Pirelli, the sole tyre supplier to both Formula 1 and the GP2 Series, will reward the feeder series next champion with a days testing behind the wheel of a F1 car.
The Italian supplier believes the offer will provide an extra incentive to the young drivers vying for their chance to break into F1, as well as giving them prior experience.
“For the first time this season we will offer the winning GP2 driver the opportunity to test a Formula One car for a day,” said Pirelli’s motorsport boss Paul Hembery.
“It fits in perfectly with our philosophy and that of GP2 of preparing young drivers as well as possible for the demands of Formula One.
“Our test driver [Jaime Alguersuari] told me once that after his first day of testing with us, he had learned more about tyres than he had in his whole Formula One career up to that point. So we wanted to give another driver this opportunity as well, which makes GP2 even more relevant to drivers aiming for the pinnacle of motorsport.”
GP2 Series CEO Bruno Michel added: “This is a fantastic gift from Pirelli and a great incentive for all of our GP2 drivers whose ultimate goal is to step into Formula One.
“We and Pirelli have the same ambition: prepare young blood for F1 where Tyre management is crucial as everyone knows. We are very happy to give this opportunity to future F1 young drivers.”
