The GP2 Series was introduced in 2005 following the discontinuation of the long-term Formula 1 'feeder' category, Formula 3000. The format was conceived by Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore.
Designed to make racing affordable for the teams and to make it the perfect training ground for F1, GP2 has made it mandatory for all entrants to use the same chassis, engine and tyre supplier so that true driver ability is reflected. Most races take place as support races at Formula One race weekends to boost the series' profile and to give drivers experience of a Grand Prix environment. In the three years the series has been running, its champions – Nico Rosberg, Lewis Hamilton and Timo Glock - have all graduated immediately into F1. This year, the excitement of GP2 was taken to Asia in a separate series comprising five race weekends, including two events held as the support races at F1 Grands Prix. Teams which competed in GP2 Asia were those which currently run in the main European championship. With GP2 laptimes often comparing favourably with the final few rows on the F1 grid, it's fair to say there isn't another junior formula in existence which can match the performance levels of the GP2 Series.
