BMW and Formula 1 have an inseparable story. Most often, the relationship is reduced to the history of the BMW to deliver engines. Far from an unfair categorization. But there is a different way how BMW “delivered” Formula 1 in the early 2000s: Formula BMW. As a separate unit with previously limited OEM participation (although BMW provided engines), the OEM recorded the rule with the sights that are on the development of even better drivers.
Formula BMW: quick changes and new faces
As already mentioned, the Formula BMW has already received its engines directly from the mother ship. With the intervention of BMW Motorsport in 2001, things changed a little. BMW now made entire cars available for the series. Second, the car manufacturer configured, as the ADAC (generally German automobile club, literally “General German Automobile Club”) worked. It prioritized the drivers aged 15 or older without international racing experience.
The formula BMW program is advertised by BMW as “much more than one step before karting”. The BMW formula gave drivers access to unique educational opportunities that other junior racing series did not have. A trainer for physical fitness, PR training and access to factory drivers and F1 bosses emphasized the formula BMW. A real driver – complete with a hospitality tent for socialization, food and entertainment – the BMW formula gave an even more authentic feeling. “It really set a new benchmark in relation to the appearance of a junior racing series”, which was Alex Schmuck, the Formula BMW USA Motorsport Manager.
Cross the pond
After two years, BMW started combating the British and the US markets. The BMW USA formula became one thing and debut on April 13, 2003 in the Grand Prix in Long Beach. The program was an opportunity for younger drivers to reach behind the bike of something that resembled a real F1 car, since the ADAC trips from BMW exceeded the limits for the class. Carbon kebvlar and composite tubs were used together with a seat derived from motorsport. With a weight of a little more than £ 1,000, the 40 hp motorcycle engine with four cylinders, which was mounted behind the driver, was more than enough for motivation. But of course these progress had a prize. BMW itself estimated the costs for a typical driver at around 200,000 US dollars per race season, much more than other junior racing series.
While BMW has a hard sale, it managed to grab some large fish. Bobby Rahal, who probably does not need an introduction, and Tom Milner, who led an M3 back liver in the American Le Mans series, were on board, which may have populated other smaller teams to get involved. Another blessing came from a sanction agreement with championship car racing teams or cars, the then loaders of Open Wheel races. Even Roger Penske and Rick Hendrick, dealer and racing team owners, were committed and bought cars, allowed BMW to choose the driver.
Formula BMW’s end
From the serial debut at Lime Rock in 2004 until the last races of the series in 2009 -when it became known as the Formula BMW America to show the recording of a new race weekend in Mexico, the Formula BMW formed a generation of F1 drivers and hopes. All races finally led to a global series that comes best from anywhere. The winners were able to test a full F1 car.
The program developed several drivers who later landed in the F1 network, including Nico Rosberg, a future F1 world champion, and Ho-Pin Tung, who raced with Williams and Sauber BMW teams. Ultimately, the end of the formula BMW saw in 2009 when the global recession deteriorated and BMW took out all the efforts of Formula 1.
