GP3 Series
Encyclopedia
The GP3 Series, or GP3 for short, is a single seater motor racing series launched in 2010 as a feeder series for the GP2 Series
, introduced by GP2 organiser Bruno Michel. It was initially thought that the GP3 series would merge with the International Formula Master
(IFM) series. However, GP3 will actually use an all-new Dallara
chassis combined with a Renault
engine.
Chassis: The car has been designed and built by Dallara
, who currently produces the GP2 chassis.
Engine: GP3 use a 280HP engine developed by Renault
.
Gearbox: GP3 use a 6 speed longitudinal sequential Hewland
gearbox.
Tyres: Pirelli
supply tyres for GP3, same supplier for the GP2 Series
.
Other parts: GP2 supplier Brembo
manufacture the brakes.
Race 2 is on Sunday. The grid is decided by the Saturday result with top 8 being reversed, so the driver who finished 8th on Saturday will start from pole position and the winner will start from 8th place.
The distance of each race is decided prior to the event, however, should 30 minutes elapse before the designated number of laps the lead driver will be shown the chequered flag.
With this points system, the most number of points anyone can score in one round is 20 by claiming pole position, winning both races with the fastest lap in each race.
and Tech 1 Racing. MW Arden in association with Formula One driver Mark Webber
race under an Australian license. Spaniard Addax Team, German RSC Mücke Motorsport
in association with Ralf Schumacher
, Irish Status Grand Prix
, and Swiss team Jenzer Motorsport
complete the lineup.
is the inaugural season of the Series.
GP2 Series
The GP2 Series, GP2 for short, is a form of open wheel motor racing introduced in 2005 following the discontinuation of the long-term Formula One feeder series, Formula 3000. The format was conceived by Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, while Ecclestone also has the rights to the name GP1...
, introduced by GP2 organiser Bruno Michel. It was initially thought that the GP3 series would merge with the International Formula Master
International Formula Master
International Formula Master, also known as Formula Super 2000, was a European-based junior single seater formula. The series was conceived as a competitor for Formula Three and made its debut at Valencia in 2007...
(IFM) series. However, GP3 will actually use an all-new Dallara
Dallara
Dallara Automobili is an Italian chassis manufacturer for various motor racing series, being most notable for its near-monopoly in Formula 3 since 1993...
chassis combined with a Renault
Renault
Renault S.A. is a French automaker producing cars, vans, and in the past, autorail vehicles, trucks, tractors, vans and also buses/coaches. Its alliance with Nissan makes it the world's third largest automaker...
engine.
GP3 Series cars
The GP3 Series car is a standardised car used by all of the competing teams.Chassis: The car has been designed and built by Dallara
Dallara
Dallara Automobili is an Italian chassis manufacturer for various motor racing series, being most notable for its near-monopoly in Formula 3 since 1993...
, who currently produces the GP2 chassis.
Engine: GP3 use a 280HP engine developed by Renault
Renault
Renault S.A. is a French automaker producing cars, vans, and in the past, autorail vehicles, trucks, tractors, vans and also buses/coaches. Its alliance with Nissan makes it the world's third largest automaker...
.
Gearbox: GP3 use a 6 speed longitudinal sequential Hewland
Hewland
Founded by Mike Hewland in 1957, Hewland is a British engineering company specialising in racing-car gearboxes. Hewland was the first company to manufacture a bespoke racing-car gearbox....
gearbox.
Tyres: Pirelli
Pirelli
Pirelli & C. SpA is a diverse multinational company based in Milan, Italy. The company, the world’s fifth largest tyre manufacturer, is present in over 160 countries, has 20 manufacturing sites around the world and a network of around 10,000 distributors and retailers.Founded in Milan in 1872,...
supply tyres for GP3, same supplier for the GP2 Series
GP2 Series
The GP2 Series, GP2 for short, is a form of open wheel motor racing introduced in 2005 following the discontinuation of the long-term Formula One feeder series, Formula 3000. The format was conceived by Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, while Ecclestone also has the rights to the name GP1...
.
