Pirelli will offer 200,000 euros to the GP3 champion
In 2011, Pirelli became the sole supplier for Formula 1, in addition to GP2 and GP3. The Italian company aims to contribute to the promotion of young drivers so they can advance through the different stages of the series. That's why it will award 200,000 euros to the 2012 GP3 champion if he decides to move up to GP2 the following season.
Mario Isola, Pirelli’s head of competition, stated: «It has always been Pirelli’s philosophy and one of its goals to help young drivers with high potential reach the pinnacle of motorsport. The 200,000 euro reward is part of this: we want to accompany a talented young driver from GP3 to GP2, the two series that are the natural path to F1. We have enjoyed a healthy relationship with the GP2 organization since the start of our collaboration in 2009, and our decision to reward next season’s GP3 champion is part of what we are trying to do together: bring the best young talent to F1.»
This announcement comes at a time when the 2011 champion, Valtteri Bottas, has yet to announce his competition program alongside his role as the third driver for Williams. If he were to commit to GP2, it couldn’t be with the Lotus GP team (formerly Lotus ART) with which he won the GP3 championship, as they have chosen his teammate (and runner-up in the championship), James Calado, to replace Jules Bianchi.
Furthermore, the 2012 GP3 championship will feature one more event compared to 2011, as drivers will also participate in the most glamorous of Formula 1 weekends, namely the Monaco event. This used to be the only European F1 Grand Prix where young drivers could not participate until now. Bruno Michel, CEO of GP2 and GP3, stated: “I am delighted to announce that Monaco has been confirmed for the 2012 GP3 calendar. It was quite complex to explore all logistical options to place our paddock in an already busy environment. Thanks to the Automobile Club de Monaco and Formula One Management, everything went well. It is a fantastic opportunity for the championship and for drivers to showcase their talent around the very demanding streets of Monaco and, as always, provide a great spectacle.”
With the participation of RacingBusiness.fr
