Back to: News15 Dec 08
Formula BMW Grand Final in Mexico
The Formula BMW season came to an end in Mexico City last weekend, where 21 competitors from the three Formula BMW championships (Europe, America and Asia) fought for a priceless reward: the opportunity to test drive a F1 car with the BMW Sauber F1 Team. Jim Pla took part in the ultimate shoot-out which crowned Formula Americas title winner Alexander Rossi, the 17-year-old crossing the line 0.655 seconds ahead of second-placed Michael Christensen.
The prestigious event put the young drivers talent to hard work as the schedule included three race heats and a grand final. Jim Pla began his race weekend with a stellar performance, leading the field in qualifying and clinching the Super Pole. “I have to admit I didn’t expect to be on pole,” said the 16-year-old Frenchman after the single-lap contest. “On my best lap I didn’t make a mistake so the time was there and I am very happy. This is really an exciting event.”
Jim Pla entertained the crowd with a thrilling battle with Guttierez and Christensen at the beginning of the first intermediate heat, which he concluded in 7th place. The DAMS driver was also on pole for the second race. However, a jump start and the resulting drive-through penalty saw his hopes for victory end early in the race, while he finished Heat 3 in 5th position.
The starting grid for the event’s climax was determined by each driver’s tally of points accumulated during the heats. Eigth at the start, Pla finally finished the grand final in 8th position.