A glimpse of Formula 1's Future.
September 27th 2008 08:12
Once again, hello all. I've returned to the blogosphere that is Orble and I've done so with a new focus on upcoming members of Generation Y who I predict will be making their mark on the world in the near future.
In my absence, I discovered Formula 1 (F1) and fell utterly in love with its hair-pin bends and top speeds of 360km/h but sadly, with the 2008 season nearly over, I needed a plan to get me through the off season and that ladies and gentlemen, is where the GP2 series come in.
F1 drivers have to come from somewhere- they don't just sprout up, fully grown in the middle of race tracks every second weekend, oh no. They must be bred, nurtured and spotted by a talent scout, and I need to find out who they are so have something to keep me going until F1's 2009 season begins. So who are these champions-to-be and where are they found?
GP2 Series (GP2 for short) is the training ground for F1 recruits. All participants race in cars with Dallara Automobili chassis, a Renault engine, and 8-position barrel gearbox by GearTrek and as Bridgestone is 'the chosen one of Formula 1' it's also the chosen one for GP2 i.e. it's the sole provider of tyres. The uniformity of the cars means there's an emphasis on driver ability to win a race, making it easier to see who has what it takes to move up into motor racing's highest league.
But enough background, who should we be keeping an eye on?
Well the current GP2 Diver's Championship is in the hands on one Giorgio Pantano, a gentleman who is no stranger to motor racing, having so far been a driver in Formula 3000 (which GP2 replaced) and yes, even Formula 1. His 2004 season with F1 (now de-funked) team Jordan was... how shall I put this... unspectacular, but after this year's GP2 victory I suspect he's a man to watch in 2009.
Another GP2 star with F1 links is Bruno Senna, nephew of F1 great, Ayrton Senna. Bruno Senna finished second in this year’s GP2 season but, as GP2 regulars will know, second-placers such as Heikki Kovalainen have also been absorbed by F1 racing teams, so keep an eye out for this youngster in the seasons to come.
So there you have it, a fluff piece on Formula 1’s training ground and its potential stars of the future. Hopefully I’ve stirred enough curiosity in you to get you doing some independent research. If that’s the case, I suggest heading to the official GP2 Series site and while your at it, take a look at Formula 1's web page. Also, GP2 races are held on the same weekends as F1 races and this weekend happens to be Round 15 for F1, specifically the Singapore Grand Prix, which is going to be the first ever night race so check your local listings and get a first hand view of this weekend’s GP2 and F1 offerings.
In my absence, I discovered Formula 1 (F1) and fell utterly in love with its hair-pin bends and top speeds of 360km/h but sadly, with the 2008 season nearly over, I needed a plan to get me through the off season and that ladies and gentlemen, is where the GP2 series come in.
F1 drivers have to come from somewhere- they don't just sprout up, fully grown in the middle of race tracks every second weekend, oh no. They must be bred, nurtured and spotted by a talent scout, and I need to find out who they are so have something to keep me going until F1's 2009 season begins. So who are these champions-to-be and where are they found?
GP2 Series (GP2 for short) is the training ground for F1 recruits. All participants race in cars with Dallara Automobili chassis, a Renault engine, and 8-position barrel gearbox by GearTrek and as Bridgestone is 'the chosen one of Formula 1' it's also the chosen one for GP2 i.e. it's the sole provider of tyres. The uniformity of the cars means there's an emphasis on driver ability to win a race, making it easier to see who has what it takes to move up into motor racing's highest league.
But enough background, who should we be keeping an eye on?
Well the current GP2 Diver's Championship is in the hands on one Giorgio Pantano, a gentleman who is no stranger to motor racing, having so far been a driver in Formula 3000 (which GP2 replaced) and yes, even Formula 1. His 2004 season with F1 (now de-funked) team Jordan was... how shall I put this... unspectacular, but after this year's GP2 victory I suspect he's a man to watch in 2009.
Another GP2 star with F1 links is Bruno Senna, nephew of F1 great, Ayrton Senna. Bruno Senna finished second in this year’s GP2 season but, as GP2 regulars will know, second-placers such as Heikki Kovalainen have also been absorbed by F1 racing teams, so keep an eye out for this youngster in the seasons to come.
So there you have it, a fluff piece on Formula 1’s training ground and its potential stars of the future. Hopefully I’ve stirred enough curiosity in you to get you doing some independent research. If that’s the case, I suggest heading to the official GP2 Series site and while your at it, take a look at Formula 1's web page. Also, GP2 races are held on the same weekends as F1 races and this weekend happens to be Round 15 for F1, specifically the Singapore Grand Prix, which is going to be the first ever night race so check your local listings and get a first hand view of this weekend’s GP2 and F1 offerings.
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