18/05/2007
NEWS STORY
The third round of the 2007 GP2 Series takes place at the world renowned Monaco Grand Prix road course around the streets of Monte Carlo with only one race for the aspiring Formula One stars to show their worth and master the Bridgestone Potenza soft compound tyres.
Unlike every other event on the eleven round calendar, the unique nature of Monaco means just one race, rather than the usual two, so drivers will have added pressure to excel in front of the worldwide audience and massed fans and media at the international celebrity playground.
Bridgestone will bring its soft compound Potenza slick racing tyre for this event and it's the only race at which this tyre is used. Indeed, practice on Thursday will be the first time this season that drivers will use the soft compound, so those who contested the event last year will have an advantage.
The soft Bridgestone Potenza is required due to the unique nature of the low grip narrow and twisty circuit which is normally part of the Principality's road infrastructure. First practice takes place on Thursday with second practice and qualifying running on Friday morning. The 45 lap race will have a pit stop where competitors have to change at least two of their Bridgestone Potenzas and will take place on Saturday afternoon.
Timo Glock (iSport) has a healthy lead in the championship with 31 points, but this lead could be seriously eroded by good results from second in the championship Bruno Senna (Arden), third placed Luca Filippi (Super Nova) or fourth placed Lucas di Grassi (ART).
Hirohide Hamashima - Director of Bridgestone Motorsport Tyre Development: "For the GP2 Series race at Monte Carlo Bridgestone will be supplying a soft tyre and this will be the only time this compound is used all year. It is very difficult for drivers to overtake on the narrow street circuit so qualifying is important. The drivers need to start from a strong position on the grid to have a good chance in the only GP2 race of the weekend. Driver concentration is also essential as the circuit is known for its limited amount of run off area. Monaco should, as always, provide an interesting race for fans and Bridgestone Potenza tyres."