ISport International
Encyclopedia
iSport International is a British championship winning motor racing team that competes in the GP2 Series and GP2 Asia Series, the official feeder series for Formula One. It was founded in 2004.
to his Formula 3000 championship victory in 2000. Their factory is based in Carleton Rode
near Norwich, England.
Jonathan Williams
, son of Williams F1 founder Sir Frank Williams is an advisor for the team.
The inaugural season
of the GP2 series
saw iSport take the fastest time in the shoot-out for race numbers, giving their drivers Scott Speed
and Can Artam
numbers 1 and 2 for the season. While the team was regularly fast at races they weren't able to win a race. The team finished the season in 4th place.
In 2006
the American graduated to Formula One
with a drive at Toro Rosso, and iSport filled their seats with Ernesto Viso
and Tristan Gommendy
, who would be replaced by Timo Glock
at mid-season. Viso brought the team their first two wins, with Glock taking two more wins, giving the team 3rd place in the championship.
Timo Glock
remained with the team for 2007
and was joined by 2006 race winner Andreas Zuber
. Timo Glock
won the championship at the last race of the season at Valencia after a season long battle with Lucas di Grassi
. The team won the team's championship.
Glock's move to Formula One with Toyota, and Zuber leaving to join Piquet Sport, saw iSport sign Bruno Senna
(nephew of three times F1 world champion Ayrton) and Karun Chandhok to drive for them in 2008. Both drivers also competed for iSport in the GP2 Asia Series
.
In 2009 Giedo van der Garde and Diego Nunes replaced Bruno Senna and Karun Chandhok.
iSport are believed to be evaluating an entry to Formula One, but team principal Paul Jackson says he is waiting for the FIA to finalise its plans to cap budgets in the sport before making any solid plans. "For many years I've said if the conditions were right and the numbers made sense, then we'd enter F1," said Jackson. "The budget cap could be the perfect opportunity for us, but until we find out what the magic number is, I don't know if it's do-able or feasible. When it's all in print, we'll look at it, start doing our sums and talking to potential investors."
† includes 5 points scored for BCN Competicion
during the first 9 races of the season.
Overview
iSport International was founded in 2004 to compete in the new Formula One feeder series GP2 after F3000 series ended. The team is composed of several former members of the Petrobras Junior Team who took Bruno JunqueiraBruno Junqueira
Bruno Junqueira is a Brazilian race car driver that most recently competed in the IRL IndyCar Series. He is a former Formula 3000 champion and three-time runner-up in the Champ Car World Series.-Early career:...
to his Formula 3000 championship victory in 2000. Their factory is based in Carleton Rode
Carleton Rode
Carleton Rode is a village in Norfolk, England, situated approximately five miles south-east of Attleborough. The village is extremely rural and is spread out over ....
near Norwich, England.
Jonathan Williams
Jonathan Williams
Jonathan Williams or Jon Williams may refer to:*Jonathan Williams , Welsh antiquary*Jonathan Williams , American businessman, military figure, politician, writer and engineer...
, son of Williams F1 founder Sir Frank Williams is an advisor for the team.
History
2005 GP2 Series season
The 2005 GP2 Series season started in Imola, San Marino on April 23, and ended in Manama, Bahrain on September 30. The season was won by the German Nico Rosberg, with the Finn Heikki Kovalainen finishing second....
of 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...
saw iSport take the fastest time in the shoot-out for race numbers, giving their drivers Scott Speed
Scott Speed
Scott Andrew Speed is an American race car driver. Formerly a driver for the Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 team, he made his Formula One race debut at the 2006 Bahrain Grand Prix; becoming the first American to race in F1 since Michael Andretti in 1993...
and Can Artam
Can Artam
Can Artam is a Turkish race car driver born into a car racing family. He raced in the 2005 GP2 Series for the iSport team and was the 2001 US Barber Formula Dodge champion.-Career:...
numbers 1 and 2 for the season. While the team was regularly fast at races they weren't able to win a race. The team finished the season in 4th place.
