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Blogvent Day 2 - The GP2 Talent Pool

Sponsorship | Sport

Formula 1 has added another new name to its ranks with yesterday’s confirmation from Williams that reigning GP2 champion Pastor Maldonado is to partner Rubens Barrichello in 2011. The man that Maldonado is replacing, ironically enough, is Nico Hülkenberg, who himself was GP2 champion in 2009.

Since GP2’s inception in 2005, the Series has proven a fertile breeding ground for the Formula One stars of the future with all bar one of GP2’s champions graduating to the top echelon of single-seater racing.

Established F1 drivers Nico Rosberg, Heikki Kovalainen and Lewis Hamilton all made their names at the sharp end of the GP2 grid, while Virgin Racing’s Timo Glock used the championship as a way of getting his career back on track after being shuffled out of F1 after his brief spell at Jordan in 2004.

For others, though, it has not panned out as hoped. Giorgio Pantano, who lost his Jordan F1 drive to Glock in 2004, never reignited his F1 career in the same way that Glock managed to despite winning the 2008 championship.

Since 2005, a total of 17 drivers have made the all important step up to F1 from GP2, including Maldonado and Sauber’s new 2011 recruit Sergio Perez. Some, such as Scott Speed, Nelson Piquet Jr and Kazuki Nakajima have been and gone, but some true stars have emerged from GP2, justifying its self-styled status as F1’s feeder series.

For companies looking to get involved in motorsport at a lower, more affordable level than Formula One provides, GP2 – and indeed its own ‘Stepping Stone’ series GP3 – can be a great investment. Both GP2 and GP3 follow the F1 circus around Europe like the dutiful younger siblings, offering great client hosting opportunities, while its television presence is an attractive proposition in its own right.

Speaking to us this morning, F1, GP2 and GP3 commentator and journalist, Will Buxton graciously offered this neat synopsis:

"The GP2, GP2 Asia and GP3 Series provide a platform unlike any other in modern day motor sport. They are the ultimate shop window, providing thrilling racing, incredible excitement, passion and, of course, a privileged glimpse of the future of Formula 1. From drivers to team bosses, mechanics to journalists, these are the championships in which the future generations of our sport cut their teeth.

For sponsors, these championships provide a unique opportunity to get involved in a sport with hundreds of millions of viewers and fans in every continent around the world. But whilst acting as a viable marketing exercise in their own right, these championships also provide a first step on the ladder for sponsors taking a look at the pinnacle of single seater motor racing. They provide a perfect "toe in the water," and in many cases an association created with a driver who has achieved success in GP2 has led to that sponsor's alignment and association continuing through to Formula 1.

Whether driver, team or sponsor, the GP2 and GP3 Series provide the world with a view of the future."

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