Is GP2 now more highly regarded?

[Mark]

Since we've had Hamilton sucessfully step up from GP2, has that now cemented its position as the true feeder series?

For a while we had the tendancy to take drivers straight out of Formula 3, or even Formula Renault,, with the F3000/GP2 drivers just ending up in testing roles, or nothing at all.

[baker]

Not just Hamilton either. Last year Rosberg went straight to a race seat while Kovaleinen spent a year testing before being promoted this year. And Piquet junior could well get a race drive next year.

So, yes it does look like GP2 is now regarded as the true feeder series. It's certainly the best 'shop window' for the competing drivers, being a support race for the majority of GPs.

[Sleeper]

GP2 is a much stronger series than F3000 has been since the late 90's, indeed its last few years were pathetic to say the least, with only a couple of decent drivers in its ranks (non of which got to F1). The big difference is is that its got a lot of support from the FIA, Bernie and Renault. With people and groups like that backing it, plus a very well designed car from Dallara that allows for proper racing, many of the best teams from around Europe (ASM (ART), Super Nova, Arden, Racing Engineering etc) and having imedietly attracted many of the best up-and-comers from the lower ranks it was always going to take the position as the leading feeder series.

[ChickenMcNugget]

Is there not the possibility that this is around the stage at which, what with such lavish praise so now timely surrounding it, GP2 begins to suffer some kind of 'Super 1600/JWRC Syndrome', of suddenly struggling to pump any new starlets into F1 at all, by simple virtue of the fact that a million potential talents into 21/22 grid slots "will not go"? :\ I'm a little surprised that such a point hasn't more often been made given that it's generally taken as granted that far more new ideas/series can sparkle while still in their excitable 'honeymoon period', than can ever possibly last.

The warning signs are apparent enough this season - with Glock having long already lost the sheen of a complete unknown fledgling in the manner that Rosberg, Kovalainen and Hamilton obviously had, with many others winning races but failing to assert any other kind of decisive and discernible dominance.

If I'm proven wrong, then so be it.

[Sleeper]

Well, yes, its a possibility and this years grid certainly doesnt have the same level of quality as the last couple of years, but it is very entertaining andplenty of money is going into it, and regardless of the space available in F1, the team bosses are watching the series far more closely than they ever did with F3000.

[ArrowsFA1]

The big difference is is that its got a lot of support from the FIA, Bernie and Renault.

That's key Bernie has realised that a strong GP2 series can only help F1, both in terms of driver progression, and a good race weekend package supporting F1.

In the 'good old days' of F2 we used to have F1 drivers competing against the rising stars and I'd love to see that happen again Not going to though

[patnicholls]

Is there not the possibility that this is around the stage at which, what with such lavish praise so now timely surrounding it, GP2 begins to suffer some kind of 'Super 1600/JWRC Syndrome', of suddenly struggling to pump any new starlets into F1 at all, by simple virtue of the fact that a million potential talents into 21/22 grid slots "will not go"? :\ I'm a little surprised that such a point hasn't more often been made given that it's generally taken as granted that far more new ideas/series can sparkle while still in their excitable 'honeymoon period', than can ever possibly last.

The warning signs are apparent enough this season - with Glock having long already lost the sheen of a complete unknown fledgling in the manner that Rosberg, Kovalainen and Hamilton obviously had, with many others winning races but failing to assert any other kind of decisive and discernible dominance.

If I'm proven wrong, then so be it.

Good point about there being a limited number of grid slots in F1 to play for for the guys in GP2 (and Renault WS, Champ Car, Euro F3000, A1GP, et al), although the counter point could be made that the success of the three guys from GP2 and Kubica from Renault WS proves that it's not much of a risk to pluck someone from out of them and get them in a front-running car in F1.

There are a lot of guys on the F1 grid who've been around earning big salaries for a decade or more - if teams find young drivers who'll drive for less and do just as good a job (like Kubica vs Villeneueve), they'll go for them instead. There are probably a few drivers in F1 now looking over their shoulder anxiously at the GP2 front-runners...

[Sleeper]

That's key Bernie has realised that a strong GP2 series can only help F1, both in terms of driver progression, and a good race weekend package supporting F1.

In the 'good old days' of F2 we used to have F1 drivers competing against the rising stars and I'd love to see that happen again Not going to though

The Renault part is just as important as well as its them who are doing a lot of promotion for it, and thats going to attract the sponsors.

[Speedworx]

GP2 is a great series. Good for drivers to showcase themselves in front of F1 teams. Great series for fans to watch.

Its the feeder series F1 has been needing that F3000 couldn't fulfill.

[ChickenMcNugget]

Good point about there being a limited number of grid slots in F1 to play for for the guys in GP2 (and Renault WS, Champ Car, Euro F3000, A1GP, et al), although the counter point could be made that the success of the three guys from GP2 and Kubica from Renault WS proves that it's not much of a risk to pluck someone from out of them and get them in a front-running car in F1.

There are a lot of guys on the F1 grid who've been around earning big salaries for a decade or more - if teams find young drivers who'll drive for less and do just as good a job (like Kubica vs Villeneueve), they'll go for them instead. There are probably a few drivers in F1 now looking over their shoulder anxiously at the GP2 front-runners...

That's true. I suppose all we need is for this present 'cultural moment' of preferring young drivers to continue unabated, and the average length of an average F1 career could yet be shortened dramatically from what has been the case in the past - some of the early-season Heidfeld rumours (ie., that he could have been poised to be the next German to actually leave the sport after Schumacher) do spring to mind when considering that subject. Plus, the known wishes of both Alonso and Raikkonen to retire at some point whilst "still young".

The 'official feeder series' tag will hopefully keep it prominent in its role as precisely that, at least for a number of years yet.