BMW M2 Cup presents first drivers
Preparations for the BMW M2 Cup season-opener are in full swing: The new one-make trophy’s official pre-test is scheduled for 6 and 7 May at the Lausitzring. Vincent France, Salman Owega and Melusi Pooe are amongst the Cup’s participants. The young talents are set to acquire their first experiences with the new BMW M2 CS Racing, the car chosen to take part in the championship.
For France and Owega, this means switching from karting to motor racing and driving in the BMW M2 Cup will provide the two Germans with a complete season of ‘a roof over their heads’ for the first time. Cup organizer Jörg Michaelis welcomes the youngsters: “We’re very proud to introduce our first drivers”, he says. “The M2 is perfect for kart drivers to acquire basic touring car and GT sport knowledge.”
According to Michaelis, the one-make trophy is also a good schooling for newcomers. “Melusi is taking his first steps in motor racing. The basis is different of course, so it’s all the more important to receive individual preparation, which is fully covered by our Speed Academy”, he adds.
Vincent France, Salman Owega and Melusi Pooe are part of the BMW M2 Cup, where focus is on young talent promotion. Talented youngsters and ambitious racing drivers are still able to register for the championship till 15 May.
Vincent France
date of birth: 14.10.2003
residence: Bad Homburg (GER)
place of birth: Innsbruck (AUT)
nationality: German
height/weight: 1.80 m / 60 kg
favourite track: Red Bull Ring
France has repeatedly demonstrated his talent in kart racing. In 2017 and 2018, the 17-year-old was Junior class vice-champion in the Rotax Max Challenge Germany and the Senior class title followed in 2019. 2020 saw the driver from Bad Homburg competing in the Rotax Euro trophy as well as the BNL Karting Series. And a year later, he’s jumping into the BMW M2 CS Racing cockpit.
Salman Owega
date of birth: 25.05.2005
residence: Köln (GER)
place of birth: Köln (GER)
nationality: German
height/weight: 1.70 m / 55 kg
favourite track: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Nordschleife
BMW M2 Cup newcomer driver Salman Owega is the youngest of three Owega brothers – Hamza and Yusuf have already made a name for themselves in GT sport. The 15-year-old took his first steps in the kart scene, which included driving in the ADAC Kart Academy.
Melusi Pooe
date of birth: 21.10.1999
residence: Johannesburg (ZAF)
place of birth: Johannesburg (ZAF)
nationality: South African
height/weight: 1.76 m / 60 kg
favourite track: Nürburgring
Pooe’s career has taken a slightly different path: for the youngster from Johannesburg, driving in the BMW M2 Cup is not only a premiere in the championship, but is also his first-ever appearance in motor racing! Parallel to his Cup commitment, the 21-year-old began his Transportation degree at the University of Johannesburg in 2019.