Meritus Formula BMW Asian Championship Team

The Meritus team has dominated the Formula BMW Asia Championship for three years, winning 26 out of the 28 races in the 2003 and 2004 series. The team has invested in the latest technology, with top quality engineering by European professionals, supported by the highest standard of preparation and presentation by the team’s local staff. Each car has a chief mechanic, with a shared ‘No.2 mechanic’ as well as a shared European engineer for each two-car team.

Meritus also takes responsibility for the management of drivers, arranging hotels, transportation, food and beverage for our drivers, who only have to arrive and drive. A European racing driver trainer is available to assist the driver’s racecraft development. We have invested in the most modern equipment available including on-track data acquisition to ensure that our drivers have the best opportunity for success. A client care manager takes care of our sponsors' special needs, while our PR specialist prepares press releases for each event.

Formula BMW is the world's leading entry-level class in Formula racing. In 2005 the series will be held in Germany, Britain, Asia and the USA. Up-and-coming drivers as young as 15-years-old are given the opportunity of entering motor racing with the high-tech, standard FB02 race car.

This racing car has been seen on the grid since 2002 and has set standards particularly on the safety technology front. The single-seater is propelled by a 140 bhp BMW engine up to 230km/h and exceeds by far the safety requirements for its class. BMW Motorsport has developed the FORS Formula Rescue Race Seat especially for Formula BMW. The HANS safety system is also mandatory.

In 2005, Formula BMW will be staged five times as part of the Formula One support programme. All the series offer a multifaceted Education and Coaching Programme as well as sponsorship for promising racing talents. The best-known alumni of this talent hothouse are Formula One drivers Ralf Schumacher and Christian Klein.

BMW Motorsport Director, Mario Theissen: “Formula BMW offers talented young drivers more than just a car. In the Education and Coaching Programme we have designed specially for them, they learn everything they need to know to hold their own in the big wide world of motor racing. Formula BMW has shot out of the blocks to become the top entry-level class for Formula racing worldwide.”

In December 2005 the Bahrain International Circuit will host the first Formula BMW World Final. Young racing drivers from the four regional Formula BMW series will compete against each other. The winner will get the chance to test a BMW Williams F1 Team car.

• Formula BMW Asia is an FIA-sanctioned one-make-event
• The championship consists of 7 double-header race weekends in the Asian Festival of Speed
• F1 support races in Bahrain, Malaysia and China
• Special Media and Press activities to attract target audience.
• The car has outstanding safety features - rear crashbox, extrication seat, wheel restraint etc.
• BMW Spare parts and engine service at all events with technical backup
• Targeted at Asian 'young guns' from 16 years of age
• "Rookie Cup" incentive programme for newcomers
• Scholarship support for 'Best Rookie of the Season' - restrictions apply
• Association with the BMW Williams F1 Scene

Formula BMW Specifications

Engine	Type	Type Four-stroke, in-line four-cylinder from the BMW K1200RS motorcycle; double overhead camshafts, liquid-cooled, -electronic injection with overrun fuel cutoff.
	No. of valves	16
	Max Output	140 bhp at 9.250 rpm
	Max torque	117 Nm at 6.850 rpm
	Displacement/ Bore & Stroke	1171 cc, 70.5 x 75 mm
	Compression ratio	11.5:1
	Lubrication	Pressure circulatory lubrication with radial force controlled oil suction valve
	Fuel tank	45 litres, FIA FT 3 spec
	Exhaust system	High-performance header, closed-loop 3-way racing catalyst
	Weight	70 kg (incl. engine frame plate)
	ECU	Engine management Bosch Motronic
	Fuel	Super plus (98 ROZ)
Gearbox	Manufacturer/ Designation	Hewland FTR 200.
	Type	Sequential longitudinal gearbox
	Gears	6-speed plus reverse. Differential Multiple disc. Clutch Sachs single-disc dry clutch
	Differential	Multiple disc
	Clutch	Sachs single-disc dry clutch
Monocoque	Type	Carbon-fibre/kevlar composite with aluminum honeycomb insert
	Safety standard dimensions	Standard dimensions FIA Formula 3 (Article 275, 2002). Crash structures Crash box front and rear, steel roll bars.Seat shell Carbon-fibre/kevlar composite, extrication seat shell in spline-head region, six fixation belts
	Crash structures	Crash box front and rear, steel roll bars
	Seat shell	Carbon-fibre/kevlar composite, extrication seat shell in spline-head region, six fixation belts
Chassis	Wheel suspension	Independent suspension via double wishbone with push rod, aerodynamically profiled, wheel restraint tethers, two each front wheel, one each rear wheel
	Dampers	Shock absorbers Sachs SP 3 with compression and rebound adjustment, mono damper at front, two dampers at rear Springs Eibach spiral spring
	Springs	Eibach spiral spring
	Wheels	OZ Racing, aluminum, one-piece, centre-lock, front 8-13 rear 10-13
	Tyres	Michelin slicks and wet tires, front 20/54-13, rear 22/54-13
	Brake	ALCON disc brake, floating, 2-piston caliper, adjustable brake force distribution
	Steering	Rack and pinion steering with safety steering column
Aerodynamics		Front wing Main profile with adjustable flaps. Rear wing Single profile at bottom, adjustable double profile at top. Underbody Stepped, three sections
Data logging	Manufacturer/ Designation	2D Data recording. Special option Standard or oN lus data acquisition. Displays Integrated in the steering wheel, gear display, nine LED shift lamps
Vehicle dimensions	Size	Length 3975 mm, Width 1740 mm, Height 980 mm, Track front/ rear 1537 mm/1466 mm
Weight	Overall weight	450 kg (empty, without driver)