GP2's Asia Series will another new venue in its third season, but the championship will only visit two circuits across its four rounds after revealing that the new Yas Marina facility in Abu Dhabi would join the established Bahrain International Circuit on the schedule.

The series will write another chapter in its short history when it will become the first to field cars in anger to run on the Abu Dhabi circuit, as it christens the spectacular venue with a two-day test a week before it supports the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

After a well-deserved break, the 13 teams will return to the same venue track over 5-6 February, when it features as the headline event. Two weeks later, the Series moves on to Bahrain for its third round, over 26-27 February, and then returns to Sakhir for the season finale, in support of the season-opening 2010 F1 event, over 13-14 March.

“I am happy to note that this calendar is in line with the economical strategy we implemented in the GP2 Series this series organiser Bruno Michel, "We put together a programme that will not only generate good racing, but will also keep costs in check and therefore keep our series healthy.

"In fact, organising four rounds this time around, compared to six the previous season, and having all of them take place only in the Middle East, helps maintain the freight costs at a reasonable level for everyone. Of course, for the seasons to come, the number of races will be revised.

"After two strong years that generated a lot of interest throughout the world and, more specifically, in Asia and the Middle East, the GP2 Asia Series is back on a new circuit, but also with 50 per cent of its events running alongside F1. I have no doubt that we will once again enjoy an exciting season with 26 drivers fighting every inch on the way to the title!”