, he secured nine wins and a total of 16 podium finishes. Vietoris won the title as early as round 15. “This season was pure madness”, said the 17-year-old at Zandvoort, after having secured the championship. For Team Josef Kaufmann Racing, it was the second consecutive title as Nicolas Hülkenberg (GER) had won for the squad in 2005. “Christian Vietoris has won nine of the 18 rounds of the season,” said
BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. “He deserved to become the Formula BMW Germany champion.”

However, the impressive season of champion Vietoris wasn’t the only performance causing a stir in 2006, as there were numerous other Formula BMW Germany drivers also making for exciting race action. Drivers such
as Mika Mäki (FIN), Stefano Coletti (MCO), Nick de Bruijn (NLD) and
Martin Ragginger (AUT) joined Holzer and Vietoris as 2006 race winners.
In the Rookie rankings, Jens Klingmann (GER) and Philipp Eng (AUT)
took the thrilling battle for the title down to the season finale held at the Hockenheimring. Klingmann won with a 24-point lead, thus securing
the title as best newcomer.

In the past season, Formula BMW Germany attracted major interest.
Seven of the events were held as part of the DTM support programme and at Oschersleben, the young guns raced in the support programme of the
FIA World Touring Car Championship. The highlight of the season, however, was the series’ appearance as a support race for the European Formula One GP at the Nürburgring. There, Vietoris claimed victory in both races.



2006 Formula BMW Germany winners.
For Christian Vietoris, the 2005 Formula BMW season wasn’t over when the final race had been contested. Far from it. In the off-season, he really went for it and worked hard to be perfectly prepared when the 2006 season was kicked off. “I set my main focus on endurance training”, reveals Vietoris who is working as commercial apprentice in his parents’ company. “I went running
for at least one hour a day six times a week.” In addition to the physical training, he also worked on improving his racing skills. Together with his Team Principals, Josef and Lars Kaufmann, he focused for hours and hours on the data analysis.

Over the course of the 2006 season, Vietoris continued his meticulous preparation programme for every single race on site: In the evenings prior to the races, the new champion took his bicycle around the respective circuit
and marked the key sections on a “crib sheet”. In the minutes before the race start, he focused on this “crib sheet” to memorise exactly the crucial spots
of the track. This tactic turned out to be the perfect formula for success.
After all, Vietoris secured a podium finish in nearly every race and clinched
the championship title early. In addition, he opted for a very special relaxation strategy: When things got too hectic, you could see him juggling behind
the team’s tent. A skill he masters nearly as good as motor racing.
At the DELL Formula BMW World Final in Valencia, however, he once again focused on taking the Formula BMW FB02 car to the limit. Vietoris
won the exciting race – and will test a BMW Sauber F1 Team car in 2007.
When Jens Klingmann secured the Formula BMW Germany Rookie Cup
in his home race at Hockenheim, he already had ten years of motor racing experience under his belt. However, Klingmann by no means is the eldest Rookie Cup winner in the history of Formula BMW. The young racer drove
a racing kart as early as the age of five years and shocked his parents by charging through underground car parks and across farms. The reason for his unusual choice of track: Klingmann was afraid of the race track.
Today, Klingmann can only laugh about the fears he had to cope with in those days. In the meantime, his competition field are state-of-the-art racetracks also hosting Formula One races. Therefore, it doesn’t come as a surprise that it’s his goal to make it to F1. “This would be a dream come true”, Klingmann says. The 16-year-old has already proved that he’s got what it needs to succeed
in motor racing. 15 times, he finished as one of the three fastest rookies in the 18 rounds of the 2006 season. The Team Eifelland racing driver
even succeeded in securing four podium positions in the championship.

