The six week gap between the first and second GP2 Asia rounds has prompted a variety of changes on the grid, with a total of six different drivers lining up in Dubai that didn't race in China.

Of the newcomers, most eyes are likely to be on ex-Arden driver Yelmer Buurman and GP2 debutant Fabrizio Crestani, as they come to Dubai having been charged with fronting the new Ocean Racing Technology team.

Taking over from BCN Competicion, ORT, which will be overseen by former F1 driver Tiago Monteiro, makes its debut in Dubai with the intention of doing what its predecessor never could at GP2 level and win a race.

Elsewhere, having been confirmed as their lead driver for the summer season, Pastor Maldonado appears for ART Grand Prix in Dubai. Replacing Nelson Philippe after just one race, the Venezuelan will be looking to repeat some of the form that took Romain Grosjean to title glory last season.

At Arden, Mika Maki has been ousted in favour of well regarded Dutchman Renger van der Zande, who steps up to GP2 following two race-winning seasons in the Formula 3 Euroseries, while Durango Corse welcomes little-known Italian teenager Michael Dalle Stelle to join title contender Davide Valsecchi.

Meanwhile, Durango's former driver Alberto Valerio is back on the grid at Trident Racing, the Brazilian driver replacing Giacomo Ricci, who in turn has jumped to David Price Racing in place of Yuhi Sekiguchi.