GP2 support series all set to expand to Asia

[The Stig]

Formula One’s European-based GP2 feeder series will expand to Asia next year with a new championship to run there between January and April, organisers said on Thursday.

“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,” said organiser Bruno Michel in a statement. “Our inclusion as the support races on the programme of Asian grands prix in 2008 is an essential key in this new venture.”

Although dates have not yet been published, the 2008 Formula One season is expected to start in Australia in March before races in Malaysia and Bahrain.

McLaren’s current F1 championship leader Lewis Hamilton won last year’s GP2 title while Germany’s Nico Rosberg, inaugural winner in 2005, is at Williams.

Other Formula One drivers to have progressed from the series are Renault’s Finnish rookie Heikki Kovalainen and American Scott Speed at Toro Rosso.

The GP2 Asia Series will be part of a Grand Racing event that also includes the inaugural Speedcar Series, the latter involving 24 identical 650bhp stock cars.