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| GP2 2015 Grid - GP2 Series © |
So, the teams and each drivers chances this year.
DAMS
They had an excellent season under Palmer and Richelmi, while they've gone for an equally talented pair this year. However; will their inexperience hold them back and is the pressure too high to win in GP2's top team.
1. Pierre Gasly -- Prediction - 3rd
While he isn't a rookie technically, he's not going to know most of the circuits, however; Vandoorne didn't let this stop him. He'll have a lot of pressure from Red Bull, but with Sainz and Verstappen only recently signed, does he have much chance of progression. The 18 year old may be punching above his weight, but I'm sure he'll manage.
2. Alex Lynn -- Prediction - 7th
The reigning GP3 champion will know the calendar. He was known for being very calculated in his GP3 season, planning what he needed to do to win the championship. It will be harder this year as he plans to go forward with his career without Red Bull. His first goal will be to prove himself against his successful team mate, but many GP3 graduates have struggled before.
Carlin
While they may have only narrowly lost out last season, it may be harder this year for them to get a result, with a car that has mostly struggled during testing. However; they'll be hoping Age wins over youth.
3. Julian Leal -- Prediction - Midfield
Leal had a dream start to the season, managing to keep with Nasr, however, fell off the pace towards the end. Could this be a sign that Leal will struggle to compete with the young talent going through? But now in his 5th year, he is set to be GP2's most experienced driver.
4. Marco Sorensen -- Prediction - 8th
Marco has already started looking into a career in sports cars, having only completed half the season last year, it will be great to see what he can do. However, he already has a win and can prove that he will fight. He'll want to make an impression if nothing else.
ART Grand Prix
GP2's corner stone team has had limited success in recent years, but Vandoorne has given them hope. With a driver from Honda and McLaren's young driver programme, could we see an F1 partnership between the 3 in future years.
5. Stoffel Vandoorne -- Prediction - 1st
All the pressure is on his shoulders this year. With his closest rivals gone and now another year more experienced his aim has to be to win. However, he may fall foul if he encounters the same problem with the sprint race as he did last year. Belgiums hopes lay on his shoulders.
6. Nobuharu Matsushita -- Prediction - Lower Midfield
If Izawa was anything to go by then Japanese drivers struggle in Europe. However; Europe seemed to be the only option for the man who has won everything in Japan. At only 21, he's got a few years to prove himself, but is ART too big of a jump.
Racing Engineering
Both of their drivers have a lot to prove this year and need positive finishes, while they may struggle to compete for the title, as a pairing it's great for the constructors.
7. Jordan King -- Prediction - 10th
The former British F3 champion had a tough year in European F3 alongside big name like Ocon/ Verstappen and Rosenqvist, however; he has talent and with his Marussia deal, it could help secure a future for him, but he'll have to perform if he doesn't want be labelled a pay driver.
8. Alexander Rossi -- Prediction - 5th
Rossi said his only aim is the title. I can see it being close, but it may be tough. Having been out of racing for half a year, it may take time to get back in. However; with Haas F1 entering next year, could this be a chance for the experienced F1 test driver to prove himself.
Russian Time
They've had success in the past, but how will they do under new owners. Having been the only team to retain their line up, can they use it to their advantage.
9. Mitch Evans -- Prediction 2nd
Evans was the dark horse of last season, regularly being at the front. Consistency may be key to this championship and Evans will after an F1 team to pick him up on talent. After all it's unlikely he'll be able to pay to get in. He's one guy, Vandoorne should be concerned about.
10. Artem Markelov -- Prediction - High Midfield
He struggled to meet peoples expectations last year. But he's still young and will now go into the season with knowledge on the car. He's proven he can overtake, but he needs to collect the points.
Trident
Having spent years as GP2's back marker team, have they finally come of age. But will the previous experience hamper or help their two drivers.
11. Rafaelle Marciello -- Prediction - 4th
Like others he's proven he can race and his F3 success is well recorded. But with the F1 world so tough, this may be the year that Marciello has to prove himself to stay at Ferrari. Considering Vandoorne's McLaren connection the two could rekindle their rivalry from Belgium last year.