In 2006
2006 GP2 Series season
The 2006 GP2 Series season began at Valencia, Spain on April 8, 2006 and ended in Monza, Italy on September 10, 2006. The season was won by Briton Lewis Hamilton, with Brazilian Nelson Angelo Piquet finishing second.-The chassis:...
the American graduated to Formula One
Formula One
Formula 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...
with a drive at Toro Rosso, and iSport filled their seats with Ernesto Viso
E. J. Viso
Ernesto José Viso Lossada is a Venezuelan race car driver. He is commonly referred to as Ernesto Viso or, since his move to American racing, E. J. Viso....
and Tristan Gommendy
Tristan Gommendy
Tristan Gommendy is a race car driver. He won the prestigious Macau Grand Prix in 2002. In 2006 Gommendy drove briefly in the GP2 Series for the iSport International team....
, who would be replaced by Timo Glock
Timo Glock
Timo Glock is a German motor racing driver, currently driving in Formula One for the Virgin Racing team. At the 2004 Canadian Grand Prix, standing in for Giorgio Pantano who had a contract dispute with Jordan Grand Prix, he joined a select group of drivers who have scored a World Championship...
at mid-season. Viso brought the team their first two wins, with Glock taking two more wins, giving the team 3rd place in the championship.
Timo Glock
Timo Glock
Timo Glock is a German motor racing driver, currently driving in Formula One for the Virgin Racing team. At the 2004 Canadian Grand Prix, standing in for Giorgio Pantano who had a contract dispute with Jordan Grand Prix, he joined a select group of drivers who have scored a World Championship...
remained with the team for 2007
2007 GP2 Series season
The 2007 GP2 Series season began on April 14 at Bahrain. Timo Glock was crowned series champion on September 30 after winning the final round at Valencia, with Brazilian Lucas di Grassi finishing second.-Season summary:...
and was joined by 2006 race winner Andreas Zuber
Andreas Zuber
Andreas "Andi" Zuber is a motor racing driver. An Austrian by birth, he races under a licence issued by the United Arab Emirates.- Formula König :...
. Timo Glock
Timo Glock
Timo Glock is a German motor racing driver, currently driving in Formula One for the Virgin Racing team. At the 2004 Canadian Grand Prix, standing in for Giorgio Pantano who had a contract dispute with Jordan Grand Prix, he joined a select group of drivers who have scored a World Championship...
won the championship at the last race of the season at Valencia after a season long battle with Lucas di Grassi
Lucas di Grassi
Lucas Tucci di Grassi is a Brazilian racing driver who drove for Virgin Racing in the 2010 Formula One season...
. The team won the team's championship.
Glock's move to Formula One with Toyota, and Zuber leaving to join Piquet Sport, saw iSport sign Bruno Senna
Bruno Senna
Bruno Senna Lalli is a Brazilian Formula One racing driver and the nephew of the late three-time Formula One world champion Ayrton Senna. His mother is Ayrton's older sister, Viviane. His father, Flávio Lalli, died in a motorcycle crash in 1996. He wears a slightly modified version of his uncle's...
(nephew of three times F1 world champion Ayrton) and Karun Chandhok to drive for them in 2008. Both drivers also competed for iSport in the GP2 Asia Series
GP2 Asia Series
The 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...
.
In 2009 Giedo van der Garde and Diego Nunes replaced Bruno Senna and Karun Chandhok.
iSport are believed to be evaluating an entry to Formula One, but team principal Paul Jackson says he is waiting for the FIA to finalise its plans to cap budgets in the sport before making any solid plans. "For many years I've said if the conditions were right and the numbers made sense, then we'd enter F1," said Jackson. "The budget cap could be the perfect opportunity for us, but until we find out what the magic number is, I don't know if it's do-able or feasible. When it's all in print, we'll look at it, start doing our sums and talking to potential investors."
Results
Key:- D.C. = Drivers' Championship position.
- T.C. = Teams' Championship position.
GP2 Series Results Year Car Drivers Races Wins Poles Fast laps Points D.C. T.C. 2005 2005 GP2 Series seasonThe 2005 GP2 Series season started in Imola, San Marino on April 23, and ended in Manama, Bahrain on September 30. The season was won by the German Nico Rosberg, with the Finn Heikki Kovalainen finishing second....Dallara DallaraDallara Automobili is an Italian chassis manufacturer for various motor racing series, being most notable for its near-monopoly in Formula 3 since 1993...