3. Review – Profile:
Formula BMW UK Championship.
Review: 2006 Formula BMW UK Championship.
Even prior to its 2006 season kick-off, the Formula BMW UK Championship attracted true British motor racing celebrities. In the past season, WTCC ace Andy Priaulx acted as the series’ official mentor and the 1992 Formula One World Champion, Nigel Mansell, was the successful series’ ambassador.
In the first eight rounds of the season alone, the extremely competitive grid came up with six different race winners. But this wasn’t the only factor again confirming the Formula BMW reputation as Great Britain’s most promising young-gun series in 2006. Also contributing to this reputation were
classic circuits such as Brands Hatch, Silverstone and Donington hosting
the 20 thrilling rounds.
Niall Breen (IRL) was the driver who turned out as best racer of the year. He did so in superior style, by winning the title with a 95-point lead over runner-up Oliver Turvey (GBR). Up to the eighth round, the championship seemed to be open but then Breen raised his game: In the following eight rounds,
he secured six race wins, thus laying the foundation stone for his title. When he was crowned new champion at Knockhill, Breen said: “It feels just great.
It’s a dream to win the championship, and I hope that this will be just the start to further successes.”
“Niall Breen is the first Irishman to ever have won the Formula BMW UK Championship”, said BMW Motorsport Mario Theissen. “Congratulations for this successful and thrilling season.” And Breen’s Fortec Motorsport Team had even more reason to cheer: Henry Arundel (GBR) secured the Rookie Cup title as best newcomer.
There are already many new talents waiting to battle it out with the established drivers in the coming season. Anthony Comas, Adrian Quaife-Hobbs,
Tom Gladdis, Henry Surtees und Oliver Webb will be participants in the 2007 Formula BMW education and coaching programme. With Surtees and
Comas following in the footsteps of Leo and Greg Mansell – the sons of the former F1 World Champion – as offspring of former Formula One aces
making their Formula BMW UK Championship debuts.


2006 Formula BMW UK Championship winners.
Niall Breen started his motor racing career on the “Green Island”, Ireland.
He was fascinated by karting already as a little boy and contested his maiden race at just eight years old. Quickly he secured his first race wins and titles
and soon Ireland’s motor racing scene got too limited for the gifted teenager. The Formula BMW UK Championship offered Breen the chance of making
the step to Great Britain. In 2005, he contested his maiden season in the young-gun series and finished a respectable twelfth. In the following season, the now 20-year-old secured the championship title.
Considering the fact that Breen is not only racing in the Formula
BMW UK Championship, but successfully studies law at the same time, his achievements are even more impressive. After all, the young man from Dundalk hasn’t got a lot of leisure time. Still, he has set himself ambitious goals both at university and in motor racing: “Next year I want to race in Formula 3”, says Breen. In the past season, he proved that he’s got what it needs to successfully do so. Following his back-to-back wins in his home event at Mondello Park, Breen most definitely was the title favourite. He secured
the title in impressive style: With 16 podium finishes – 13 of them scored consecutively – and nine wins, Breen established new Formula BMW UK Championship records in 2006.
Henry Miles Fitzalan-Howard, Earl of Arundel and Surrey: that’s the full name of the 2006 Formula BMW UK Championship Rookie Cup winner.
His rivals, however, will know the best newcomer of the season better under the short version of his name: Henry Arundel. As son of the Duke of
Norfolk, the 18-year-old driver comes from England’s oldest county and is an offspring of probably the oldest English peerage, with its history going
back to the 14th century.
With his successful Formula BMW UK Championship debut season,
Arundel made a unique family chronicle entry. With 276 points on his tally, he defeated Kimiya Sato (JPN) in the battle for the Rookie Cup title. Together
with champion Breen, Arundel provided his team, Fortec Motorsport, with the biggest success available: Both titles were secured by the same team.
In the coming season, Arundel will have the chance of making the next step on the motor racing ladder as participant in the BMW education and coaching programme.
4. Review – Profile:
Formula BMW Asia.
Review: 2006 Formula BMW Asia.
Had proof still been necessary of the Formula BMW Asia’s internationality,
the 2006 season would have delivered in great style. The 19 thrilling rounds were contested by drivers from eleven countries. And there were two
guest racers from Europe adding to the diversity. Furthermore, Earl Bamber from New Zealand was the first non-Asian but Oceanic Formula BMW Asia Champion since the foundation of the series.
The only 16-year-old made for an additional first: Bamber is the first Formula BMW Asia driver who succeeded in winning the championship and the rookie title in one season. “This means a lot to me”, he said. “It has been the first single-seater championship I have contested and to have won it in my rookie season is something special.” BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen
also paid tribute to the achievements of the champion and said: “The thrilling fourth Formula BMW Asia season is over. Earl Bamber is the first
New Zealander who succeeded in winning a Formula BMW championship. Congratulations.”
Only in the final race weekend of the season Bamber took the championship lead and secured the title. Up to then, Australian Sam Abay had held the lead. But at Zhuhai, China, Bamber displayed a stunning form and was in front in
all the three races at the 4.3-kilometre street circuit for his Team Meritus. With ten wins, 14 podium finishes and ten pole positions under his belt, Barber proved to be the dominant driver of the season and deserved to win the title.
Abay, who claimed15 podium finishes, had to settle for the still convincing runner-up position, with Daniel Ricciardio (AUS), another Oceanic
driver, coming third. Furthermore, the participant in the BMW education and coaching programme secured the runner-up position in the rookie
rankings. The BMW Juniors put in convincing displays in the past season, with James Grunwell (THA), Aaron Lim (MAS) and Dominic Storey (NZL) finishing fourth, fifth and sixth respectively, behind Ricciardio.

