GP2 Series back on track at Jerez

The 2013 GP2 Series officially kicks off tomorrow for the first test session of the year at Circuito de Jerez in Spain. Teams and drivers have gathered at the Spanish track for three days in order to prepare for the ninth season of the category which will open in twenty-four days in Sepang, Malaysia.

Fresh faces mix with familiar ones as the field reshuffles. Reigning champions DAMS will try and retain their crown and trust Marcus Ericsson and Stéphane Richelmi to help them in that challenge whilst last year’s rivals ART Grand Prix have bet on 2012 GP2 best rookie James Calado and 2012 GP3 Series runner-up Daniel Abt. Last season’s Monaco king Johnny Cecotto Jr has moved to Arden International and will be partnered with 2012 GP3 Series Champion Mitch Evans.

Local heroes Racing Engineering will start this new season with returnees Fabio Leimer and Julian Leal whilst Carlin have chosen to put their faith in Felipe Nasr and Jolyon Palmer, and Barwa Addax Team have bet on Jake Rosenwzeig and Rio Haryanto. First driver to be signed for 2013, Stefano Coletti has moved to Rapax along with Simon Trummer. Newcomers MP Motorsport have announced they will be debuting in GP2 with Adrian Quaife-Hobbs and Daniel de Jong.

It will be a real test for Caterham Racing’s Sergio Canamasas and Ma Qing Hua in Jerez along with Nathanaël Berthon and Robin Frijns at Trident as both squads have yet to confirm their 2013 line up. Also new to the Series, Hilmer Motorsport will make their first appearance with returnees Tom Dillmann and Pal Varhaug at the wheel, whilst Venezuela GP Lazarus - who have already signed Rene Binder for the season - will test Kevin Giovesi this week.

Lastly, iSport International will not take part in this week’s session in the hopes of focusing on finding a new partner for the season and expect to be joining the rest of the field next week in Barcelona for the second and final pre-season test session.

Pirelli have selected two different compounds for these three days: Hard (Prime) and Medium (Option). Each driver will be supplied with five sets of Prime and two sets of Option.

The session will start tomorrow at 09:00 local time and will run until 12:00. After a two hour break, the proceedings will resume until 17:00.