-MecachromeMecachromeMecachrome SAS is a precision engineering company involved in aviation, the automotive industry, motor racing and industrial engineering, but is most famous for assembling the engines designed by Renault for the Renault Formula One team.-Formula One:...
Scott SpeedScott SpeedScott Andrew Speed is an American race car driver. Formerly a driver for the Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 team, he made his Formula One race debut at the 2006 Bahrain Grand Prix; becoming the first American to race in F1 since Michael Andretti in 1993...23 0 1 5 57.5 3rd 4th 
Can ArtamCan ArtamCan Artam is a Turkish race car driver born into a car racing family. He raced in the 2005 GP2 Series for the iSport team and was the 2001 US Barber Formula Dodge champion.-Career:...23 0 0 0 2 22nd 2006 2006 GP2 Series seasonThe 2006 GP2 Series season began at Valencia, Spain on April 8, 2006 and ended in Monza, Italy on September 10, 2006. The season was won by Briton Lewis Hamilton, with Brazilian Nelson Angelo Piquet finishing second.-The chassis:...Dallara DallaraDallara Automobili is an Italian chassis manufacturer for various motor racing series, being most notable for its near-monopoly in Formula 3 since 1993...
-MecachromeMecachromeMecachrome SAS is a precision engineering company involved in aviation, the automotive industry, motor racing and industrial engineering, but is most famous for assembling the engines designed by Renault for the Renault Formula One team.-Formula One:...
Ernesto VisoE. J. VisoErnesto José Viso Lossada is a Venezuelan race car driver. He is commonly referred to as Ernesto Viso or, since his move to American racing, E. J. Viso....21 2 0 1 42 6th 3rd 
Tristan GommendyTristan GommendyTristan Gommendy is a race car driver. He won the prestigious Macau Grand Prix in 2002. In 2006 Gommendy drove briefly in the GP2 Series for the iSport International team....9 0 0 0 6 20th 
Timo GlockTimo GlockTimo Glock is a German motor racing driver, currently driving in Formula One for the Virgin Racing team. At the 2004 Canadian Grand Prix, standing in for Giorgio Pantano who had a contract dispute with Jordan Grand Prix, he joined a select group of drivers who have scored a World Championship...12 2 0 1 58† 4th 2007 2007 GP2 Series seasonThe 2007 GP2 Series season began on April 14 at Bahrain. Timo Glock was crowned series champion on September 30 after winning the final round at Valencia, with Brazilian Lucas di Grassi finishing second.-Season summary:...Dallara DallaraDallara Automobili is an Italian chassis manufacturer for various motor racing series, being most notable for its near-monopoly in Formula 3 since 1993...
-MecachromeMecachromeMecachrome SAS is a precision engineering company involved in aviation, the automotive industry, motor racing and industrial engineering, but is most famous for assembling the engines designed by Renault for the Renault Formula One team.-Formula One:... Timo GlockTimo GlockTimo Glock is a German motor racing driver, currently driving in Formula One for the Virgin Racing team. At the 2004 Canadian Grand Prix, standing in for Giorgio Pantano who had a contract dispute with Jordan Grand Prix, he joined a select group of drivers who have scored a World Championship...21 5 4 4 92 1st 1st 
Andreas ZuberAndreas ZuberAndreas "Andi" Zuber is a motor racing driver. An Austrian by birth, he races under a licence issued by the United Arab Emirates.- Formula König :...21 1 1 2 30 9th 2008 2008 GP2 Series seasonThe 2008 GP2 Series season was the fourth GP2 Series season. It began on April 26 at Barcelona, Spain and it finished on September 14 at Monza, Italy. This is the first season using a new car design to be used during the following 3 seasons. The series was won by Giorgio Pantano.-Season summary:4th...Dallara DallaraDallara Automobili is an Italian chassis manufacturer for various motor racing series, being most notable for its near-monopoly in Formula 3 since 1993...
-MecachromeMecachromeMecachrome SAS is a precision engineering company involved in aviation, the automotive industry, motor racing and industrial engineering, but is most famous for assembling the engines designed by Renault for the Renault Formula One team.-Formula One:...
