Istanbul Preview
Last September in Monza the curtains closed on a dramatic inaugural GP3 Series season, and the motorsport world bared witness to Mexico’s Esteban Gutiérrez entering the history books as the first ever Series champion.
The 2010 inaugural season exceeded all expectations. There was drama and excitement in abundance, with the championship battle going down to the wire. And as the second GP3 season kicks-off this weekend, it looks set to repeat this success.
With an even stronger driver line-up, the 2011 grid boasts a once again truly international field made up of drivers from sixteen different countries across five continents, and ranging from sixteen to twenty-three years of age. Eleven drivers are returning to the GP3 stage, alongside nineteen rookies. Those looking for action-packed racing will not be disappointed; with twelve single-seater champions and twenty-five race winners in the thirty-strong field, edge of the seat racing is all but guaranteed.
“In 2011 we have an even stronger driver line-up which I believe is a testament to our successful first year. We have attracted the best young talents around the globe and with drivers from as young as 16 the Series will continue to live up to its promise to be the true training ground for the future stars of motorsport.”
Bruno Michel, GP3 Series CEO
As a leading junior category it is enormously important that GP3 continually evolves, and as a result, this season the aero downforce has be reduced whilst the tyres have a higher peak of grip. The car will be even more selective and demanding for the young racers. There will also be increased track time, with an extra Friday practice session at each race weekend adding valuable mileage.
As GP3 begins its second season along-side the GP2 Series and Formula One, the scene is set for another spectacular year of racing.