GP2 has been hailed as a competitive training ground for Formula One with drivers using identical Renault engines and Dallara chassis for eleven different rounds throughout the season. Each one will have a semi auto gearbox and carbon discs at their disposal and like Formula One in 2008, there is no traction control to speak of. Power steering is also nonexistent and as such victories come down to the individual talents of the driver. GP2 cars are also equipped with V8 engines and Bridgestone rubber, like F1, however the tyres they race with are slicks, not grooved. Each car has a power output of 590bhp, the highest there is in a European monotype formula and unlike F1, development is not fixed with technology advancing each season including a new aerodynamic and mechanical upgrade for 2008 that is aimed at improving both safety for the drivers and effectiveness of the car.
Technical specifications of de GP2 /2008
Engine:
Structure: V8
Cylinder:
4 litres
Power: 590cv
Throttle: 'Fly by wire'
Gearbox:
Gearbox:
- 6 speed semi-automatic-
F1 style paddle shift gear selection
Tyres:
Tyres:
Slick Bridgestone Potenza
- Chassis:
- Chassis:
- Dallara carbon fibre monocoque
- 585kg with driver, built to FIA standards
- Ground effect- Carbon brake discs
Technical Specifications of the Brigestone Potenze
Fronts: 265/55R13
Rears: 325/45R13
Dimensions:
Rears: 325/45R13
Dimensions:
Dry fronts 655mm diameter, 335mm width
Dry rears 654mm diameter, 377mm width
Wet fronts 661mm diameter, 342mm width
Wet fronts 660mm diameter, 376mm width
THE BRIDGESTONE AND THE GP2 SERIES
The third evolution for 2008, 09 and 10, the GP2/08, passed FIA safety tests back in October 07 and in doing so became the only other car to match the extreme safety standards enforced in Formula One. The new car also benefits from some of the recent aerodynamic developments seen in F1 and the overall ground effect has also been increased in an effort to help promote overtaking.
2007 F1 FIA safety standards:
- Survival cell side push tests
2007 F1 FIA safety standards:
- Survival cell side push tests
- Survival cell fuel tank floor push test
- Survival cell side panel penetration test
- Front roll hoop push test
- Rear roll hoop push test
- Front impact structure side push test
- Rear impact structure side push test
- Front 2007 F1 impact test
- Side 2007 F1 impact test
- Rear 2007 F1 impact test
- Steering column impact test
Bridgestone has been the sole tyre supplier to the GP2 series since its inception in 2005 and has helped to produce some very thrilling racing action over the past three seasons. Renault, Dallara and Bridgestone make up the three official partners of the official Formula One feeder series, and all three work side by side in order to help the overall package grow and prosper, strengthening more and more with each passing year. The Dallara Mecachrome Bridgestone package has actually benefited from 3 major evolutions during their time together and the third chassis, introduced for the 2008 championship season and christened the 'GP2/08' is made up of the latest and most modern technical developments found in Motorsport and is therefore the closest championship contender to those used in the pinnacle of Motorsports, Formula One. This means that by being the sole supplier to both Formula One and the GP2 series, Bridgestone is heavily involved and committed to, the two biggest single-seater championships in the world and their production of Potenza slick tyres for the GP2 series has been transferred to the Bridgestone Europe Technical Centre in Rome.
As well as their dedication to supplying the best rubber possible, Bridgestone is also dedicated to promoting up and coming young talents in the world of Motorsport. GP2 was created with the long term aim of advancing these talents into the world of Formula One and Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Timo Glock, the three champions created to date, are proof that this aim is being fulfilled.
While fans worldwide are glued to their seats, both at the track and in their lounge rooms when a Formula One race is in action, they have soon come to realize that the GP2 series has also delivered a stunning spectacle, right from the debut race and it shows no sign of slowing down, either now, or in the future!
Cost control
While fans worldwide are glued to their seats, both at the track and in their lounge rooms when a Formula One race is in action, they have soon come to realize that the GP2 series has also delivered a stunning spectacle, right from the debut race and it shows no sign of slowing down, either now, or in the future!
Cost control
The GP2 series was also created to be the formula with the best ratio in comparison to overall competitiveness and cost. All teams have the same access to parts that were specifically designed to be cheap and most teams take advantage of this, such as the engine being used for several races. The series organizers also provide a joint hospitality service for all the professionals and the media, meaning that the teams themselves do not have the need to invest unnecessary facilities, as many do in Formula One, and therefore they can put all their focus into the sport.