Karun Chandhok20 1 0 0 31 10th 2nd 
Bruno SennaBruno SennaBruno Senna Lalli is a Brazilian Formula One racing driver and the nephew of the late three-time Formula One world champion Ayrton Senna. His mother is Ayrton's older sister, Viviane. His father, Flávio Lalli, died in a motorcycle crash in 1996. He wears a slightly modified version of his uncle's...20 2 3 1 64 2nd 2009 2009 GP2 Series seasonThe 2009 GP2 Series season was the fifth GP2 Series season. The season consisted of twenty races at ten rounds, beginning on May 9 at the Circuit de Catalunya and finishing on September 20 at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve. The Algarve circuit hosted its first GP2 weekend, and was the only...Dallara DallaraDallara Automobili is an Italian chassis manufacturer for various motor racing series, being most notable for its near-monopoly in Formula 3 since 1993...
-MecachromeMecachromeMecachrome SAS is a precision engineering company involved in aviation, the automotive industry, motor racing and industrial engineering, but is most famous for assembling the engines designed by Renault for the Renault Formula One team.-Formula One:...
Giedo van der GardeGiedo van der GardeGiedo van der Garde is a Dutch racing driver.-Karting:Van der Garde has a successful karting career, winning the Dutch championship in 1998...20 3 0 0 34 7th 5th Diego NunesDiego NunesDiego Nunes is a Brazilian racing driver.-Formula Renault:Nunes began his car racing career by driving full-time in the Formula Renault 2.0 Brazil championship in 2003 and 2004, having competed in selected events in 2002...20 0 0 0 8 20th 2010 2010 GP2 Series seasonThe 2010 GP2 Series season was the sixth GP2 Series season. The season began on 8 May at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmeló, Spain and ended on 14 November at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates after 20 races held at ten meetings....Dallara DallaraDallara Automobili is an Italian chassis manufacturer for various motor racing series, being most notable for its near-monopoly in Formula 3 since 1993...
-MecachromeMecachromeMecachrome SAS is a precision engineering company involved in aviation, the automotive industry, motor racing and industrial engineering, but is most famous for assembling the engines designed by Renault for the Renault Formula One team.-Formula One:...Oliver Turvey Oliver TurveyOliver Jonathan Turvey is a British racing driver. He was a notable kart racer, with two national titles, and was the 2006 McLaren Autosport BRDC Award winner. His career has been supported by the Racing Steps Foundation....20 0 1 0 47 6th 5th 
Davide ValsecchiDavide Valsecchi-Formula Renault:Valsecchi drove in Renault-based series from 2003 to 2007, rising from Italian Formula Renault and the Formula Renault Eurocup to the more powerful cars of the World Series by Renault in 2006...20 1 1 0 31 8th 2011 2011 GP2 Series seasonThe 2011 GP2 Series season was the seventh season of the pan-European motor racing series for single specification open wheel GP2 cars. Thirteen teams competed over a nine event series that run from May 7 at Istanbul Park in Turkey to September 11 at Monza in Italy...Dallara DallaraDallara Automobili is an Italian chassis manufacturer for various motor racing series, being most notable for its near-monopoly in Formula 3 since 1993...
-MecachromeMecachromeMecachrome SAS is a precision engineering company involved in aviation, the automotive industry, motor racing and industrial engineering, but is most famous for assembling the engines designed by Renault for the Renault Formula One team.-Formula One:...Sam Bird Sam BirdSam Bird is a British racing driver; he was educated at Millfield School in Somerset.-Formula BMW:Bird made his name in single seater racing in the Formula BMW category, coming fourteenth overall in his debut season and second in the rookie cup...0 0 0 0 0 N/A N/A 
Marcus EricssonMarcus EricssonMarcus Ericsson is a Swedish race car driver. After a successful début in car racing in 2007 which saw him take the British Formula BMW title with Fortec Motorsport, he moved up into the British team's British Formula Three squad...0 0 0 0 0 N/A
† includes 5 points scored for BCN Competicion
BCN Competicion
Ocean Racing Technology is a racing team that takes part in both the GP2 Main Series and the GP2 Asia Series Championships. The team, owned by Tiago Monteiro and José Guedes, was formed at the end of the 2008 season after being purchased from BCN, a team which never enjoyed much success in GP2...
