GP2 Asia Series joins Speedcar Series

Speedcar International and the GP2 Series today announce an agreement which will see the two organizations team up for the brand new Asia and Middle East-based Grand Racing event.

The announcement coincides with the launch today of the GP2 Asia Series, which will run together with the Speedcar Series in its inaugural season.

Beginning in November, the Speedcar Series will pit 24 identical 650bhp stock-cars against each other, with some notable former F1 drivers, including Jean Alesi, having already signed-up to take part in the Series. The GP2 Asia Series will join the Speedcar Series at the Grand Racing weekends from January.

The GP2 Asia Series will feature the same Formula One-inspired technology as its European counterpart, which has made stars out of drivers like the current Formula One World Championship leader, Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Heikki Kovalainen, Scott Speed and Nelson Piquet Jr.

The later stages of the 2008 Grand Racing events will support some Formula One World Championship races in Asia.

Bernie Ecclestone said: "The popularity of motorsport in Asia and the Middle East is growing all the time, and the Grand Racing event is well poised to capitalize on this. It will also give gifted drivers from the region greater opportunity to aim for Formula One seats in the future."

Benoit Lamonerie of Speedcar International, said: "Speedcar Series and GP2 Asia Series are strong concepts, and will provide a spectacular combination of entertainment for TV viewers and spectators. With a mix of young, upcoming drivers, and great established names, I am certain the Grand Racing event will showcase fantastic motorsport action."

Bruno Michel of GP2 Series, said: "Since it began in 2005, the GP2 Series has proved itself as the finishing school of motorsport, and has provided a platform that has launched the careers of many successful drivers into Formula One. By creating a package as entertaining as the GP2 Asia Series and putting it alongside the Speedcar Series, the Grand Racing events will strengthen the reputations of many young drivers."

Speedcar Series and GP2 Asia Series will be based in Dubai, with the Grand Racing events run by Speedcar International.