“The schedule for the first few days was really tough, but was a lot of fun,” said Harper. Verhagen added: “I have been to Formula Medicine once before, but now I’m looking forward to being able to spend such a long period of time working intensively on my physical and mental fitness.” In addition to the training, Hesse is also looking forward to the shared living experience with his colleagues: “We got to know each other at the kick-off event in Munich and on our journey together to Viareggio, and we get on really well. I think that we will have a lot of fun in addition to the hard work.” Teamwork is a key factor in the concept of the new BMW Junior Team. “On one hand, the fact that there are three of them will help them to motivate and help each other during the training,” said Ceccarelli. “On the other hand, you have to remember that the lads will be away from home for several months at the age of 18 and 19. No doubt it will help that they are in a group and not left to fend for themselves.”

BMW works drivers Philipp Eng and Dirk Adorf as well as Jochen Neerpasch as mentors of the Juniors were also on site in Viareggio. Neerpasch, who founded the legendary first BMW Junior Team in 1977, was impressed by the opportunities offered by Formula Medicine: “In 1977 we were the first to start training racing drivers physically at a professional level. Now to see at what an incredibly high scientific level mental training is offered is absolutely fantastic. I am sure that the Juniors will learn a great deal here.” After the training camp in Italy, the BMW Junior Team will move into a shared apartment close to the Nürburgring.