Overview
Competitors benefited from BMW Motorsport's Education and Coaching Program, which is based at two Formula BMW Racing Centres at the Circuit de Valencia in Spain and the Bahrain International Circuit at Sakhir, Bahrain. The centres provided courses in race driving, chassis setup, fitness and nutrition, media management, and sponsorship searching.
To be eligible to compete in Formula BMW, drivers had to be at least fifteen years old, and must not have competed in any international racing series other than karting. They must have held an International racing license no higher than Grade C. (FIA International racing licenses are graded from A to D, with an additional super-license above Grade A.) Competitors must take part in a Licensing Course at one of the Racing Centres.
BMW also provided an annual scholarship for five young drivers in each championship, between the ages of fifteen and eighteen, who were chosen through a selection process. It provides each driver with a budget of £35,000 in the UK, US$50,000 in Asia, and US$40,000 in the USA.
The best drivers from each championship were invited to the Formula BMW World Final, which takes place at one of the Formula BMW Racing Centres in December of each year. The 2006 event was held at Valencia. It is composed of a series of elimination heats followed by a final race. The winner was awarded a Formula One test with BMW-Sauber.
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