GP2 Asia Series joins Speedcar Series to form the Grand
Racing event
Speedcar International and the GP2 Series today announce
an agreement which will see the two organisations team up
for the brand new Asia and Middle East-based Grand Racing
event.
The announcement coincides with the launch today of the GP2
Asia Series, which will run together with the Speedcar Series
in its inaugural season.
Beginning in November, the Speedcar Series will pit 24 identical
650bhp stock-cars against each other, with some notable former
F1 drivers, including Jean Alesi, having already signed-up
to take part in the Series. The GP2 Asia Series will join
the Speedcar Series at the Grand Racing weekends from January.
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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