2006 Formula BMW Asia winners.
Earl Bamber is just 16 years old, and it was the maiden Formula BMW Asia season the young New Zealander contested. Still, the Team Meritus
driver succeeded in making his mark on the 2006 season of the extremely competitive young-gun series.
The reason is obvious: Bamber is the first driver in the Formula BMW Asia history who succeeded in securing both driver titles. In addition to
the Rookie Cup for the best newcomer, the youngster also clinched the overall championship. However, he set even more records: Bamber also is the youngest Formula BMW Asia champion of all times and the first Oceanic driver to win the championship.
Bamber discovered his motor racing talent early. At the age of eight years,
the “Kiwi” started his karting career. With three years of karting experience under his belt, he attracted the attention of top engineer Raymond Hart who offered Bamber the chance of benefiting from his 30 years of experience. Thanks to this, the reigning Formula BMW Asia champion scored numerous karting successes before moving up to single-seater racing in 2006.
Following countless race wins and championship titles, he celebrated his biggest success to date in the Junior Intercontinental A and Junior Rotax
Max New Zealand Championships and finished runner-up in the pre-final
Rota World Championship.
The reason for the young gun’s success is easy to describe: Even in critical moments, Bamber displays a truly mature attitude thus remaining master
of the situation. After all, the pressure to be travelling to the final race weekend of the 2006 Formula BMW Asia season as runner-up seemed to represent nothing more than an additional motivation for Bamber. Combined with the calm he displayed prior to, during and following the races, this could make you believe that he had been competing in single-seater racing for many years
and was clearly more mature than the usual 16-year-old.
At the end of the day, Barber convinced both on and off track. The 2006 champion was one of the most popular drivers on the grid. When an electronic problem prevented him from starting at Beijing, even his toughest rival,
Sam Abay, was disappointed that his opponent couldn’t contest the race.
Following his success in the Formula BMW Asia, the New Zealander already has set himself new goals for the near future. From November to April, he is going to contest the New Zealand Toyota Series prior to hopefully making the move to Europe. It’s Bamber’s ultimate goal to make it to Formula One – that has been waiting for a driver from New Zealand since 1984.
5. Review – Profile:
Formula BMW USA.
Review: 2006 Formula BMW USA.
It’s seems to be a kind of tradition: The battle for the Formula BMW USA title is taken down to the series’ final race weekend. Just as it was the case in the previous two seasons, the final round in the young-gun series again turned out to be the crucial one for the title decision. Therefore, excitement was guaranteed when the four title contenders, Robert Wickens (CAN), Matt Lee (USA), Simona de Silvestro (ITA) and Reed Stevens (USA), went out to contest the crucial final round at the “Mosport International Raceway”. When 16-year-old Lee crossed the line as the winner, it seemed as if he would be in the best position to secure the title. But in the end, sixth place was enough for
Wickens to clinch the title in his home race. “Robert Wickens won in a thrilling season finale against Matt Lee”, said BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. “The fact that the title fight was decided that late says a lot about the quality and competitiveness of the series.”
Wickens, who attended the BMW education and coaching programme, was over the moon: “I just can’t describe how happy I’m now”, he beamed.
“Never before have I been as nervous as I was prior to this race. It’s great to have won the championship and to have this title in my CV.” The 2006 Rookie Cup title was secured by Daniel Morad (CAN) – and of course, he did so only in the final round.
At the same time, Wickens’ EuroInternational team-mate, Simona de Silvestro, came close to becoming the first woman to secure the Formula BMW USA title, but at the end of the day, she didn’t quite make it. Still, the Italian can be proud of her achievements: with five podium finishes and having finished fourth in the championship, she proved to be the most successful women in Formula BMW history. Furthermore, she secured two third places in the rounds held in the support programme of the US Grand Prix, thus being the first women to ever have secured podium finishes at the classic “Indianapolis Motor Speedway”.
The thrilling season finale turned out to be just the highlight of an extremely successful Formula BMW USA season. 25 drivers from the US, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Jamaica and Italy were on the grid for the season kick-off. Including the guest drivers, the entrants added up to 32 racers. Among them Hollywood actors such as Frankie Muniz (Malcolm in the Middle) and top model Maryeve Dufault (CAN).

