GP2 renews deal with Renault and Bridgestone
The GP2 Series today announces the renewal of its agreements with Renault and Bridgestone, to continue as partners and official engine and tyre suppliers to the GP2 Series in the second generation of the Formula One feeder category from 2008-2010.
The GP2 Series has been powered by Renault engines from the very start, and over the last three years has become an integral part of the “Renault Pyramid” which sees a steady progression from 200bhp Formula Renault, 400bhp World Series, 600bhp GP2 Series, all the way through to the ultimate goal of Formula One.
Just as Renault’s involvement in the GP2 Series has been in place from the very beginning, so the work and commitment shown by our partner and tyre supplier Bridgestone has been a vital constant in the success of the GP2 Series. As the sole tyre supplier not only to the GP2 Series, but also to Formula One, there is no other tyre manufacturer better equipped to prepare the finest young drivers in the world for the rigours of life in F1. Bridgestone’s involvement in the GP2 Series highlights the company’s commitment to motorsport, which extends all the way from go karts, to Formula One.
Bruno Michel, GP2 Series Organiser "The renewal of our partnerships with Renault and Bridgestone is fantastic news for the GP2 Series. As we unveil our new car today and usher in a new era for the Series, we can be sure that the success of our first generation will be mirrored in our future, thanks to the invaluable support of our committed partners, without whom we could not go racing."
Alain Dassas, Renault F1 Team President "Renault is delighted to confirm the renewal of its partnership with the GP2 Series for 2008-2010. Over the last three years, the GP2 Series has quickly established itself as the best "finishing school" for young drivers aspiring to make it to Formula One. We are proud to have two GP2 Series graduates in Heikki Kovalainen and Nelson Piquet Jr at the Renault F1 Team, as they help to shape the future of our successes at the highest level of global motorsport. Renault's continued involvement in the GP2 Series confirms once again our very serious commitment to motorsport, and we continue to be proud to have the Renault name associated with such a vibrant and viable racing championship."
Hiroshi Yasukawa, Director of Bridgestone Motorsport "Bridgestone is extremely proud to continue its involvement with the GP2 Series as its official tyre supplier. Three years ago no-one would have expected the series to be quite so successful but the strength of the relationship between Mr Ecclestone, Renault and Bridgestone has made the series achieve its aim of being the final stepping stone to Formula One. We have worked with the series since the beginning and it has been a great success for Bridgestone."
"For drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Heikki Kovalainen, the series has provided the perfect grounding for them to achieve their goal of driving in Formula One. We hope that Bridgestone can help create more future F1 drivers through our continuation with the GP2 Series. We are proud to contribute so much to young drivers' development. Many drivers start with Bridgestone in karting and GP2 provides another important step in a driver's career. As with any championship, safety is always of importance for Bridgestone. We have been able to use the GP2 Series effectively to highlight the Make Roads Safe and Think Before You Drive safety campaigns. I am very happy with the development of the new car and Bridgestone is proud to support the revisions made. We are looking forward to another successful three years with the GP2 Series."
