The FIA has confirmed that the GP2 Series will be rebranded as FIA Formula 2 with immediate effect.
GP2 was formed in 2005 in place of Formula 3000 and established itself as Formula 1’s feeder series, providing champions such as Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton.
Negotiations between GP2 organisers and the FIA have been ongoing in recent years, with motorsport’s governing body eager to streamline the route to Formula 1.
Those discussions were accelerated when Liberty Media purchased Formula 1, along with GP2 and GP3, in January, and the FIA confirmed the move on Thursday.
“The World Motor Sport Council approved the creation of the FIA Formula 2 Championship for 2017 onwards,” read a statement.
“The FIA reached an agreement with the Formula One Group regarding the transition of the GP2 Series to FIA Formula 2, and the series will support the FIA Formula One World Championship in all but one of the date.”
FIA President Jean Todt welcomed the move.
"In recent years we have developed a hugely successful programme of FIA Formula 4 championships in 12 countries around the world and the FIA F3 European Championship has become very strong and competitive," he said.
"Today’s announcement further strengthens this programme. We are delighted to have been able to work with the Formula One Group, to introduce F2 and benefit our sport."
