BMW Motorsport presents three more BMW Juniors

May 09, 2014

BMW Motorsport presents three more BMW Juniors

9.5.14

Wheelsology

No comments

The 2014 BMW Motorsport Junior Programme is under starter's orders. A welcome event in Munich (DE) saw BMW Motorsport officially welcome the first group of drivers on the new programme, which is aimed at promoting talented young drivers. While Alexander Mies
(DE) has been confirmed as a BMW Junior since the end of March, his three colleagues were making their first appearance in Munich: Mies is joined on the Junior Programme by Jake Hughes (GB), Jesse Krohn (FI) and Moises Soriano (ES).

"I am delighted to welcome the first group on our new programme for young GT and touring car drivers into the BMW family," said Jens Marquardt, BMW Motorsport Director. "Our four drivers came through against numerous other hopefuls, which shows we think a lot of their talent and are expecting big things from them. I am looking forward to seeing them on the racetrack together for the first time in the near future."

Before the four BMW Juniors take to the track in a Formula BMW FB02 racing car for the first time on May 19 and 20 in Oschersleben (DE), they were presented with their team apparel at the welcome event, and held initial discussions with their mentor, BMW works driver and endurance racing expert Dirk Adorf (DE). "I am very excited about the first group of drivers on the new Junior Programme," said Adorf. "We have put together a group of completely different racing drivers, and I am intrigued to see how they get on at my home circuit, the Nordschleife. I will help them to find their feet as quickly as possible - and as a colleague, rather than a schoolmaster. That is very important to me."

The BMW Juniors then spent the evening getting to know each other better during a game of bowling. The second day featured exclusive tours of BMW Welt, the BMW Museum and BMW Plant Munich, as well as the opportunity to meet BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. "BMW Motorsport put together a great event for us," said Mies. "The insight into what goes on behind the scenes at the BMW plant was particularly impressive. I also enjoyed relaxing with my colleagues over a game of ten-pin bowling in the evening. I think we make a good team."

The youngest member of the Junior Programme is Spain's Moises Soriano. The 19-year-old has been racing successfully on the karting scene since 2005, and competed in a Formula 3 car for the first time in 2012. He claimed three wins en route to finishing runner-up in the Cup class of the European F3 Open. "This is a fantastic opportunity for all of us," said Soriano. "It is an honour to be part of the BMW family, and I will do my best. I am really looking forward to driving a touring car for the first time, as I am only familiar with karts and single-seater cars so far."

Like Soriano, Britain's Jake Hughes is 19 years old. Although he did not make his karting debut until he was 15, success was not long in coming. In 2013 he contested his first season in the British BRDC Formula 4 series, winning the title in dominant fashion. His performances saw him nominated for the prestigious McLaren Autosport BRDC Award. Hughes is not only a promising racing driver, but also a good footballer and cricketer. "Nowadays, there are hardly any major manufacturers willing to train young racing drivers without them having to pay," said Hughes. "The fact that BMW is offering us this opportunity based on talent alone is fantastic. I have not done many laps in a touring car yet, so I am sure I will learn an awful lot on this programme."

At 23 years of age, Finland's Jesse Krohn has already gained a wealth of experience on the track. He has contested 170 races, winning 43 of them. In 2008 he won the Formula Renault title in Finland, Estonia and New Zealand. He made two appearances on the ADAC GT Masters podium in 2012. "I already have motorsport experience under my belt, and hope this will be beneficial during my cooperation with BMW Motorsport," said Krohn. "I am confident this Junior Programme will allow me to take another big step forward. I am particularly hoping to gain a lot of valuable experience from working together with Dirk Adorf."

From May to October, the BMW Juniors will undergo an intense programme, including theoretical and practical content. As highlights, they can look forward to competing in three races at the wheel of the BMW M235i Racing in the VLN Endurance Championship on the Nurburgring-Nordschleife (DE).