Other parts: GP2 supplier Brembo
Brembo
Brembo S.p.A. is a manufacturer of automotive brake systems, especially for high-performance cars and motorcycles. It was established in Bergamo, Italy in 1961. Soon after the company was formed, it specialised in disc brakes, which were exclusively imported from the United Kingdom at the time...
manufacture the brakes.
Specifications
- Chassis: Dallara GP3/10DallaraDallara Automobili is an Italian chassis manufacturer for various motor racing series, being most notable for its near-monopoly in Formula 3 since 1993...
Survival cell – Sandwich Carbon/aluminium honeycomb structure designed by Dallara. Adjustable front and rear wings – Carbon structures designed by Dallara. Bodywork – Carbon – Kevlar – Glass composite structures designed by Dallara. - Engine Displacement: RenaultRenaultRenault S.A. is a French automaker producing cars, vans, and in the past, autorail vehicles, trucks, tractors, vans and also buses/coaches. Its alliance with Nissan makes it the world's third largest automaker...
2 litre (122 in³) DOHC Inline-4. - Gearbox: 6 speed longitudinal sequential Hewland gearbox.
- Power Output: 280 hp @ 6500 rpm.
- Fuel: ElfElf AquitaineElf Aquitaine was a French oil company which merged with TotalFina to form TotalFinaElf. The new company changed its name to Total in 2003...
100 RONOctane ratingOctane rating or octane number is a standard measure of the anti-knock properties of a motor or aviation fuel. The higher the octane number, the more compression the fuel can withstand before detonating...
, no refuelling. - Fuel Tank: FIA homologated rubber safety tank.
- Fuel Delivery: Fuel injectionFuel injectionFuel injection is a system for admitting fuel into an internal combustion engine. It has become the primary fuel delivery system used in automotive petrol engines, having almost completely replaced carburetors in the late 1980s....
. - Aspiration: Turbocharged.
- Electronics/ECU: Magneti Marelli.
- Length: 4471.3 mm (176 in).
- Width: 1872 mm (74 in).
- Height: 1043 mm (41 in) (including FOM roll hoop camera).
- Wheelbase: 2780 mm.
- Weight: 630 kg (1,389 lb) (with driver) (similar fashion with Atlantic Championship), 550 kg (1,213 lb) (without driver).
- Steering: Non assisted rack and pinion steering system.
- Drivetrain: 2WD only.
- Brakes: Hitco racing.
- Tires: Pirelli P ZeroPirelliPirelli & C. SpA is a diverse multinational company based in Milan, Italy. The company, the world’s fifth largest tyre manufacturer, is present in over 160 countries, has 20 manufacturing sites around the world and a network of around 10,000 distributors and retailers.Founded in Milan in 1872,...
racing slicks and rain tires. - Wheel rims: OZ RacingOZ GroupOZ Group is an Italian company founded in 1971 that produces car and motorcycle wheels, specifically alloy wheels. They are an OEM supplier to a number of manufacturers in addition to aftermarket sales and are a prominent wheel supplier in motorsport.-History:...
- Safety equipment: HANS deviceHANS deviceThe HANS device is a safety item compulsory in many car racing sports...
, Seat belt 6-point supplied by Sabelt. - Prohibitings: Active suspension, telemetry and traction control.
Race weekend
A race weekend features one 30-minute practice session on Friday, and one 30-minute qualifying session on Saturday, followed by two races. The qualifying session is a straight fight for the fastest laptime, and determines the order of the grid for Saturday's Race 1.Race 2 is on Sunday. The grid is decided by the Saturday result with top 8 being reversed, so the driver who finished 8th on Saturday will start from pole position and the winner will start from 8th place.
The distance of each race is decided prior to the event, however, should 30 minutes elapse before the designated number of laps the lead driver will be shown the chequered flag.
Point system
- Pole for Saturday races: 2 points
Point system for race 1 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 10 8 6 5 4 3 2 1
| Point system for race 2 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th |
| 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
- Fastest lap: 1 point in each race. Driver recording fastest lap has to drive 90% of race laps and must finish in the top ten of the race to be eligible for the fastest lap point.
