The first race of 2010 at Yas Marina Circuit explodes into action this weekend as the GP2 Asia Series returns to Abu Dhabi.

While it will be the second round of the 09/10 GP2 Asia Series schedule, it will be the first official race of the circuit’s 2010 agenda and they are more than ready to hear the roar of engines once again after almost three months when the race meeting gets underway tomorrow (Friday).

“Following a successful first round in Abu Dhabi last November we are pleased to bring the GP2 Asia Series back to this beautiful and challenging track where our young and promising stars will fight for the win,” GP2 Series organiser, Bruno Michel said.

Established in 2008, the GP2 Asia Series is an extension of the highly successful GP2 Main Series that acts as a feeder category for Formula 1. The series is made up of 26 identical single-seat racecars and all teams use the same chassis, gearbox, bake systems, tyres and the same 4-litre Renault V8 engines that are limited to 600 bhp. Electronic driver aids are outlawed and the cars are designed to demonstrate driver talent.

“The GP2 Asia Series serves as a natural stepping stone to the top echelon of motorsport,” said Richard Cregan, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit. “For example, at least 10 veterans from GP2 are scheduled to drive for Formula 1 teams this year, including superstars such as Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Timo Glock – the talent in the GP2 series always delivers an exciting race.”

Christian Vietoris of the Dams Team won the second race in his maiden GP2 race weekend but with iSport International’s Davide Valsecchi winning the first race and coming second in race two he is the current championship leader.

The GP2 races will be accompanied by two popular regional race events, the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East and the return to Yas Marina Circuit of the highly competitive Chevrolet Supercars Middle East Challenge.

Friday 5th February
11:15 – 11:45    Chevrolet Supercar Middle East – Free practice
12:05 – 12:35    Porsche Middle East Championship – Free practice
12:55 – 13:25    Chevrolet Supercar Middle East – Qualifying session
13:45 – 14:15    Porsche Middle East Championship – Qualifying session
15:50 – 16:15    Chevrolet Supercar Middle East – 1st race: 10 laps or 25 mins
16:40 – 17:10    Porsche Middle East Championship – 1st race: 12 laps – 60km
18:00 – 19:15    GP2 Asia – 1st race: 33 laps or 75 mins

Saturday 6th February
12:45 – 13:15    Porsche Middle East Championship – Free practice
13:40 – 14:05    Chevrolet Supercar Middle East – 2nd race: 10 laps or 25 mins
14:30 – 15:00    Porsche Middle East Championship – Qualifying session
16:40 – 17:10    Porsche Middle East Championship – 2nd race: 12 laps – 60km
18:00 – 18:45    GP2 Asia – 2nd race: 22 laps or 45 mins

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