Benjamin Mazatis follows in the footsteps of Sebastian Vettel

Formula 1 feeling for Benjamin Mazatis.

The 13-year-old tested a Formula BMW over the weekend and felt like current Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel for two days in Groß Dölln, on the outskirts of Berlin. In 2004, Vettel won a total of 18 out of 20 races in a Formula BMW car. „I still have the fondest memories of winning the Formula BMW title in 2004,“ said the Heppenheim native.

Mazatis was already sitting in front of the television at the age of three, eagerly following Formula 1. When he re-enacted the races at home on his toy car, he did so in fitting racing overalls. Today, he already races karts, but now wants to take the next step up the motorsport career ladder. „The Formula BMW Talent Cup is the perfect preparation for me. You learn everything for a motorsport career,“ explains the seventh-grader from Gymnasium Bruckmühl: „I also regularly play chess and table tennis at SV Bruckmühl, but now I want to concentrate fully on motorsport.“

BMW is breaking new ground in motorsport with the Formula BMW Talent Cup. The programme offers young talents a systematic introduction to the demands of professional Formula racing. A team of instructors looks after the drivers, working together on everything from individual driving style to complete vehicle set-up. The training concept of the Formula BMW Talent Cup relies on the expertise of seasoned specialists: fitness trainers support the drivers in fitness and nutrition. Alongside physical fitness, the mental aspect also plays an increasingly important role in motorsport. A mental coach teaches strategies for stressful situations on and off the racetrack. Practical seminars also cover how to deal with the media and sponsors. BMW Motorsport will even finance a complete racing season in the ATS Formula 3 Cup for the winner of the „Grand Final“, a race at the end of the Formula BMW Talent Cup season.

First, Mazatis had to get used to the gear changes and the powerful engine during the test. The Formula BMW has 140 hp and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in under four seconds. „My grandad also came along to Groß Dölln. Grandad used to do hill climbs and even won them. He gave me good advice.“ And that paid off. With each additional lap, the grammar school pupil drove the car more safely and faster around the circuit in front of his proud grandad's eyes. The test and grandad's tips helped. „I'm going to take part in the Formula BMW Talent Cup in 2012. A dream is coming true,“ said a delighted Mazatis. World champion Vettel also confirms that this is a good decision: “Anyone who goes through the Formula BMW Talent Cup is well-prepared for their first racing season."

A total of twelve drivers from seven nations (Denmark, Germany, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Switzerland and Spain) tested the Formula BMW in Groß Dölln.