With this points system, the most number of points anyone can score in one round is 20 by claiming pole position, winning both races with the fastest lap in each race.
Teams and drivers
GP3 Series has ten European teams and thirty drivers representing the Series. Manor Racing, Atech CRS GP and Carlin represent Great Britain , whilst flying the French flag is GP2 Series 2009 Champions ART Grand PrixART Grand Prix
Lotus ART is a French motor racing team that competes in formula single-seaters in Europe. It was founded as ART Grand Prix in 1991.-Creation:...
and Tech 1 Racing. MW Arden in association with Formula One driver Mark Webber
Mark Webber
Mark Alan Webber is an Australian Formula One driver.After some racing success in Australia, Webber moved to the United Kingdom in 1995 to further his motorsport career...
race under an Australian license. Spaniard Addax Team, German RSC Mücke Motorsport
Mücke Motorsport
Mücke Motorsport is an auto racing team based in Germany. Also known as ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg.-Single-seaters:Mücke Motorsport was formed by Peter Mücke in 1998 to run his son Stefan Mücke in the German Formula BMW ADAC series, in which they were champions. Stefan and the team moved to German...
in association with Ralf Schumacher
Ralf Schumacher
Ralf Schumacher is a German racing driver, and the younger brother of seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher...
, Irish Status Grand Prix
Status Grand Prix
Status Grand Prix is a motorsport team from Ireland.-Team history:Based in Silverstone the team was formed in 2005 to run the A1 Team Ireland franchise in the new A1 Grand Prix series...
, and Swiss team Jenzer Motorsport
Jenzer Motorsport
Jenzer Motorsport is an auto racing team based in Switzerland.- Series results :GP3 Series D.C. = Drivers' Championship position, T.C. = Teams' Championship position....
complete the lineup.
2010
The 2010 GP3 Series season2010 GP3 Series season
The 2010 GP3 Series season was the first season of the GP3 Series, a feeder series for the GP2 Series. The championship was contested over sixteen races held at eight rounds, beginning on May 8 at Circuit de Catalunya and ending on September 12 at Autodromo Nazionale Monza...
is the inaugural season of the Series.
Champions
| Season | Champion | Second | Third | Team Champion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 2010 GP3 Series season The 2010 GP3 Series season was the first season of the GP3 Series, a feeder series for the GP2 Series. The championship was contested over sixteen races held at eight rounds, beginning on May 8 at Circuit de Catalunya and ending on September 12 at Autodromo Nazionale Monza... |
 Esteban GutiérrezEsteban Gutiérrez Esteban Manuel Gutiérrez Gutiérrez is a Mexican race car driver. He is the reigning GP3 Champion, having won the title in the series' inaugural 2010 season... (ART Grand Prix ART Grand Prix Lotus ART is a French motor racing team that competes in formula single-seaters in Europe. It was founded as ART Grand Prix in 1991.-Creation:... ) |
 Robert WickensRobert Wickens Robert Tyler Wickens is a Canadian racing driver, currently driving in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series. In 2009 he finished in second place in the FIA Formula Two Championship, and in 2010 he was runner-up in the GP3 Series... (Status Grand Prix Status Grand Prix Status Grand Prix is a motorsport team from Ireland.-Team history:Based in Silverstone the team was formed in 2005 to run the A1 Team Ireland franchise in the new A1 Grand Prix series... ) |
 Nico MüllerNico Müller Nico Müller is a professional racing driver from Switzerland.-Karting:Müller began his karting career in 2004 and the following year, Müller finished sixth in the Bridgestone Cup Switzerland ICA Junior class. He improved to third place in the same competition in 2006 and also finished as runner-up... (Jenzer Motorsport Jenzer Motorsport Jenzer Motorsport is an auto racing team based in Switzerland.- Series results :GP3 Series D.C. = Drivers' Championship position, T.C. = Teams' Championship position.... ) |
 ART Grand PrixART Grand Prix Lotus ART is a French motor racing team that competes in formula single-seaters in Europe. It was founded as ART Grand Prix in 1991.-Creation:... |
| 2011 2011 GP3 Series season The 2011 GP3 Series season was the second season of the GP3 Series, a feeder series for the GP2 Series. The season will begin at Istanbul Park on 7 May and conclude at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on 11 September after eight rounds made up of two races each and all in support of European Formula 1... |
