Scholarship Program and Juniors 2008

The four winners of the 2008 Formula BMW Americas Junior scholarships are:
  • Gianmarco Raimondo
    Age 17 - St. Catherine Ontario, Canada
  • Mikael Grenier
    Age 15 - Quebec Ontario, Canada
  • Alexandre Ruiz
    Age 16 - Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Ricardo Favoretto
    Age 19 - Sao Paulo, Brazil
Three scholarship winners were chosen following a scholarship qualifying course held at the Formula BMW Racing Center at the Circuit de la Communitat in Valencia Spain. The fourth scholarship is automatically awarded to the winner of the Rookie Cup from the previous season. The 2007 Rookie Champion, Esteban Gutierrez, has declined the scholarship for 2008. Therefore, Ricardo Favoretto, who finished second in the 2007 Rookie Cup, will receive the scholarship in 2008.

The four Juniors will be awarded US$80,000 each toward participation in the 2008 Formula BMW Americas Championship and automatic enrollment in Formula BMW's Education and Coaching Program. The comprehensive program, provided by a team of experts from the field of international motorsport, includes courses in Driving Skills and Tactics, Vehicle Dynamics and Chassis Setup, Fitness Training and Nutrition, Media Training and Public Relations, and Sponsorsip and Sports Management.

The concept behind the Formula BMW Americas Junior Program is to nurture young drivers towards a racing career by training them to the highest possible levels, drawing on the vast expertise and experience of BMW Motorsport. Underlining BMW's commitment to the discovery and grooming of future young talent, the scholarsip "shoot-out" has been designed so that the most talented drivers, rather than the most financially healthy, succeed. In order to differenciate the four scholarship recipients from all other series entries, the Juniors will race in the distinctive BMW Motorsport livery.