Drivers' boost in UK championship

Aspiring young Irish racing drivers will receive good news this morning from BMW Ireland, who will announce details of a fully-funded drive in the 2005 Formula BMW UK Championship.

The launch coincides with the visit of the series as part of the BTCC weekend at Mondello Park.

Conrad Schmidt of BMW Ireland and Michael O’Carroll, editor of Motorsport Annual, will co-host this morning’s announcement at the Co Kildare racing track. The search for the young driver starts immediately and successful candidates will be taken to the Formula BMW Racing Center in Valencia, Spain later in the season.

Drivers like Matt Griffin, Jonathan Fildes and Gavin Smith are all racing in saloons in England while John O’Hara is competing in the Asian Formula 3 and former Young driver ofthe Year winner, Michael Devaneyis racing in the German F3series.

Others such as Michael Keohane, Damien Faulkner and Robby Coleman are looking at their options for the 2005 season. Drivers and spectators will have an opportunity to view the BMW series with two rounds at Mondello Park tomorrow.