Former Jordan F1 driver Giorgio Pantano on Saturday wrapped up the GP2 championship, after finishing tenth in the penultimate race of the feeder series' 2008 season at Monza.

With just the sprint race on Sunday remaining, the Italian now enjoys an unassailable lead over Brazilian youngster Bruno Senna.

Delighted with his achievement on home soil, the Racing Engineering driver made no secret of his ambition to return to formula one. "I really wanted to get this title as it was my last chance to show what I am really capable of, and in this way find a way back into F1."

All previous GP2 champions, including Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and the reigning title winner, Timo Glock, have graduated to F1.

But 29-year-old Pantano seems unlikely to continue the trend, as teams court younger drivers; Senna and Sebastien Buemi having both been linked with Toro Rosso for 2009.

Pantano had his first F1 test with Benetton in 2000, before a string of other tests led to his debut with the struggling Jordan team.

2004 was, however, a difficult season for the Italian, and he was replaced by Glock before the end of the year.

Source: GMM