The GP2 Series returns to the scene of its first ever race weekend as the class of 2006 prepares for round two at the
Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari at Imola, looking to wow the
F1 crowd just as it did the curious Spaniards who ventured to the Circuit Ricardo Tormo a fortnight ago.
Two enthralling races in Valencia confirmed that the latest crop of GP2 drivers appear well placed to repeat, if not exceed, the fireworks produced in the championship's first year, with some impressive rookies already looking to challenge the 'old guard'.
If Valencia provided a level playing field in terms of an unknown venue, allowing the newcomers to compete on a par with those already with a year under their belts, and the latest Spanish influx to make the most of previous World Series experience, Imola could allow the first signs of talent rising to the top. Last year's data will of play a big part in every team's set-up decisions, even though the GP2 Dallara has been 'made over' during the off-season, and now features reduced aero and more power, coupled, of course, with
Bridgestone slicks instead of last year's F1-style grooved rubber. The new tyres have made the cars faster, while the reduction in rear-end downforce has made them much more intricate to set up, and it will be interesting to see who gets to grips with the challenge when compared against the records of last season.
Of course, Imola is largely being consigned to the darkest depths of GP2 memories after the 2005 season-opener proved to be something of a technical embarrassment, with gearbox, brake and engine woes affecting nearly every team in the field. The racing, however, salvaged something for the series - which has come on immeasurably since - with several hard-fought battles between the retirements and Adam Carroll's move on Alex Premat at Variante Bassa in race two out-lasting all other memories and winning the 'overtaking manoeuvre of the year' nomination at the Gonzalo Rodriguez Memorial Foundation Winning Attitudes Awards.
