X Tour Selection Beijing（在线收听）

Starting in 2006, BMW China has run its Destination X-Tour for five consecutive years. The tour is a long distance driving combining challenging experience with charity work. The selection of this year's X Tour members stated last weekend. In contrast to previous routes, which are mainly arranged at climate-friendly southwest China, this year's tour is taking place in the freezing cold northwestern region of China, and in December! So it's very demanding for each participant.

Here is our reporter Li Dong.

 
With a cue from the staff, the driver steps hard of the accelerator, and rushes to the finish. It's not easy to achieve a good time score. It requires both speed and accuracy.

This is one of the three sections of this year's BMW X Tour member selection - the driving skill test. This contestant says he feels the pressure.

"I felt nervous, especially when I passed the last turn. My last score was 24 seconds. I hope I can do better this time."
A few drivers can finish the track in around 22 seconds. Before they rush out, the coach reminds them the key is to stay focused.

In another area, people are cheering for two contestants on the rock wall. This section tests their physical strength. This lady has just finished her competition.

"I should have worn my trainers. My hands are still shaking. I feel great deal of pressure. Because they are recording the time and I am so afraid of failing. I tried my best."

So what makes this year's X Tour member selection so demanding?

In previous years, the X Tour was organized in southwest China in climate friendly seasons.

However this year's tour is being held during the cold of winter. They will go through three of the most freezing provinces of northern China: Inner Mongolia, Jilin and Heilongjiang province.

Also, in contrast to previous years' four line tour, there are only two routes this year. The eastern one starts from Mohe in Heilongjiang province and the other, the western route starts from Manzhouli. The two BMW convoys will meet at Ha'erbin, Heilongjiang province at the end of the tour.

The most northerly province in the coldest season. This is why Bai Minfei of BMW's marketing department says this is why this year's X Tour is extremely demanding.

"In such weather, the temperature may drop to 30 degrees or more below zero. If you are out of the car for even five seconds, your hands may be hurt. But the drivers will have to get out of the car and clear the snow if their car gets stuck. Rock climbing requires them to climb as high as they can within limited time. It's a good test of their physical strength under pressure. As a lot of driving skill, you know, like driving on slippery and wet winter roads requires a lot of driving experience. Without good performance on normal roads, they snowy and icy road conditions will be dangerous for the drivers."

And Bai Minfei adds, the third section, a psychological test has been specially designed for this year's X Tour.

"We invited a professor from East China Normal University to design a set of psychological tests. Considering this year's harsh natural conditions, we believe that team spirit and their ability to endure pressure is more important than in previous years."

Altogether, only 96 drivers will be selected from more than 2,000 applicants for this year's X Tour.

The X Tour member selection in Beijing has just concluded. Selection in three other cities, Chengdu, Shanghai and Guangzhou will be held in October and November. Selected members will receive training to tackle this year's unique winter routes.

This year's X Tour will be held from Dec 4 to 10.

For China Drive, I am Li Dong.