AMER: Team Apex Puebla preview

Team Apex Launches 2009 Formula BMW Americas Campaign; Australian, Colombian, and Brazilian Rookies ready for opener in Mexico this weekend

Indianapolis, IN (17 March 09)-- After a winter of preparations and a strong series of pre-season tests, Team Apex has packed up and headed South of the Border to kick off the 2009 Formula BMW Americas season. The Indianapolis-based team grows to a strong three-driver line up for 2009, and Team Apex will look to make a strong start to the 14-round championship starting this weekend on the 2.09-mile Autodromo Miguel E. Abed in Puebla, Mexico.

Team Apex is pleased to announce its driver line up for the 2009 season. Formula BMW Americas has an international profile, and the driver line up for Team Apex reflects that.

Australian karting champion James Kovacic, 15, Brazilian karter Joao Victor Horto, 18, and Colombian racer Martin Sala, 17, will carry the Team Apex colors in their rookie season of Formula BMW Americas competition.

With a strong engineering staff and in-house driver coaching, Team Apex has a well-established history of developing young talent in Formula BMW Americas competition. The category is entering its sixth season and is recognized for its role as the first step towards Formula 1 for young karting talent on the way up.

The drivers have all tested with Team Apex, and are looking ahead to the two-race weekend in Puebla.

"This is the first season that Team Apex Racing USA has fielded a stable of all rookies," said Team Apex Director of Commercial Development David Hunt. "It is a unique challenge for us, but our strength is that we have had tremendous success over the years in teaching and developing new drivers. I am confident the experience of our engineering and coaching staff will be the perfect support system for our drivers in their rookie year."

About Team Apex, 2009: David Hunt talks about the new Team Apex drivers

On Martin Sala:
"Martin was our first driver to sign for the 2009 season after testing with us in Mexico City. We have asked him to make significant changes in his driving style to better handle the FBMW car and we are very pleased with both his response and progress. Columbia has produced some very good race drivers, and we will continue to develop his skills and confidence for his rookie year."

On Joao Horto:
"Joao was very impressive in his first test with us in the fall of 2008. At the time he spoke virtually no English, but his driving did the talking. He proved his dedication to the sport and our team by moving to Indianapolis and has since learned to speak English amazingly well. Joao has a quiet intensity and desire to learn from each session in the car."

On James Kovacic:
"We tested James in the FBMW when he was just 14, and his natural ability was very apparent to us," said Hunt. "We have talked with him over the last year and are very excited about his decision to join our team. Although he is only 15 now, his intelligence and methodical approach will fit well with our team."

-credit: sgm