The GP2 Series came into being in 2005 and in three years established itself as the world's foremost F1 feeder category. The concept of the series was devised in 2004 as a method by which young drivers could race in a championship with direct and strong links to the F1 Paddock.

At the end of the first generation of the GP2 Series, the choice was made to develop the championship and to take the entertainment around the world to the emerging motorsport nations. Thus the GP2 Asia Series was born. Racing at speeds comparable to Formula One, in a car which is both technologically advanced and safe, the GP2 Asia Series aims to live up to the intense levels of competition shown in the GP2 Series, which has thus far placed 16 drivers into Formula One contracted seats.

The GP2 Asia Series will give drivers from Asia an unprecedented chance to shine at this level, as the regulations state that for a team to be eligible for prize funds they must field at least one Asian driver.

The GP2 Asia Series is scrutineered by the FIA, and along with the Speedcar Series forms part of the new Grand Racing weekend, with two rounds acting as the support event at Formula One Grands Prix. Through close ties with FOM, the series also benefits from superb global television coverage, which has enticed sponsors and fans alike.

The sporting and technical regulations are changed only so long as they adhere to a set of five values, laid down by the organisers at the inception of the series : performance, safety, cost control, the show, and training. These values remain the guiding principles of the GP2 Series and GP2 Asia Series.

As the GP2 Asia Series embarks on its first ever season, we eagerly anticipate a thrilling competition in new nations, on new tracks, and with new teams and drivers.

The GP2 Series has been an unrivalled success in its three year history. One need only look at the current Formula One grid to see the influence the Series has had. In 2008, two of the most respected and historic teams in Formula One history, Williams and McLaren, will field both of their cars with GP2 Series graduates at the wheel. In a sport of few certainties, it would appear that the only definite is that, in 2008, a GP2 Series graduate will battle for points, podiums and race wins.

The reason for this accession to Formula One, has been GP2's unrivalled level of training and spectacle. By producing a car close to Formula One technology and speed and replicating it 26 times, there exists a challenge and a competition to rival any rival championship in modern motorsport. There can be few fans of four wheeled racing who have not been moved and enthralled by GP2's racing, and even fewer who would fail to recognise the importance of the category in the promotion of young talent.

As we near the end of the first decade of the new millennium, motorsport's horizons are expanding to a new region of endless possibilities. Asia and the Middle East now find themselves with regular races on a Formula One calendar which grows year on year to accommodate even newer locations and circuits. Sponsors, promoters and fans from the region are becoming more aware of the wonders of high level motorsport, and of the wealth of talent which lies within their number.

The GP2 Asia Series exists to bring such talent to the forefront of the motorsport world's psyche. Utilising the exact machinery that launched the Formula One dreams of Lewis Hamilton, Heikki Kovalainen, Nico Rosberg and Timo Glock, drivers from the emerging motorsport nations have been given an opportunity to show their worth on the most public of stages.

For their fans, the GP2 Asia Series will bring the excitement of the GP2 Series to Asia and the Middle East, with a calendar which promises to grow with time. Three years ago, nobody knew what a success the GP2 Series would be.

Today, it is safe to bet that the formula which set the original Series on to such heights, can only succeed in Asia.

http://www.gp2series.com/en//website/gp2asia/index.php