Auto GP Series Gathers Pace As It Confirms F1 Point System Usage
Auto GP, the open wheel racing category previously known as Euroseries 3000 is gathering pace as it revives itself from the lower echelons of motor racing.
The exciting and fast paced series utilises Formula One style cars but with 550bhp engines, similar to those used in the 2009 A1 Grand Prix cars. Since the rename at the start of 2010 the series has looked to put itself on a footing of being an alternative route into Formula One for a mixed bag of drivers, some of whom have already got experience in the series.
Notable entrants last season include Romain Grosjean, Giorgio Pantano and Luca Filipi.
For 2011 the series has announced it will be running as a support race with the WTCC series in place of Formula Two which has aligned itself with another series. Auto GP will now be using the same point scoring system as Formula One, as well as confirming a television rights deal with satellite television channel Eurosport.
Auto GP boss and former F1 team owner Enzo Coloni said: “Having been a racing driver, I know that winning a race is a really big undertaking. So for Auto GP I wanted a points system giving some more value to wins, both in race one and race two.
“I feel that the F1 allocation system is very good for that, and that it should also bring other good side effects. Extending the points zone in both races we should see drivers fighting for position also when they will be a bit back in the standings, providing a better show for fans on track and on TV.”
Romain Grosjean was a star attraction last season
Former F1 Driver Larini Announces Touring Car Retirement
Former Ferrari F1 driver Nicola Larini has announced he will be retiring from the World Touring Car Championship series following the completion of the final round of the season this weekend in Macau.
The Italian drove in F1 between 1987 and 1997 completeing 48 GP’s and racing with teams such as Ferrari and Ligier. He got his only podium at the fateful 1994 San Marino Grand Prix where F1 lost Roland Ratzenberger and the great Ayrton Senna.
Outside of F1 he also drove in DTM and ETCC.
“Macau’s round will be my final races as a works drivers in the WTCC,” said Larini in a statement. “I came to the conclusion that it was the moment to move on and time to call it a career as a WTCC driver.
“Chevrolet RML has been my home for five years and I am happy to have spent this time around them, a spell nearly as long as I had with Alfa Romeo and Ferrari before.”
“I am saying goodbye to WTCC in Macau, but I am not saying I’m retiring for good. I still love to race, and if there is a series or an operation that I can join without this taking a toll on my personal life, then I’ll give a hard look to the opportunity,” he added.
Nicola Larini with Ferrari
Bulgarian GP For 2011 Planned
Bulgarian Motorsport Officials have been seen meeting in Monte-Carlo over talks to build a circuit and hold international motorsport events, including F1 in the country.
Talks had previously taken place 2 years ago when a Dutch and a British investor put funds on the table for the circuit to be built, but nothing happened.
The recent meetings have opened the taps again for discussions to get top flight motorsport events into the country.
Bulgarian minister Rumen Petkov is quoted as saying “one of the main priorities for our country are the talks with MotoGP and Formula One.”
George Tanev is a well known Bulgarian racing driver in the WTCC series
Mexico Wants F1 Again From 2010
Mexico have announced they are going to do everything within their power to get a Formula One race from the 2010 Season onwards.
The Central American country has hosted races in the past, some time ago, but fell out of favour and hasn’t seen the F1 circus for some time. They host major events like A1GP and WTCC but their circuits are not quite up to F1 standards.
Circuits at Puebla, Cancun, Tijuana and possibly Mexico City are vying to be the F1 track, but as aforementioned are not up to F1 standard and need significant investment.
“Those changes will be made by 2010 and, if it happens, (Mexico will) have to work hard to have a proper track. Even so, we must wait for Bernie Ecclestone’s decision to include Mexico,” Jose Abed is quoted as saying by Sportsya.
“We are able to do it [bring F1 to Mexico], because the authorities are willing to make the relevant investments and everyone has a chance. We just have to afford it since a Formula One track is worth more than $50 million,”
