GP2 Series Renews Partnerships

... for Second Generation

The   GP2   Series   today   announces   the   renewal   of   its   agreements   with   Renault   and Bridgestone,  to  continue  as  partners  and  official  engine  and  tyre  suppliers  to  the  GP2 Series in the second generation of the Formula One feeder category from 2008-2010. The  GP2  Series  has  been  powered  by  Renault  engines  from  the  very  start,  and  over  the  last three   years  has  become  an  integral  part  of  the  “Renault  Pyramid”  which  sees  a  steady progression  from  200bhp  Formula  Renault,  400bhp  World  Series,  600bhp  GP2  Series,  all  the way through to the ultimate goal of Formula One.

Just as Renault’s involvement in the GP2 Series has been in place from the very beginning, so the work and commitment shown by our partner and tyre supplier Bridgestone has been a vital constant in the success of the GP2 Series. As the sole tyre supplier not only to the GP2 Series, but also to Formula One, there is no other tyre manufacturer better equipped to prepare the finest young  drivers  in  the  world  for  the  rigours  of  life  in  F1.  Bridgestone’s  involvement  in  the  GP2 Series  highlights  the  company’s  commitment  to  motorsport,  which  extends  all  the  way  from go karts, to Formula One.

Bruno Michel, GP2 Series Organiser:

The  renewal  of  our  partnerships  with  Renault  and  Bridgestone  is  fantastic  news  for  the  GP2 Series.

As we unveil our new car today and usher in a new era for the Series, we can be sure that  the  success  of  our  first  generation  will  be  mirrored  in  our  future,  thanks  to  the  invaluable support of our committed partners, without whom we could not go racing.

Alain Dassas, Renault F1 Team President:

Renault is delighted to confirm the renewal of its partnership with the GP2 Series for 2008-2010. Over  the  last  three  years,  the  GP2  Series  has  quickly  established  itself  as  the  best  "finishing school"  for  young  drivers  aspiring  to  make  it  to  Formula  One.  We  are  proud  to  have  two  GP2 Series  graduates  in  Heikki  Kovalainen  and  Nelson  Piquet  Jr  at  the  Renault  F1  Team,  as  they help  to  shape  the  future  of  our  successes  at  the  highest  level  of  global  motorsport. 

Renault's continued  involvement  in  the  GP2  Series  confirms  once  again  our  very  serious commitment to motorsport,  and  we  continue  to  be  proud  to  have  the  Renault  name  associated  with  such  a vibrant and viable racing championship.

Hiroshi Yasukawa, Director of Bridgestone Motorsport:

Bridgestone is extremely proud to continue its involvement with the GP2 Series as its official tyre supplier.

Three years ago no-one would have expected the series to be quite so successful but the strength of the relationship between Mr Ecclestone, Renault and Bridgestone has made the series achieve its aim of being the final stepping stone to Formula One. We have worked with the series since the beginning and it has been a great success for Bridgestone. For drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Heikki Kovalainen, the series has provided the perfect grounding for them to achieve their goal of driving in Formula One. We hope that Bridgestone can help create more future F1 drivers through our continuation with the GP2 Series. We are proud to contribute so much to young drivers' development.

Many drivers start with Bridgestone in karting and GP2 provides another important step in a driver's career. As with any championship, safety is always of importance for Bridgestone. We have been able to use the GP2 Series effectively to highlight the Make Roads Safe and Think Before You Drive safety campaigns. I am very happy with the development  of  the  new  car  and  Bridgestone  is  proud  to  support  the  revisions  made.  We  are looking forward to another successful three years with the GP2 Series.