Starting it's 3rd year on the BTCC schedule in 2006, is the Formula BMW UK Championship. A popular entry level 'slicks and wings' single seater series, Formula BMW has been running in Germany and Asia for several years and has allowed many drivers from as young as 15 years old, to take their first steps into car racing.

Powered by an 1200cc BMW motorcycle engine, the Mygale built racers can reach up to 140mph and provide a good learning experience for karting graduates. Five drivers in the field will be the lucky winners of the £35,000 Formula BMW Scholarship and will benefit from expert tuition by the likes of WTCC Champion Andy Priaulx and his colleague Jorg Muller. They will race in the Rookie Cup, where the winner will receive another £35,000 to go towards a second season in the category. The championship has attracted several established single seater teams and the likes of Motaworld, Fortec, Carlin and SWR return once again.

SWR's lineup created the biggest headline of the Formula BMW close season. Driving for them will be Greg and Leo Mansell, sons of the 1992 F1 World Champion Nigel Mansell. Following in their father's footsteps, they have even attracted Unipart sponsorship for their cars, a backer from Nigel's early days in the sport.

As with the 2004 and 2005 season, this year sees the Formula BMW UK series compete in some non-BTCC meetings.

2005 Summary

Dean Smith clinched the title in a dramatic finale at Brands Hatch, pipping the bookies' favourite Sam Bird to the second Formula BMW crown, after the latter hit bad luck at the Kent track and ended the season in a gravel trap.