2006 Formula BMW USA winners.
”Compared to last year, when I finished third, I made two steps forward”, said Robert Wickens regarding his Formula BMW USA triumph. And the
young gun from Ontario, Canada, wasn’t talking about his improvement by two championship positions alone. Wickens also benefited from the BMW education and coaching programme he attended in 2006.
The extensive BMW training programme was one of the factors providing Wickens with the consistency he needed to succeed in a season that took
a rather turbulent course for him. With eight rounds of the season contested, the 17-year-old moved from Team Apex Racing USA to the EuroInternational squad and competed as guest driver in the Formula BMW Germany Championship, when an event of the sister series was held as part of the European Formula One GP’s support programme at the Nürburgring. Furthermore, Wickens gained international experience as early as in 2005 when finishing sixth in the Formula BMW World Final at Bahrain and representing Formula BMW in the legendary “Race of Champions” held in Paris, France.
Now, Wickens is waiting what the future will bring. One thing is certain:
The reigning Formula BMW USA champion is going to continue motor racing on a high level. He has got advice for all those who want to follow his footsteps in North America’s most successful young-gun series: “Motor racing in
North America has made big progress, with Formula BMW USA having massively contributed to this development. The drivers that have outgrown kart racing know that this is the place to be.”
The rookie title also was secured by a driver from the Canadian province of Ontario. Daniel Morad proved to be the best Formula BMW USA newcomer. And the 16-year-old did so despite nearly having given up his title hopes,
with four more rounds to go. “Following the races at San Jose, I thought that our chances of winning the Rookie Cup were over. But then, I won the rookie rankings in three of the final four races. An incredible feeling.” But the Team AIM Autosport driver didn’t impress in the rookie rankings alone. At the same time, he also won a championship race and secured another podium finish.
In 2007, Morad, who seems to always be calm and confident, is going to return to the Formula BMW USA Championship. Then he will do so with
a BMW scholarship under his belt. As the best rookie of the 2006 season,
he secured the right to automatically participate in the BMW education and coaching programme. This represents an additional motivation for the young driver from Ontario. In any case, Morad has made a first step on the way to achieving his ultimate goal: to become Canada’s next single-seater racing star.
2006 Formula BMW Germany.
Driver Hockenheim Euro-Speedway Nürburgring F1 Oschers-leben Oschers-leben Norisring Nürburgring Zandvoort Hockenheim Total
1. Christian Vietoris (GER) 15 15 20 20 20 20 20 4 12 20 12 12 15 12 20 20 - 20 277
2. Mika Mäki (FIN) 12 12 15 15 10 8 2 - 6 10 20 20 - 10 15 15 12 - 182
3. Marco Holzer (GER) 20 20 - - 1 12 6 20 2 6 3 - 4 2 6 - 15 12 129
4. Jens Klingmann (GER)* 2 1 - 8 12 15 - 12 10 12 10 10 8 6 - 6 3 6 121
5. Nick De Bruijn (NED)* 10 6 - 12 6 3 8 - - - 15 15 20 15 10 - - - 120
6. Sergio Pérez (MEX) 8 10 - 6 8 6 12 6 4 8 8 - 2 - 8 12 6 8 112
7. Stefano Coletti (MON) - 8 8 - 15 10 15 - 20 15 6 6 - - - - - 103
8. Martin Ragginger (AUT) - - 10 - - - 10 1 - - - 3 12 20 - - 20 15 91
9. Dominik Wasem (GER) - 2 6 4 3 2 - 15 8 - - 6 3 4 12 10 10 2 98
10. Phillip Eng (AUT) 4 4 12 10 4 4 1 - 3 - 1 2 10 8 - - - 10 73

