So in case you didn't know F2 is the new name for GP2. Why the name change? Well it simultaneously rids the series of the Ecclestone name and completes Jean Todt's promise to re-establish the F2 formula without him actually having to do anything (sums up his presidency). Whats changed between the two series? Absolutely nothing. Rules are the same, cars are the same and teams are the same. Thats all a good thing though as GP2 always gave us some great action.
Whilst the stats will tell us all that everyone in this is now a rookie we all know different. Some names have moved on but some are still here. Favorite to win this year? Well after a fantastic year of out driving an awful car last year Oli Rowland has moved to DAMS and is certainly most peoples tip to win the thing. DAMS have been off form the last two seasons though but that could be to do with driver choice more than anything else. Last years top team were Prema and this year their lead driver is the much talked about Charles Leclerc. Leclerc graduates to F2 from GP3 as champion and at was one time was talked about for the Haas drive in F1. Leclerc is pretty quick but is a genuine rookie and its been a while since one of them has won the series. I expect him to be competitive though. Luca Ghiotto might be a good bet driving for Russian Time as his speed has never been in question and now he finally has a decent drive. A complete outside bet? I'd plump for Louis Deletraz for Racing Engineering. A quietly quick driver who might spring a surprise.
Now grab you skateboard, slam on some Huey Lewis and the News and get on down to your delorean because we seem to have gone back in time with some of this field. Your eyes do not deceive you both Johnny Ceccto Jr and Stefano Coletti have returned to the series, for what purpose I don't know but I'm sure they'll add some extra crashes. Speaking of which, rule 64 section c of GP2 - the rule that states that every race must have at least one incident featuring Sergio Canamasas - has been brought into the new series. The unlucky team who will have to pay the damage bill this year is Trident. Sucks to be them.
F2 appears to be the place to put academy drivers now days as seen by the fact that Prema are not only running Leclerc but also Antonio Fuoco which basically makes them a Ferrari B team. Fuoco was at one point at the top of Ferrari's young drivers but has had a couple of iffy years and has been overtaken by his team mate. Fuoco is quick but very prone to an accident. Again should be good to watch. Similarly DAMS are running Nicholas Latifi as Rowlands team mate which pretty much makes them Renault. Mclaren have both De Vries and Matsushita running in the series but in different teams (Rapax and ART). De Vries was very highly rated a few years back but was outclassed in both WSR 3.5 and GP3 so will be interesting if he can return to form. Others to mention? Well Artem Markelov is always good entertainment value and last years GP3 runner up Alexander Albon should provide some too.
The season starts this weekend in Bahrain with the usual format of feature race on Saturday and sprint race on a Sunday. The series then follows F1 around Europe, has its own stand alone weekend in Jerez in October and then concludes in Abu Dhabi on the same weekend as the F1. I have to say the series is fairly open this year and would not be shocked to get multiple title contenders. Whatever happens, and despite the name change, I'm sure the series will be just as entertaining as ever.
Whilst the stats will tell us all that everyone in this is now a rookie we all know different. Some names have moved on but some are still here. Favorite to win this year? Well after a fantastic year of out driving an awful car last year Oli Rowland has moved to DAMS and is certainly most peoples tip to win the thing. DAMS have been off form the last two seasons though but that could be to do with driver choice more than anything else. Last years top team were Prema and this year their lead driver is the much talked about Charles Leclerc. Leclerc graduates to F2 from GP3 as champion and at was one time was talked about for the Haas drive in F1. Leclerc is pretty quick but is a genuine rookie and its been a while since one of them has won the series. I expect him to be competitive though. Luca Ghiotto might be a good bet driving for Russian Time as his speed has never been in question and now he finally has a decent drive. A complete outside bet? I'd plump for Louis Deletraz for Racing Engineering. A quietly quick driver who might spring a surprise.
Now grab you skateboard, slam on some Huey Lewis and the News and get on down to your delorean because we seem to have gone back in time with some of this field. Your eyes do not deceive you both Johnny Ceccto Jr and Stefano Coletti have returned to the series, for what purpose I don't know but I'm sure they'll add some extra crashes. Speaking of which, rule 64 section c of GP2 - the rule that states that every race must have at least one incident featuring Sergio Canamasas - has been brought into the new series. The unlucky team who will have to pay the damage bill this year is Trident. Sucks to be them.
F2 appears to be the place to put academy drivers now days as seen by the fact that Prema are not only running Leclerc but also Antonio Fuoco which basically makes them a Ferrari B team. Fuoco was at one point at the top of Ferrari's young drivers but has had a couple of iffy years and has been overtaken by his team mate. Fuoco is quick but very prone to an accident. Again should be good to watch. Similarly DAMS are running Nicholas Latifi as Rowlands team mate which pretty much makes them Renault. Mclaren have both De Vries and Matsushita running in the series but in different teams (Rapax and ART). De Vries was very highly rated a few years back but was outclassed in both WSR 3.5 and GP3 so will be interesting if he can return to form. Others to mention? Well Artem Markelov is always good entertainment value and last years GP3 runner up Alexander Albon should provide some too.
The season starts this weekend in Bahrain with the usual format of feature race on Saturday and sprint race on a Sunday. The series then follows F1 around Europe, has its own stand alone weekend in Jerez in October and then concludes in Abu Dhabi on the same weekend as the F1. I have to say the series is fairly open this year and would not be shocked to get multiple title contenders. Whatever happens, and despite the name change, I'm sure the series will be just as entertaining as ever.
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attempting to breach the championship's top thirteen. I really think they should re-consider turfing out their champions while letting such cretins occupy a seat.
so good and then oh so bad.
