Markus Niemela

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Markus Niemelä (born 20 March 1984 in Rauma) is a Finnish race car driver who was a race winner in the Formula Renault Series in the UK in 2006. His international racing career has been volatile due to the multiple injuries he has sustained.

[edit] Career

2006: First season in Formula Renault UK, Mark Burdett Motorsport

One victory, fastest lap and pole position. Multiple Driver Of The Day Awards - awarded by Renault Sport. Markus finished 7th in the final standings with best positions 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 2x4th.

2005: First season in Formula BMW-ADAC, Team Rosberg

Markus finished 7th in championship points with one victory and one pole position. Many crashes resulting to damaged car during the season (12 out of 20 races). He was also 5th in UK Formula Renault Winter Championship, 3rd best qualifier of the championship (3rd, 4th, 9th and 3rd in qualifyings). Markus drove Formula Renault first time ever in free practice of first race meeting.

2004: First season in Formula Ford

Markus became the Finnish and Swedish Champion and the winner of STCC Formula Ford championship. Led Scandinavian Championship before the last round but finished 2nd overall because did not participate on the last round. Nominated as a ”Young Champion” by Finnish ASN. Tested for Formula BMW and was fastest at several unofficial tests.

2003: Karting, category Formula A

Because of accident in a European championship race, couldn’t drive for three months. Returned for World Championships to finish 5th.

2002: Karting, category Formula A Markus was the Finnish champion in Formula A. He set the fastest laptime of at least in one heat of every European Championship round. Qualified in World Cup final but technical problems caused DNF in pre-final and final.

2001: Karting

Injury of left arm in a snowboarding accident before the start of season prevented participation in the Formula A European/World Championship. Won the one race where participated, driving practically one-handed against top Finnish karters (ICA).

1998: Karting

Markus won the Finnish junior karting championship with maximum points.