Rookie Cup.
Driver Hockenheim Euro-Speedway Nürburgring F1 Oschersleben Oschersleben Norisring Nürburgring Zandvoort Hockenheim Total
1. Jens Klingmann (GER)* 15 12 - 15 20 20 10 20 15 20 20 20 15 15 - 20 20 15 272
2. Phillip Eng (GER) 20 20 20 20 15 15 15 12 12 - 15 12 20 20 - - 12 20 248
3. Maximiliam Wissel (AUT)* 4 10 12 12 4 6 12 8 20 15 6 15 12 12 20 15 15 12 210
4. Fabio Leimer (SUI)* 10 4 10 6 - 8 20 - 10 12 10 8 8 10 15 10 10 10 161
5. Christian Zacherl (GER) 8 8 - 8 10 10 8 15 8 10 - 10 10 8 12 12 - - 137
6. Andrei Harnagea (ROM) 3 3 8 4 6 3 - - 6 8 8 4 4 6 10 8 8 8 97
7. Patrick Kronenberger (GER) 12 15 15 10 12 12 4 6 - 6 - - - - - - - - 92
8. Oskar Paegle (RUS) 6 6 6 - 8 4 6 10 - - - 6 6 - 6 - - - 58
9. Sebastian Saavedra (COL) - - - - - - - - - - - 12 - - - - - - 12

* BMW Junior

2006 Formula BMW UK Championship.
Driver Brands Hatch Mondello Park Oulton Park Brands Hatch Thruxton Croft Donington Snetterton Knockhill Silverstone Total
1. Niall Breen (IRL) - 15 21 20 10 - 13 12 21 21 21 21 13 21 15 20 15 10 15 20 304
2. Oliver Turvey (GBR) - - - - - - 20 16 8 10 8 12 20 15 5 16 21 21 21 16 209
3. Ross Curnow (GBR) 6 6 15 12 15 21 8 6 2 4 15 15 8 10 20 12 6 15 6 6 203
4. Euan Hankey (GBR)* 12 21 10 - 20 8 10 - 12 12 4 10 15 8 6 10 3 15 8 4 188
5. Michael Meadows (GBR) 15 12 12 10 - - 15 8 15 15 6 8 3 0 2 6 - - 12 12 151
6. Oliver Oakes (GBR) 21 10 6 16 1 10 4 10 10 6 10 4 4 6 - 4 12 12 - - 136
7. Jomathan Legris (GBR) - - - - 13 12 - - 6 8 3 - 10 12 10 - 2 4 - 10 90
8. Michael Patrizi (AUS) 10 4 8 8 6 4 1 - 3 - 12 6 - - 8 - - - 3 - 73
9. Henry Arundel (GBR) 4 2 - 6 2 - 3 - - 1 2 3 - - 12 2 10 8 - 8 63
10. Kimiya Sato (JPN)* 1 8 - - - - - 1 4 3 - 1 6 4 1 - 8 - 2 - 39


Rookie Cup.
Driver Brands Hatch Mondello Park Oulton Park Brands Hatch Thruxton Croft Donington Snetterton Knockhill Silverstone Total
1. Henry Arundel (GBR) 15 12 - 20 15 15 15 10 - 12 20 20 6 12 20 20 20 20 4 20 276
2. Kimiya Sato (JPN)* 10 20 10 3 6 4 12 15 20 20 12 12 20 20 12 4 15 8 12 10 245
3. Niall Quinn (IRL) 20 10 20 15 20 - 20 20 12 15 10 - 4 15 10 12 10 12 - 6 231
4. Greg Mansell (GBR) 12 15 15 12 12 12 - 12 6 - - 15 10 8 15 15 12 - 15 15 201
5. Matthew Hamilton (GBR)* 4 8 12 10 10 20 1 8 4 6 8 8 12 10 8 10 8 10 20 12 189
6. Jack Clarke (GBR)* 8 6 2 6 - 10 10 6 15 10 15 10 15 3 - 1 - 2 8 4 131
7. Daniel Murray (IRL)* 2 4 - 8 1 8 6 - 10 8 - - - 2 - 2 - 15 10 8 84
8. Tom Dunstan (GBR) 3 1 6 4 8 0 3 2 1 2 4 - - 6 - 6 6 6 6 3 67
9. Roger Orgee (GBR)* 1 3 4 - 2 - 4 4 8 4 6 6 - 2 6 3 4 4 3 1 65
10. Marcus Weller (GBR)* 6 2 8 - 3 - 8 3 3 - 3 4 - - - 8 3 3 2 2 58

