The GP2 Asia Series is a form of open wheel motor racing based on 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...

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The series was officially announced during the weekend of the 2007 Monaco Grand Prix

2007 Monaco Grand Prix

The 2007 Monaco Grand Prix was a Formula One motor race and was the fifth round of the 2007 Formula One season. It took place from 24–27 May at the Circuit de Monaco in Monte Carlo. The race itself commenced at 14:00 CET , Sunday, May 27, and lasted about 1 hour and 40 minutes...

. GP2 series organiser Bruno Michel commented that "It is of great importance that the GP2 Asia Series maintains a strong and viable link 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...

. Our inclusion as the support races on the programme of Asian Grands Prix in 2008 is an essential key in this new venture".

The first season

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...

 ran during the main GP2 series off season, January–April, with five two-race meetings.