Asian GP2 Expansion Announced
The GP2 Series has great delight in today announcing the launch of the GP2 Asia Series, which will see the championship expand beyond its current predominantly European foundation into an increasingly global series in the coming years.
Beginning in 2008, the GP2 Series will spawn a brand new international championship to be known as the GP2 Asia Series, which will run between January and April in its first season the months previously used primarily for testing. This new championship will form part of a new race weekend to be known as Grand Racing, which will also feature the new Speedcar Series.
The link to Formula One, on which the GP2 Series has proved its undoubted success, will also be maintained through an agreement which will see the GP2 Asia Series hold a number of its rounds as the main Formula One support category at an increasing number of “long haul” races over the coming years. In the inaugural 2008 season, the GP2 Asia Series will support Formula One at some Asian Grands Prix, with this number expected to increase year on year as the Formula One calendar expands into Asia and the Middle East.
Bruno Michel GP2 Series Organiser: “The idea to expand the GP2 Series is something we have been working on for some time, and with the GP2 Asia Series I believe we will see the excitement of this formula spread around the world. The idea of the Grand Racing weekend perfectly compliments the values of the GP2 Series, and in the Speedcar Series we will have an exciting new category racing alongside us, which will provide the fans with a diverse Motorsport experience.”
“Of course, it is of great importance that the GP2 Asia Series, as with the GP2 Series, maintains a strong and viable link to Formula One, and our inclusion as the support races on the programme of Asian Grands Prix in 2008 is an essential key in this new venture.”
“I am delighted that we will be able to take the GP2 Series around the world, and thanks to the continued support of Mr Ecclestone and our new friends at Speedcar International, I have every confidence in the future success of the GP2 Asia Series, and the Grand Racing weekend format.”
The GP2 Asia Series will feature the same Formula One-inspired technology as its European counterpart, which has made stars out of drivers like the current Formula One World Championship leader, Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Heikki Kovalainen, Scott Speed and Nelson Piquet Jr.
The later stages of the 2008 Grand Racing events will support some Formula One World Championship races in Asia.
Bernie Ecclestone said: “The popularity of motorsport in Asia and the Middle East is growing all the time, and the Grand Racing event is well poised to capitalise on this. It will also give gifted drivers from the region greater opportunity to aim for Formula One seats in the future.”
Benoit Lamonerie of Speedcar International, said: “Speedcar Series and GP2 Asia Series are strong concepts, and will provide a spectacular combination of entertainment for TV viewers and spectators. With a mix of young, upcoming drivers, and great established names, I am certain the Grand Racing event will showcase fantastic motorsport action.”
Bruno Michel of GP2 Series, said: “Since it began in 2005, the GP2 Series has proved itself as the finishing school of motorsport, and has provided a platform that has launched the careers of many successful drivers into Formula One. By creating a package as entertaining as the GP2 Asia Series and putting it alongside the Speedcar Series, the Grand Racing events will strengthen the reputations of many young drivers.”
Speedcar Series and GP2 Asia Series will be based in Dubai, with the Grand Racing events run by Speedcar International.
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