12. Rene Binder -- Prediction - Low Midfield
This might be Binder's last year in GP2, as he now has to look at his future. Having never finished a championship, or a GP2 race higher than 6th it may be hard for him to keep pace.
Campos Racing
Compared to others their experience is lacking, but Pic proved they can be competitive... in one car. They want better results and their drivers are proof that they want experience.
14. Arthur Pic -- Prediction - 6th
His rookie performance was largely overshadowed and he said he wants to fight for the championship. But Pic often struggled to gain places during races, relying on good qualifying. He'll be competitive and should add at least another win to his tally.
15. Rio Haryanto -- Prediction - Lower Midfield
No-one had any luck in the no.2 car last year. While he did win the Formula BMW Pacific championship in 2009, his GP2 performance has seemed quite stagnant. He might be able to fight for points, but it looks like another tough season for the Indonesian.
MP Motorsport
Another one of GP2's under successors, they will be hoping that this season marks a change for them. With reliability often holding them back last year.
16. Sergio Canamasas -- Prediction - Midfield
Midfield, if he keeps his seat. Having only signed for Bahrain his seat is not safe. However; he was often accused of dangerous driving last season (Monza) so will have eyes on him to take the step up.
17. Daniel de Jong -- Prediction - Near the Back
History is not on de Jong's side. Having not finished higher than 7th in a race and at one point last year, was the only driver to have competed in every race and not scored a point. However; his relationship with MP now enters its 3rd year, so he's got commitment.
Rapax
They have a rich history, but last year was one to forget. As a result they've taken the Sauber approach by completely overhauling their drivers, taking on two rookies.
18. Sergey Sirotkin -- Prediction - 9th
Having at one point being linked with a Sauber drive. He has gone from being a driver with "no talent" to a competitive Formula Renault driver. He's likely to do well, but results may take time, certainly Russia's man to watch.
19. Robert Visoiu -- Prediction - Near the Back
He may be experienced in GP3 but experience doesn't necessarily mean points. Just ask Pal Varhaug. While he might shine in some areas, it's likely he's going to go largely unnoticed.
Arden International
Will be hoping for better this year, but their could hold the drivers back. However; they shone during the testing. Only time will tell if that was for the sponsors or the results.
20. Andre Negrao -- Prediction - High Midfield
While he may struggle against the new talent, it's likely that Negrao will compete for points. But it may result in what circuit is being used. He has the momentum, but he just needs the results.
21. Norman Nato -- Prediction - Midfield
Being the team mate to the FR3.5 champion is not easy, especially when you were 7th. However; with 2 wins, he should be confident going into the year. His testing pace was faster than many expected. Could he beat the critics.
Status Grand Prix
Caterham went into the year as one of the favourites, they ended it with only 1 podium and a financial collapse. It's always hard for a new team, but Campos proved they could be competitive, a lot will need to be expected from them, but they've got the experience with GP3.
22. Marlon Stockinger -- Prediction - Midfield
He represents another FR3.5 refugee, probably spurred on by the new 'points' system introduced in order to get into F1. However; being the Philippines first GP2 driver will mean that the pressure is on to perform for his fans. His record isn't immaculate but should perform well with Lotus backing.
23. Richie Stanaway -- Prediction - Midfield
He was the star of testing. While it is likely much of this is exaggerated, the young New Zealander has titles in many series, including German F3. Whether he can keep up the pace, will be seen, but at 23, he needs to prove himself fast in order to reach F1.
Hilmer Motorsport
Having pulled out of the first race and the GP3 series, it is likely that the team has an unlikely future. If they do get drivers running, the car is likely to be uncompetitive. Only time will tell
Lazarus
The've become GP2's back of the grid team in recent years, however; they had a shake up. They've brought in an ex-Ferrari employee and retained their top driver from 2014, to add, they've had success in testing.
26. Nathanael Berthon -- Prediction - Midfield
While many will argue he has a race win, many other will admit that Berthon has little GP2 success overall. But considering how uncompetitive they were last year, there were many times when he took the unconventional strategy last year and gained points.
27. Zoel Amburg -- Pediction - Lower Midfield
His successes are nothing spectacular, hasn't won a race since 2011 but, like his team mate, put in good performances in the testing days, just might out perform a few critics.
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