The Bridgestone-backed GP2 Series enters its sixth season when 12 teams and 24 drivers take to the track at the Circuit de Catalunya at the Spanish Grand Prix on May 7-9.

The hard compound Bridgestone GP2 tyre will be used at the 4.66 km circuit which is also the setting of the first European Formula One Grand Prix of the year. All eyes will be on the bumper crop of rookies to join the series, all eager to follow in the footsteps of the 11 GP2 graduates who are currently racing in F1.

Bridgestone's support as sole tyre supplier and official partner of the GP2 Series since the championship began sees the winner at the end of the 11 rounds, from May to November, presented with the 'Bridgestone Prize' of $100,000. The season finale takes place alongside the final F1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi.

In addition to a wet specification GP2 tyre, Bridgestone will also be supplying the championship with four dry compounds this year: hard, medium, soft and super soft. From these options, Bridgestone allocates one dry compound for each round. All of Bridgestone's GP2 Series tyres are made in Bridgestone's Technical Centre in Rome, Italy.

The Circuit de Catalunya is a track where high loads are experienced, particularly in turn three, and those tyres on the left hand side of the car are put under a lot of stress. As in previous seasons, GP2 drivers will have one feature race, with a compulsory pit stop and tyre change, and one sprint race with no stop.

Romain Grosjean and Edoardo Mortara both won races in Barcelona in 2009 using the medium compound Bridgestone Potenzas.

Hirohide Hamashima - Director of Bridgestone Motorsport Tyre Development: "Barcelona is quite a severe circuit but one which is used a lot by Formula One teams, so it is good for a driver with ambitions to have a successful race here. Braking stability is important and it is essential to get a good car balance in the slow speed corners. This will be the first race for many GP2 rookies so we will be able to see how well they work with their teams to find a suitable set-up for their cars and a good approach to the race weekend. The feature race is very good practice for an F1 future as it involves a pit stop, and a driver has to think strategically and consider tyre wear whilst he is racing. As Formula One no longer has fuel stops, the lessons learnt in GP2 are even more relevant."