Formula BMW

PAC: Series 2010 Scholarship Trials preview

BMW Motorsport driver evaluations -- tried, tested and proven. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -- The experience of taking part in the Formula BMW Pacific Scholarship Trials and driver evaluations, scheduled this year for September 1-2 in Malaysia, can be ...

Published: Oct 2, 2009, 4:39 PM

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BMW Motorsport driver evaluations -- tried, tested and proven.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -- The experience of taking part in the Formula BMW Pacific Scholarship Trials and driver evaluations, scheduled this year for September 1-2 in Malaysia, can be a life-altering experience, with the opportunity for technical, physical and sporting instruction and financial assistance on offer from one of the greatest names in international motorsport.

For 2009 Formula BMW Pacific Juniors Axcil Jefferies (15/ZIM/Eurasia Motorsport), Steel Guiliana (17/AUS/Atlantic Racing Team) and Chris Wootton (20/AUS/Eurasia Motorsport), the experience of taking part in the Formula BMW Pacific Scholarship Trials last year not only led to an important scholarship to compete in a season, but an introduction to motorsport with lessons they will never forget.

The upcoming 2010 Formula BMW Pacific Scholarship Trials and driver evaluations, to be held at Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit, will give fledgling talent from across the region professional assessment by BMW Motorsport instructors, which, scholarship or not, could possibly change their lives.

Each scholarship includes a Euro 50,000 contribution towards a full season in Formula BMW Pacific in 2010, and free enrollment in the unique, season-long Education and Coaching Programme for eligible participants. However, all those taking part will receive valuable professional coaching and assessment by BMW Motorsport instructors.

Like many other young karters, Jefferies, Wootton and Guiliana went into the Trials to demonstrate their potential and earn one of the scholarships on offer. And while they impressed their instructors, the pupils also took away valuable lessons from the experience.

"Stepping up from karting, I think it is vital for young drivers to do the Scholarship Trials," Jefferies says. "The instructors taught me how to drive the car and get the best out of if. The biggest challenge was learning how to heel and toe, but the BMW instructors did a great job teaching us. The instructors also taught us the meaning of the flags and all the basics of motor racing."

Added Guiliana: "The trials were of great benefit to me, not only because of the amount that I learned, but because it also gets your name out onto the international motorsport stage. Many things you will learn at the trials carry over to any open-wheel category. It's a good opportunity to learn about the car on the technical side."

Wootton, the Rookie Cup runner-up in the 2008 Formula BMW Pacific season, agreed that the insight learned was invaluable.

"It is a necessity for any aspiring Formula BMW driver," Wootton said. "Overall the Scholarship Trials were perfect. It was impeccably run by BMW. The instructors are very knowledgeable and helpful and some of the driving exercises were challenging. It was a very enjoyable experience."

Drivers aged between 16-21, who have not previously participated in any international race series and no more than 10 national meetings, are eligible to compete for a 2010 scholarship. However, the trial is open to all.

The Euro 2,900 entrance fee covers everything except transportation and accommodation. Entry forms and information on scholarship eligibility, applicants should contact Formula BMW Pacific Series Manager Mark Turner (mark.turner@partner.formulabmw.com).

While five graduates of Formula BMW in Europe, where the formula has been established for longer than in Asia-Pacific, are already competing in Formula One, alumni and Juniors from this region are busy working their way up the career ladder of international motorsport.

This year's Juniors are focused on winning the Drivers Classification and the Rookie Cup. For Jefferies, the lessons learned during the Scholarship Trials remain with him, while his knowledge and skill are being constantly developed through the on-going Education and Coaching Programme.

Testament to the efficacy of BMW Motorsport's driver development programme, Jefferies has already won two races this season: "Everything I was taught at the scholarship regarding the way you must drive the car, I am still using today. These techniques have been confirmed to be correct by my racing team, who are very happy with my results so far," he says.

Guiliana agrees, and describes the Scholarship Trials as a "great experience" overall, adding: "When I entered the Scholarship Trials, I had not much experience and so everything I was taught, I remember today as the fundamentals."

-credit: fbmw pac

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