Formula BMW World Final in Bahrain: Drivers from all four Formula BMW series compete for a Formula One test drive.

Manama/Munich. The championships of the four Formula BMW series have not yet been decided, but preparations for the season's highlight are already running at full throttle. From 13th to 16th December, the first Formula BMW World Final is to be held on the Bahrain International Circuit.

Racing in a tournament format, the young drivers of the four series will be competing not only for a US-Dollar 60 000 purse but also for the winner's prize: a Formula One test drive. Below is a summary of the key features of the event.

Date: 13th to 16th December 2005.

Circuit: The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) was built between 2003 and 2004. 4th April 2004 saw the first Formula One Grand Prix of the Middle East held there. The BIC is both host and promoter of the event.

Eligible drivers: The Formula BMW series are now held in 14 countries across three continents. This year sees 87 drivers from 31 nations competing against each other.

In principle, all drivers involved in any of this year's four Formula BMW series are eligible to compete in the World Final, i.e. drivers in the Formula BMW ADAC Championship, the Formula BMW Asia Series, the Formula BMW UK Championship and the Formula BMW USA Championship. Each driver must have previously taken part in at least three Formula BMW race events.

numerous opportunities for competitive racing. 180 minutes of Free Practice will enable them to familiarise themselves with the circuit in detail.

For each Qualifying Session, entrants will be divided into four groups within which drivers compete against each other. A points system calculates an intermediate score for each driver. The highest scorers qualify directly for the Pre-Final.

Another group competes in the Second Chance Race, in which the best finishers can still secure a place in the Pre-Final. The results of the Pre- Final determine the grid line-up for the Final, which takes place on the Friday and sees only the best of the drivers competing against each other.

Prize money: US-Dollar 60 000.

Winner's prize: Formula One test drive with BMW managed Formula One team.

Testing opportunity: From the publication date of the World Final Regulations (27th July 2005) through to 12th December 2005, a test ban is in effect on the circuit.

After the World Final, teams can make the most of the mild climate in Bahrain (between 16 and 22 degrees Celsius in December) for up to four days of Formula BMW test drives.

Support: BMW will provide support for the teams in the areas of freight logistics (shipping of Formula BMW cars), finding hotel accommodation, visa applications, organising hire cars and other travel formalities.

Venue: Bahrain is an island state east of Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf. The country consists of 33 islands, covers an area of 712 km?and has a population of 680,000. The capital city Manama has around 200,000 inhabitants and is the island state's largest city.

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