* BMW Junior
2006 Formula BMW Asia.
Driver Sepang F1 Sepang Peking Sentul Bira Shanghai Zhuhai Total
1. Earl Bamber (NZL) 10 12 21 21 21 4 15 - 21 21 1 16 10 20 20 15 20 21 21 290
2. Sam Abay (AUS) 13 15 12 12 12 15 21 21 21 15 15 20 12 12 3 16 21 10 10 274
3. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS)* 8 10 8 10 12 12 12 15 12 10 12 20 21 1 10 12 16 15 15 231
4. James Grunwell (THA)* 15 9 15 15 6 10 8 12 10 12 15 3 6 6 3 3 12 4 - 164
5. Aaron Lim (MAS)* 2 4 4 4 4 6 10 10 6 8 10 8 15 15 8 8 6 8 8 144
6. Dominic Storey (NZL)* 6 6 10 8 8 15 4 3 3 3 - 10 - 12 12 10 8 12 12 142
7. Zahir Ali (INA) 1 3 6 6 10 3 6 4 8 - 8 2 8 10 4 6 - - - 85
8. M. Al Baharna (BRN) 4 - 2 3 3 8 3 8 2 6 6 6 3 8 6 4 4 6 - 82
9. Aditya Akkineni (IND) 3 2 3 2 2 2 2 6 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 2 - 3 6 59
10. Hamed Al Fardan (BRN) 20 20 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 40

Rookie Cup.
Driver Sepang F1 Sepang Peking Sentul Bira Shanghai Zhuhai Total
1. Earl Bamber (NZL) 15 20 20 20 20 10 20 - 20 20 - 15 15 20 20 20 20 20 20 315
2. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS)* 12 15 10 12 15 15 15 20 15 12 15 20 20 - 12 15 15 15 15 268
3. James Grunwell (THA)* 20 12 15 15 10 12 12 15 12 15 20 8 12 12 10 10 12 10 - 232
4. Dominic Storey (NZL)* 10 10 12 10 12 20 10 10 8 8 - 12 - 15 15 12 10 12 12 198
5. Aditya Akkineni (IND) 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 12 10 10 12 10 10 10 8 8 - 8 10 164

* BMW Junior

2006 Formula BMW USA.
Driver Mid-Ohio Lime Rock MontréalF1 IndianapolisF1 San Jose Denver Mosport Total
1. Robert Wickens (CAN)* 15 - 20 6 12 2 20 15 - 20 10 12 10 7 149
2. Matt Lee (USA) - - 4 20 15 15 10 10 - 15 20 2 12 20 143
3. Reed Stevens (USA) 20 - 12 - 8 - - - 20 12 15 20 20 15 142
4. Simona de Silvestro (ITA) 10 - 15 - 10 12 12 12 10 10 - 6 15 1 113
5. Stefano Coletti (MON) - - - - 20 20 15 20 - - - - - - 75
6. Daniel Morad (CAN) - 20 - 15 6 - - - - 8 8 10 6 2 75
7. John Zartarian (USA) 3 15 - 12 2 - - - 6 6 12 4 8 3 71
8. Race Johnson (USA) 6 4 6 8 3 - - - 8 3 3 - 1 10 52
9. Ryan Phinny (USA) - - - - - 8 6 6 1 - 6 15 1 - 43
10. David Garza (MEX)* 12 3 8 - - - - 1 12 2 1 3 - 1 42


Rookie Cup.
Driver Mid-Ohio Lime Rock MontréalF1 IndianapolisF1 San Jose Denver Road Atlanta Total
1. Daniel Morad (CAN) 8 20 3 20 20 4 10 10 3 20 20 20 20 12 189
2. Sebastian Saavedra (COL) 15 15 20 10 10 3 20 20 6 4 15 15 12 4 166
3. Maxime Pelletier (FRA)* 12 6 12 15 12 20 8 12 15 12 8 10 6 15 163
4. David Garza (MEX)* 20 12 15 4 4 12 12 15 20 15 10 12 10 3 161
5. Robert Thorne (USA)* 10 10 10 8 3 10 6 6 4 3 12 8 3 20 104
6. Jordan Dick (USA)* 6 8 8 12 15 6 3 8 12 6 4 3 8 10 103
7. Steven Guerrero (COL) 4 4 6 3 6 15 15 4 10 8 3 6 15 8 96
8. Joel Jackson (JAM) 3 3 4 6 8 8 4 3 8 10 6 4 4 6 71