 Valtteri BottasValtteri Bottas Valtteri Bottas is a Finnish racing driver. He currently resides in Oxford, United Kingdom.-Career:Bottas won both the 2008 Formula Renault Eurocup and the 2008 Formula Renault Northern European Cup... (Lotus Lotus Cars Lotus Cars is a British manufacturer of sports and racing cars based at the former site of RAF Hethel, a World War II airfield in Norfolk. The company designs and builds race and production automobiles of light weight and fine handling characteristics... ART ART Grand Prix Lotus ART is a French motor racing team that competes in formula single-seaters in Europe. It was founded as ART Grand Prix in 1991.-Creation:... ) |
 James CaladoJames Calado James John Calado is a British auto racing driver, whose career has been funded by the Racing Steps Foundation.-Karting:Calado had an extensive karting career, starting out at Cadets level in 1999... (Lotus Lotus Cars Lotus Cars is a British manufacturer of sports and racing cars based at the former site of RAF Hethel, a World War II airfield in Norfolk. The company designs and builds race and production automobiles of light weight and fine handling characteristics... ART ART Grand Prix Lotus ART is a French motor racing team that competes in formula single-seaters in Europe. It was founded as ART Grand Prix in 1991.-Creation:... ) |
 Nigel MelkerNigel Melker Nigel Melker is a Dutch racing driver.-Karting:Melker began his motorsport career in karting in 2001, winning in the Dutch Mini Junior Cup. In 2005, he won the German Junior championship and finishing as runner-up in the European ICA Junior championship.-Formula Renault:After sitting out the 2007... (RSC Ralf Schumacher Ralf Schumacher is a German racing driver, and the younger brother of seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher... Mücke Motorsport Mücke Motorsport Mücke Motorsport is an auto racing team based in Germany. Also known as ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg.-Single-seaters:Mücke Motorsport was formed by Peter Mücke in 1998 to run his son Stefan Mücke in the German Formula BMW ADAC series, in which they were champions. Stefan and the team moved to German... ) |
Lotus Lotus Cars Lotus Cars is a British manufacturer of sports and racing cars based at the former site of RAF Hethel, a World War II airfield in Norfolk. The company designs and builds race and production automobiles of light weight and fine handling characteristics... ART ART Grand Prix Lotus ART is a French motor racing team that competes in formula single-seaters in Europe. It was founded as ART Grand Prix in 1991.-Creation:... |
See also
- GP2 SeriesGP2 SeriesThe GP2 Series, GP2 for short, is a form of open wheel motor racing introduced in 2005 following the discontinuation of the long-term Formula One feeder series, Formula 3000. The format was conceived by Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, while Ecclestone also has the rights to the name GP1...
- GP2 Asia SeriesGP2 Asia SeriesThe GP2 Asia Series is a form of open wheel motor racing based on the GP2 series.The series was officially announced during the weekend of the 2007 Monaco Grand Prix. GP2 series organiser Bruno Michel commented that "It is of great importance that the GP2 Asia Series maintains a strong and viable...
- Formula OneFormula OneFormula One, also known as Formula 1 or F1 and referred to officially as the FIA Formula One World Championship, is the highest class of single seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The "formula" designation in the name refers to a set of rules with which...
- Formula TwoFormula TwoFormula Two, abbreviated to F2, is a type of open wheel formula racing. It was replaced by Formula 3000 in 1985, but the FIA announced in 2008 that Formula Two would return for 2009 in the form of the FIA Formula Two Championship...
- Formula ThreeFormula ThreeFormula Three, also called Formula 3 or F3, is a class of open-wheel formula racing. The various championships held in Europe, Australia, South America and Asia form an important step for many prospective Formula One drivers...
- International Formula MasterInternational Formula MasterInternational Formula Master, also known as Formula Super 2000, was a European-based junior single seater formula. The series was conceived as a competitor for Formula Three and made its debut at Valencia in 2007...