GP2 Feature - Bridgestone Slicks Hot For 2006
21/04/2006
The GP2 Series is basking in the glory of a job well done. This month’s season-opening races at Valencia proved a huge success, with some thrilling races and an inch-perfect performance by Bridgestone’s new 2006 slick tyre.
Bridgestone had no problems with its slick tyre, and the drivers commented on the consistency of the rubber over a race distance.
“The tyres performed as we expected them to do,” said ART star Lewis Hamilton (above), who finished second in race one. “I had no problems.”
The action kicked off on Friday night with the series’ 2006 launch, which was held at L’Hemisferic, at the Ciudad de les Artes y las Ciencias in the centre of Valencia. All the teams and drivers attended the event, and they were joined by an impressive list of celebrities.
Formula 1's Bernie Ecclestone – a huge supporter of GP2 since its inception in 2005 – was there, as were RenaultF1 boss Flavio Briatore, Giancarlo Fisichella (who owns GP2 team FMI), four-time world champion Alain Prost, Patrick Kluivert, Fonsi Nieto and Juan Carlos Ferrero.
“I believe that we kicked off the season in style,” said GP2 boss Bruno Michel. “There was a great atmosphere at the party, and the race weekend ran without a hitch. I am sure that we will build on our reputation from last year.”
More than 52,000 people lined the Circuit Ricardo Tormo on Saturday, which saw Brazilian Nelson Piquet Jnr take pole position in a thrilling early morning qualifying session, and then go on to win the feature race in the afternoon.
Race two on Sunday resulted in a win for rookie Michael Ammermuller, who has graduated to GP2 from Formula Renault. Not only is he a new name for the press to latch onto, his win emphasises GP2’s ability to discover new talent.
The GP2 series now returns to its familiar role as a supporting act to the European GPs, starting at Imola this weekend.