The 2008 motor racing season is taking shape. Preparations are underway for the start of Formula BMW Europe. This series is the result of merging the Formula BMW championships in Germany and the UK, boasts 100,000 Euros prize money and will hold seven races in the support programme of the elite FIA Formula One World Championship.

The provisional race calendar sees Barcelona's "Circuit de Catalunya" (ESP) as the stage for the first race of the season. On 27th April 2008, the talented juniors will take to the track to battle for the first points and victories. They will visit classic GP circuits like Silverstone, Hockenheim, Spa-Francorchamps and Monza, as well as the winding Hungaroring in Budapest (HUN). The races in Valencia (ESP) will be a particular highlight, as the youngsters chase each other around a new street circuit. One of the eight Formula BMW Europe race weekends will take place outside of the F1 calendar. Precise dates will be announced later.

Before the most interesting entry-level series in single-seater racing gets underway, the scholarship course for the championship will take place at the Formula BMW Racing Center in Valencia on 22nd and 23rd October. The four most talented youngsters - "Formula BMW Europe Juniors" - will receive the coveted scholarships. The scholarship sum has been raised from 50, 000 to 75,000 Euros, to reflect the importance of this special support programme. Both "Rookie Cup" winners of the 2007 German and British Formula BMW series will also enjoy unique support, including participating in the unique Education and Coaching programme, if they take part in Formula BMW Europe.

Preregistration, which was necessary due to the size of demand, is now complete, and the 13 teams that will each enter three cars in 2008 Formula BMW Europe have been established. The list not only includes teams that have been committed to Formula BMW in the past, but also well-known GP2 racing teams. Before and during the season, up to six official two-day tests will be organised. Each team can take part in a maximum five tests. The actual race weekends include a free practice, qualifying, and two races (one on Saturday and one on Sunday), which give the drivers plenty of time to come to terms with the circuits.

BMW Motorsport Director Theissen says: "Formula BMW offers talented junior drivers more than just a car to drive. Our specially designed Education and Coaching programme teaches them everything they need to hold their own in the big world of motorsport. Formula BMW has developed into the top entry-level class in the world of single-seater racing, and has consolidated this role in recent years. We give the young drivers the tools they need to break through in higher Formula racing classes."

Provisional calendar for Formula BMW Europe:

Date Event Venue
27th April GP Spain Barcelona
6th July GP Great Britain Silverstone
20th July GP Germany Hockenheim
3rd August GP Hungary Budapest
24th August GP Europe Valencia
7th September GP Belgium Spa-Francorchamps
14th September GP Italy Monza
tbc tbc tbc

Participating teams in Formula BMW Europe:

Team Origin Commitment in 2007
AM-Holzer Rennsport GmbH GER Formula BMW Germany
DAMS SAS FRA GP2
Eifelland Racing GER Formula BMW Germany
Eurointernational ITA Formula BMW USA
Fisichella Motor Sport Int. ITA GP2
Fortec Motorsport Ltd. GBR Formula BMW UK
iSport International Ltd. GBR GP2
Josef Kaufmann Racing GER Formula BMW Germany
Motaworld Racing GBR Formula BMW UK
Mücke Motorsport GER Formula BMW Germany
Racing Engineering ESP GP2
Raikkonen Robertson Racing GBR Formula BMW UK
Team Loctite GBR Formula BMW UK