The GP2 Asia Series, which begins at Dubai Autodrome in January 2008 sharing the Grand Racing bill with Speedcar Series, will be an exciting new racing championship, designed to bring the highest level of one-make single-seater action to the emerging motorsport nations in the Middle East and Asia.

The concept of the GP2 Asia Series is to bring the excitement and potential of the world’s foremost Formula One feeder category to the emerging motorsport nations of the world, and to provide a step on the ladder to aspiring young drivers from the Middle East and Asia.

GP2 Asia Series Organiser Bruno Michel elaboratesBruno Michel behind GP2 Asia philosophy
“The philosophy of the GP2 Asia Series is to expand the successful concept of the GP2 Series to the emerging motorsport nations. These high potential regions will benefit from the incredible racing which the GP2 Series has set as its hallmark, but at a much reduced cost. As Formula One expands further into Asia and the Middle East, the GP2 Asia Series will be perfectly placed to act as its support event at an increasing number of races, as we strive to promote the best emerging talents in Asian motorsport. Part of this commitment to the promotion of drivers from Asia is reflected in a specific regulation for the GP2 Asia Series, which will ensure that at least one race Seat per team is filled by a driver from this part of the world.

As we launch the new GP2 / 08 car for the second generation of the GP2 Series, the GP2 Asia Series means that the car which has provided the platform upon which the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Heikki Kovalainen have created their Formula One careers, will now be able to showcase the best young driver talent in Asia. For our teams, the GP2 Asia Series will also be an opportunity to build on their European successes, and to spread their influence and knowledge into the Asian market, tapping into new sources of talent and knowhow, whilst also being included in new spheres of business and discovering new and exciting revenue sources.

Of course, we know that a new Series entails a lot of hard work, and we are happy to bring a wealth of solid partners with us to the GP2 Asia Series, who have made the GP2 Series so strong in Europe. Bridgestone will continue as an official partner and sole tyre supplier, and we are delighted that they have offered a special Bridgestone Prize of $50,000 to the GP2 Asia Series Drivers’ Champion.

We are also pleased to announce that Dallara and Mecachrome will each continue their integral roles with the chassis and engine respectively. Their knowledge of the car and its technical intricacies, combined with the knowhow of the GP2 Series teams who have committed to the GP2 Asia Series, will be the firm foundations upon which this new championship is built.”