Second race, second start-finish victory for Tim Heinemann. Sunday’s round of the BMW M2 Cup at the Lausitzring held all kinds of action in store. But things were clear at the top of the field: Salman Owega celebrated his first podium behind the race one winner Heinemann. Louis Henkefend managed to finish third once again.

Collisions, overtakes and retirements: The second round of the one-make throphy had it all. While things were heating up in the midfield, Heinemann in the #78 BMW M2 CS Racing was undeterred as he completed his laps and took a clear start-finish victory: “That was a perfect weekend for me,” said the championship leader. “Two wins, two pole positions – it couldn’t have gone any better.”

The youngest driver of the field was equally thrilled. After Owega (#7) dropped out of the top group in the first race after a collision through no fault of his own, the 16-year-old clinched a podium finish in Sunday’s race, securing second place. Louis Henkefend (#17) once again put in a strong performance and stood on the rostrum once more thanks to third position.

Behind them, the rest of the field battled it out for the points – and they did so with fierce determination. The final phase was dominated by the duel of the twins, Alesia (#12) and Jacqueline Kreutzpointner (#21). The two sisters had a tough battle with Max Partl (#66) and Fabian Kreim (#43) for seventh to tenth place which provided the spectators with a wheel-to-wheel battle well worthy of the admission fee. In the end, Kreim prevailed. Partl, Jacqueline and Alesia Kreutzpointner finished behind him.

Series manager Jörg Michaelis was pleased with the season opener after two exciting races: “I’m very proud that my whole squad pulled it off so well. The fans really got their money’s worth, even though I personally would have liked to have seen less damage today. But that’s just part of racing and, all in all, we can be very satisfied.”

What Michaelis is referring to? A collision on the very first lap resulted in the first yellow flag of the race. The collision also meant a retirement for Marcelina Czepiel (#4), Michael von Zabiensky (#10), Nicolas Hancke (#99) and Sebastian Höbelt (#13). The second interruption and the end of the race for Carrie Schreiner (#8) followed only a short time later.

The action continues in just two weeks’ time. Zolder in Belgium will play host to the BMW M2 Cup from 6 to 8 August.

Salman Owega, 2nd place in race 2: “It feels tremendous, especially after I had a collision yesterday, where I dropped to the back of the pack. However, it wasn’t easy because the pursuers were putting pressure on me all the time. I had to defend myself in order not to lose second place. Things eased up toward the end of the race, though, and I was able to pull away. For the next race weekend, I’m taking it upon myself to be better in qualifying.”

Louis Henkefend, 3rd place in race 2: “Everything went pretty well today. I was able to recover a position at the start. It was pretty tight there – I think we we’re four-wide in turn two, but it was all fair. There were a few fights and many yellow flags. After the second break, I was close to Owega, but I couldn’t get past. My tyres lost a bit of performance, which allowed him to pull away again. In the end, I’m happy with third place. That scores me some decent points.“

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.