Fresh Young Talent Selected for BMW UK Scholarships 2007 5671

Anthony Comas, Adrian Quaife-Hobbs, Tom Gladdis, Henry Surtees and Oliver Webb have all been offered BMW backing to compete in the 2007series.

The young drivers, all aged 15, took part in the Formula BMW UK Championship Licence Course where they were given instruction on the theory and techniques needed to get the best out of the FB02 race car. Each driver was then given the chance to demonstrate their driving ability as they took to the famous Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo.

From the 34 drivers who attended this year's Licence Course, 21 were selected by instructors to return to Valencia on September 4/5 to compete for the five scholarship places. Formula BMW Championship 2006 Ambassador, Nigel Mansell, was among the judging panel.

This year's winning line-up features the sons of ex-Formula One racers Comas and Surtees. The Frenchman has raced previously in the French Formula Campus series with Surtees running successfully in the Ginetta Junior series in 2006. Quaife-Hobbs has been enjoying racing success in T-Cars, winning both the British Championship and the Autumn Trophy in 2005. Fellow T-Car racer, Webb, is currently lying third in this year's UK Championship, whilst Gladdis has been gaining valuable karting experience in Spain.

The quintet have each been offered a £35,000 scholarship to participate in next year's Formula BMW UK Championship. As well as financial backing, the five winning 'scholars' will also receive a place on the prestigious Education and Coaching Programme. The aim of the programme is to provide a fully-rounded foundation for a career as a professional racing driver and includes benefits such as driver coaching at each race, media and PR tuition and health and fitness training.

Peter Walker, General Manager, Sports Marketing, BMW (UK): "After an intense few days of selection we are delighted to announce this year's scholarship winners. With a wealth of talent and a record number of entrants it proved an extremely difficult decision for the panel. I hope that all participants gained valuable experience from the course and wish them every success in securing sponsorship. We look forward to welcoming as many drivers as possible onto the grid in 2007, for what promises to be another exciting year for Formula BMW."