during the first 9 races of the season.
| GP2 Asia Series Results | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Car | Drivers | Races | Wins | Poles | Fast laps | Points | D.C. | T.C. |
| 2008 2008 GP2 Asia Series season The 2008 GP2 Asia Series season was the first GP2 Asia Series season. It started on January 25 and ended on April 12. Romain Grosjean became the champion, with his team, ART Grand Prix, taking the teams' title despite his team-mate Stephen Jelley scoring no points.-Entry list:-Pre-Season Testing... |
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... -Mecachrome Mecachrome Mecachrome SAS is a precision engineering company involved in aviation, the automotive industry, motor racing and industrial engineering, but is most famous for assembling the engines designed by Renault for the Renault Formula One team.-Formula One:... |
Karun Chandhok |
10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 13th | 5th |
| Bruno Senna Bruno Senna Bruno Senna Lalli is a Brazilian Formula One racing driver and the nephew of the late three-time Formula One world champion Ayrton Senna. His mother is Ayrton's older sister, Viviane. His father, Flávio Lalli, died in a motorcycle crash in 1996. He wears a slightly modified version of his uncle's... |
10 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 23 | 5th | |||
| 2008-09 2008-09 GP2 Asia Series season The 2008–09 GP2 Asia Series season was the second season of the GP2 Asia Series. It began on October 18, 2008 and ended on April 26, 2009 and consisted of twelve races at six events.... |
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... -Mecachrome Mecachrome Mecachrome SAS is a precision engineering company involved in aviation, the automotive industry, motor racing and industrial engineering, but is most famous for assembling the engines designed by Renault for the Renault Formula One team.-Formula One:... |
Giedo van der Garde Giedo van der Garde Giedo van der Garde is a Dutch racing driver.-Karting:Van der Garde has a successful karting career, winning the Dutch championship in 1998... |
11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 12th | 8th |
 Hamad Al FardanHamad Al Fardan Hamad Al Fardan is a Bahraini racing driver. He is the first Bahraini to drive at GP2 Series level.-Formula BMW:... |
11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 20th | |||
| 2009-10 | 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... -Mecachrome Mecachrome Mecachrome SAS is a precision engineering company involved in aviation, the automotive industry, motor racing and industrial engineering, but is most famous for assembling the engines designed by Renault for the Renault Formula One team.-Formula One:... |
Oliver Turvey Oliver Turvey Oliver Jonathan Turvey is a British racing driver. He was a notable kart racer, with two national titles, and was the 2006 McLaren Autosport BRDC Award winner. His career has been supported by the Racing Steps Foundation.... |
8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 6th | 1st |
| Davide Valsecchi Davide Valsecchi -Formula Renault:Valsecchi drove in Renault-based series from 2003 to 2007, rising from Italian Formula Renault and the Formula Renault Eurocup to the more powerful cars of the World Series by Renault in 2006... |
8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 56 | 1st | |||
| 2011 2011 GP2 Asia Series season The 2011 GP2 Asia Series was the fourth and final season of the GP2 Asia Series, and the second to be held entirely in a single calendar year. Rather than starting at the end of 2010 and running through the winter as with the previous two seasons of GP2 Asia, the 2011 season did not start until the... |
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... -Mecachrome Mecachrome Mecachrome SAS is a precision engineering company involved in aviation, the automotive industry, motor racing and industrial engineering, but is most famous for assembling the engines designed by Renault for the Renault Formula One team.-Formula One:... |
Marcus Ericsson Marcus Ericsson Marcus Ericsson is a Swedish race car driver. After a successful début in car racing in 2007 which saw him take the British Formula BMW title with Fortec Motorsport, he moved up into the British team's British Formula Three squad... |
4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 6th | 5th |
| Sam Bird Sam Bird Sam Bird is a British racing driver; he was educated at Millfield School in Somerset.-Formula BMW:Bird made his name in single seater racing in the Formula BMW category, coming fourteenth overall in his debut season and second in the rookie cup... |
4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 12th |