GP2 Series 2011 calendar released

The GP2 series unveiled its 2011 calendar which consists of nine rounds, all events part of the official Formula One support series. As previously announced, next season will see thirteen teams fight for the crown with newcomers Carlin and Team Air Asia joining the field and ART Grand Prix renamed Lotus ART.

The GP2 will see its season begin for the first time in Istanbul, Turkey where the Formula One Championship will open its European campaign. Following the F1 calendar, the GP2 Series will then move to Barcelona and Monaco in the last two weekends of May. After a break, the action will return to Valencia Street circuit at the end of June, and July will be busy with three rounds – the first at Silverstone, then at Nurburgring and Budapest back-to-back. After the summer breather, the Series will return to Spa-Francorchamps on the last weekend of August. Finally, the 2011 season will be concluded in Monza, Italy on 10-11 September.

Two pre-season test sessions will be organised first at Silverstone on 5-6 April followed by Barcelona on 19-20 April.

2011 calendar:
5-6 April - Silverstone, Great Britain - Test
19-20 April - Barcelona, Spain - Test
7-8 May - Istanbul, Turkey
21-22 May - Barcelona, Spain
27-28 May - Monte Carlo, Monaco
25-26 June - Valencia, Spain
9-10 July - Silverstone, Great Britain
23-24 July - Nurburgring, Germany
30-31 July - Budapest, Hungary
27-28 August - Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
10-11 September - Monza, Italy

Following the results of the 2010 GP2 Series Teams Standings, the 2011 GP2 Series grid will carry the following numbers:

1, 2 - Rapax ITA
3, 4 - Barwa Addax Team ESP
5, 6 - Lotus ART FRA
7, 8 - Racing Engineering ESP
9, 10 - iSport International GBR
11, 12 - DAMS FRA
14, 15 - Arden International GBR
16, 17 - Super Nova Racing GBR
18, 19 - Scuderia Coloni ITA
20, 21 - Trident Racing ITA
22, 23 - Ocean Racing Technology POR
24, 25 - Carlin GBR
26, 27 - Team Air Asia MAS