Auto GP

Auto GP Gives Its Drivers A Boost For 2012

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Rio Haryanto and Giovanni Venturini - Photo Credit: Auto GP

Auto GP drivers will be able to use a boost to help them overtake in 2012 - Photo Credit: Auto GP

Auto GP series organisers have announced that they will introduce an 'overboost' system next season.

At the press of a button, drivers will have access to an extra 50 bhp, available for ten occasions in each race.

The aim is to give drivers experience of using something similar to KERS and DRS as used in Formula 1.

“As highlighted by the test our champion Ceccon undertook with Scuderia Toro Rosso, F1 teams are keeping an eye on Auto GP when looking for new talents,” said Auto GP chief Enzo Coloni. “The good job he did, especially from a technical point of view, proved that the Championship gave him a very good preparation, but our aim is to keep improving every aspect of our Series.

“That's why for 2012 we are planning some changes that will make Auto GP an even better school for F1. After adding the mandatory pit-stop in Race 2, the introduction of the Overboost is another important step in that direction: the driver will learn to use a tool that will be very similar to what they will then experience in F1 with KERS.

“Having just a limited amount of “activations” available, they will have to choose carefully when to use it, so they will learn how to cope with a very important strategic option. 

“We also thought about the introduction of DRS, it would have been technically easier and less expensive for us, but in the end we sacked the idea due to some safety concerns. In F1 that system works because you have proper activation zones controlled by the FIA, but that's something impossible to do out of Formula One: we would have been forced to leave the drivers free to use the movable wing wherever they wanted, and we think that's too dangerous. So the Overboost really is the best solution for us.”

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Peter joined the TCF team in September 2010 and covers GP2 and GP3 along with WTCC and Formula Two. You can find him on twitter at @PeteAllen_
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