* BMW Junior


7. Vietoris wins 2006
DELL Formula BMW World Final.
Spectacular conclusion of the season and a beaming winner.
The DELL Formula BMW World Final represented the final highlight of the 2006 Formula BMW season. 36 entrants from the four regional Formula BMW series, held in Germany, Great Britain, Asia and North America, once again provided the crowds at Valencia’s “Circuit de la Comunitat” with thrilling motor racing action. Josef Kaufmann Racing driver Christian Vietoris (GER) put
the icing on the cake of his successful season by claiming victory at Valencia. Just as it was the case over the course of the Formula BMW Germany season, the 17-year-old proved to be the dominating driver. As a reward, he is going to conduct a Formula One test for the BMW Sauber F1 Team next year.
“This is a brilliant finish to a perfect weekend”, said Vietoris, who had started the race from pole position. “From the first free practice session, my car
was fantastic. I therefore had the chance to top the qualifying session and win all three heats. In the race, I managed to continue in the same fashion. Quite obviously, I’m looking forward to the Formula One test, now. I’m a huge fan of Sebastian Vettel. He has demonstrated what a great career former Formula BMW champions can achieve.”
BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen said: “I’m very proud of this weekend. We have seen exciting racing action on the track. Despite 36 cars taking part in the final race, there were just a few accidents and off-track moments. All the drivers were able to give a great account of what they have learned in Formula BMW. That is especially true for the winner, Christian Vietoris. He has now joined the likes of Sebastian Vettel and Nico Rosberg, who also started their successful single-seater racing careers in
Formula BMW.”
Drivers from all the four series make it to the top six.
Apart from Vietoris, two fellow Formula BMW Germany drivers succeeded
in also impressing in the 18-lap race. Mika Mäki (FIN/Eifelland Racing) finished runner-up with Stefano Coletti (MON/EuroInternational) taking third
place. Daniel Morad (CAN/AIM Autosport) came fourth, thus being the most successful Formula BMW USA representative. Fifth place was secured by
the best Formula BMW Asia driver, Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Fortec Motorsport), with the best Formula BMW UK Championship entrant, Oliver Turvey (GBR/Team Loctite), finishing sixth.


Holzer makes his dream come true.
On the Thursday prior to the DELL Formula BMW World Final, Marco Holzer (GER) received his chance of testing with the BMW Sauber F1 Team.
The 18-year-old had won the maiden Word Final in 2005, thus securing this opportunity to make his debut at the wheel of a Formula One racer at Valencia.
“This has been a unique experience”, said Holzer, who completed a total
of 65 laps. “The cornering speeds are amazing, just like the brake performance. Lap by lap, it became more fun and I felt more comfortable.
The team gave me a warm welcome, and I got all my questions answered.” Mario Theissen praised the F1 newcomer: “Marco made a solid impression during his debut at the wheel of a Formula One car. This test has shown
him where his racing career may lead him.” Vietoris attentively witnessed his predecessor’s Formula One test from the pit wall. At this point in time,
he couldn’t know that he would have won a Formula One test himself just three days later.
Zanardi makes an impressive comeback.
At the DELL Formula BMW World Final, Alessandro Zanardi (ITA) made motor racing history once again. As first driver who has lost his legs, the 41-time
F1 driver had the chance of taking a Formula One car to its limits on a race track. In a BMW Sauber F1 Team car adapted to his needs, Zanardi thrilled the fans with several spectacular demonstration runs – and impressed with setting competitive lap times. The technical modifications on the car worked perfectly, thus offering the 40-year-old the opportunity to successfully make his Formula One comeback.
As Zanardi can generate more force with his right limb, the engineers moved the car’s brake pedal from the left to the right. Then, the Italian’s right prosthesis was fixed to the brake pedal with Velcro tape. To have the chance of making the most effective use of the cramped environment represented by
a Formula One cockpit, Zanardi used specially designed, smaller prosthesis for this test. He changed gears with a paddle mounted behind the right side
of the steering wheel, while he operated the throttle with another paddle, mounted on the left.
In addition to the Formula One car that also was raced by Sebastian Vettel,
the official BMW Sauber F1 Team test and reserve driver, numerous other impressive BMW racing cars took to the track at the 4.005-kilometre circuit: The WTCC drivers Andy Priaulx (GBR), Jörg Müller (GER) and Dirk Müller (GER) completed show drives with the 1999 Le Mans winner BMW V12 LMR, with this year’s World Touring Car Championship winner, the BMW 320si WTCC – and at the wheel of the legendary BMW M1.