The much-vaunted GP2 Asia Series finally gets underway at the Dubai Autodrome this weekend, with a mix of seasoned veterans and eager rookies all looking to make a name for themselves in the 'winter championship'.
Designed to bring the flavour of
Formula One's leading feeder series to the emerging motorsport nations in the Middle East and Asia, the inaugural line-up has not exactly fulfilled the criteria laid out by its organisers - to provide a step on the ladder to aspiring young drivers from the region - but promises to match some of Europe and South America's best prospects with those members of the Asian contingent already making a name for themselves ahead of a possible rematch in the now familiar summer series.
The philosophy of the GP2 Asia Series is to expand the successful concept of the GP2 Series to the emerging motorsport nations," series organiser Bruno Michel said at its launch, "These high potential regions will benefit from the incredible racing which the GP2 Series has set as its hallmark, but at a much reduced cost.
"As Formula One expands further into Asia and the Middle East, the GP2 Asia Series will be perfectly placed to act as its support event at an increasing number of races, as we strive to promote the best emerging talents in Asian motorsport. Part of this commitment to the promotion of drivers from Asia is reflected in a specific regulation for the GP2 Asia Series, which will ensure that at least one race seat per team is filled by a driver from this part of the world."
As it turns out, four of the 13 teams have failed - or chosen not - to fulfil that specific requirement, some citing A1GP's recent deal with
Ferrari as an excuse, but they will not be allowed to score points as a result. The rest have attracted leading drivers from Japan, China, India and Pakistan to do battle with champions and GP2 favourites from 2007.
