Formula BMW Asia - Rounds 12, 13 & 14 - Bira Circuit / Thailand - Preview

Grunwell leads the way for Thais.

Preview
Rounds 12-14
Bira Circuit, Thailand
September 2-3, 2006

Pattaya, Thailand - Prince Birabongse Bhanutej Bhanubandh, or Prince Bira as
he is often called and after whom Thailand's race track is named, was racing
internationally in the 1950's and remains arguably the country's most famous
racing driver. Today, the country boasts a vast and growing young karting
community, and the popularity of all-things automotive in the media is
testament to the almost fanatical interest in motorsport at every level.

Why then, given its mature motorsport heritage, are there currently fewer than
half a dozen Thais racing internationally? There are several answers, says BMW
Junior James Grunwell (Team Meritus) who, at just 17, is aiming to lead the way
for the countless youngsters he believes will follow when it comes to competing
overseas: "A Thai needs to do really well overseas, and I believe I can be
that someone. There is loads of interest amongst my karting friends. I'm
their 'test' case. They want to see how I do and they call up every race to
check on my progress. These guys, like me, grew up karting and they're really
interested in me."

Grunwell who, despite his English parentage, grew up in Bangkok, speaks the
language fluently and considers himself a true Thai, also believes that rapid
growth in the karting scene, and a greater understanding of commercial sports
sponsorship will help youngsters make the transition to competing outside their
native country: "As well as BMW Motorsport, I'm also very fortunate to have
the support of the Pizza Company. The owner is a racing driver himself who
competes internationally and he and his company really understand the value of
sponsorship. And not just at home. We had a press conference in Beijing
before the races there and received a massive amount of media coverage."

"There are also new developments on the karting scene in Thailand this year,"
he continues. "Europeans are now being brought in for the first time to lend
their technical expertise as the standards increase, and the fields are getting
very full. Several new karting tracks are under construction, as well as two
car circuits. There will be two international karting events in 2006 held
here, and several local karters have made forays into Europe. So, the sport is
very much on the increase."

The challenges, Grunwell believes, are mainly that no Thai in recent years has
made a full career of motor racing, and many do not yet accept the sport as a
bona fide profession. This, coupled with the strong tradition of family, has
meant many youngsters are reluctant to spend time outside their country.
However, Grunwell is upbeat that this will change: "Somebody has to make it,
and that somebody could be me!" With six podium finishes so far this season,
currently 3rd in the overall Driver Classification and 2nd in the Rookie Cup
standings, there is no reason to doubt him.

As he leads the charge for international motorsport in Thailand, Grunwell will
be looking for the win that has eluded him so far this season, but Australia's
Sam Abay (Team E-Rain) and 17-year-old Kiwi Earl Bamber (Team Meritus) will be
hard to beat. Abay was dominant in Beijing in June, with a trio of
lights-to-flag victories, and Bamber was on track to mirror this result in
Sentul last month when a technical glitch put him out of the final race. In
addition, Grunwell's fellow BMW Juniors won't be making life easy even if it is
his "home" event: James Ricciardo (AUS/Eurasia Motorsport) trails Grunwell by
just six points in the Driver Classification; Aaron Lim (MAS/Eurasia
Motorsport) who, with the help of a new car is starting to find his true form;
and Dominic Storey (NZL/Eurasia Motorsport) who was very much under-the-weather
at the Indonesian meeting.

Rounds 12 to 14 of Formula BMW Asia 2006 will be held at Bira Circuit on
September 2 and 3.

Statistics:

Winners 2006:
Al Fardan (2); Earl Bamber (5); Sam Abay (4)
Pole Positions:
Bamber (6); Abay (4); Grunwell (1)
Podiums:
Abay (11); Bamber (7); Grunwell (6); Al Fardan (2); Ricciardo (6); Storey (1)
Championship Points:
1. Abay (180); 2. Bamber (147); 3. Grunwell (127)
Rookie Cup Winners:
Bamber (7); Grunwell (2); Storey (1) Ricciardo (1)
Rookie Cup Points:
1. Bamber (165); 2. Grunwell (158); 3. Ricciardo (156)

Background:

Formula BMW is the world's leading entry-level championship in Formula racing.
In 2006 the series will be held in Germany, the UK, Asia and the USA. More
than 80 up-and-coming drivers, some as young as 15-years old, will compete
worldwide. Racing five times in support of the Formula One World Championship,
Formula BMW offers a worldwide stage, training through a multifaceted Education
and Coaching Programme, and BMW's longstanding Junior scholarship for deserving
drivers.

The FB02 race car is propelled by a 140 bhp BMW engine up to 230km/h. The
design exceeds the FIA safety requirements for its class, with the BMW
Motorsport developed FORS Formula Rescue Race Seat, and the mandatory HANS
safety system.

From November 24 to 26, 2006 the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo
Tormo will host the second Formula BMW World Final. Young racing drivers from
the four regional Formula BMW series will compete against each other with the
winner receiving a test drive with the BMW Sauber F1 Team.