BMW MOTORSPORT YOUTH DEVELOPMENT.

The development of young racing drivers enjoys a long tradition at BMW. It goes back more than 40 years and is inextricably linked with one name: Jochen Neerpasch. As Managing Director of BMW M GmbH at the time, Neerpasch formed the first BMW Junior team in 1977. In doing so, he set a milestone in the promotion of young motorsport talent. His ethos was “Only the combination of driver and technology can be successful.” As such, it was just as important to him to invest in the drivers as it was to invest in technology. He used workshops, training and sport psychologists to press ahead with the development of youngsters, before launching the first BMW Junior Team in 1977 and offering young drivers Marc Surer, Manfred Winkelhock and Eddie Cheever the vital springboard to the rest of their careers. Over the following years, the youth development programme was optimised with different concepts and constant adjustments. The result remains the same; many talented youngsters have used this unique youth development to gain a foothold in motorsport. New life has been breathed into the idea of BMW Junior Team in 2020, with drivers Dan Harper, Max Hesse and Neil Verhagen the first to benefit. Alongside the Juniors, just as he was back in 1977, is Jochen Neerpasch.

Dan Harper, Max Hesse and Neil Verhagen also receive media and social media coaching, as well as insights into the environment of a large organisation like BMW. One of these mentors is Jochen Neerpasch, for whom the story comes full circle after more than 40 years. Back in 1977, it was Neerpasch, Managing Director of BMW Motorsport GmbH at the time, who formed the first BMW Junior Team, paving the way for many talented youngsters to become racing drivers. He is joined in the role of mentor by Dirk Adorf, BMW M works driver Philipp Eng and Riccardo Ceccarelli, Head of Formula Medicine.

The goal of the training programme is to develop the Juniors together in many different areas, to support them individually and holistically, and in doing so to make them better and, above all, more mature racing drivers. On the way, BMW M Motorsport will turn to five different pillars, which come into effect within the framework of the training. At the heart of the programme are extensive race training at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife and other international racetracks, fitness and mental training camps with Formula Medicine over the course of several months, and team building through the Juniors living together in shared accommodation.

At the heart of the Juniors’ training is the racing on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, where the Juniors compete in the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS), as well as the legendary 24-hour race. Having enjoyed a successful 2020 in the BMW M240i Racing and the BMW M4 GT4, the three Juniors stepped up to the GT3 class and contested the full season on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, including the 24-hour race, in the BMW M6 GT3.  

To develop their skills at the wheel, the Juniors are given their own simulators for training purposes and regularly take part in sim racing events. However, the young drivers are not only supported at the wheel of a BMW car or a race simulator. They are prepared intensively for the physical and mental demands of motor racing at training camps which last several weeks and are run by Formula Medicine. The holistic approach to training also includes content outside motor racing, within the environment of BMW M Motorsport and BMW M GmbH. The Juniors also receive a lot of media and social media training. Last but not least, team building also forms an integral part of the training and development. To encourage team spirit, the Juniors share accommodation both at the Nürburgring and at the Formula Medicine training camp.