The disrupted 2011 season of the GP2 Asia Series will conclude with a race in Europe, after series organisers announced that Imola will host the second and final round of the season on March 18-20.
Following the cancellation of the two planned rounds in Bahrain due to the anti-government protests in the Gulf state, GP2 organisers have been working hard to find a replacement round.
With all the cars having been flown back from Bahrain and the main series tests due to start at Silverstone on April 5, a European venue had to be found.
The Imola round will mark the return of GP2 to the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari for the first time since 2006. The former venue of the San Marino Grand Prix also played host to the first ever GP2 race weekend in April 2005, where Heikki Kovalainen and Adam Carroll won the two races for the Arden and Super Nova teams respectively.
GP2 Series CEO Bruno Michel explained: “I know that it is quite peculiar to have Imola added to the GP2 Asia calendar, but the special circumstances had us try and find the best solution for our teams, drivers and fans. It was important for everyone to have one last round, and with the tests in Europe starting soon and the logistical requirements, we had to find a European venue. We had to be quick and think on our feet and we are happy to return to Imola. The new layout and infrastructures make it the perfect place to host the final round of the 2011 GP2 Asia Series.”
Following the opening round of the GP2 Asia Series held in Abu Dhabi at the beginning of February, Jules Bianchi leads the Drivers' standings.
