Bridgestone Motorsport Silverstone GP2 Series Preview

Marking the halfway point of the 2010 Bridgestone-backed GP2 Series, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone will host the fifth round of the championship on July 9-11.

Marcus Ericsson Super Nova Racing in Valenica Credit: Bridgestone Motorsport

Known as a fast, flowing and abrasive circuit, the medium compound GP2 dry tyre will be in use at this challenging venue, which is traditionally tough on the tyres.

While the drivers will be focusing on preserving their Bridgestone Potenzas on-track, the GP2 teams will be analysing how to prepare the cars to manage the high speed corners of the first sector and the slow speed final complex before Pits Straight.

The introduction of the newly configured 5.901km Grand Prix Circuit at Silverstone also means drivers have five new turns to learn as they now go right at Abbey into the new complex, linking back to the old circuit at Brooklands. This could make for close racing between the more experienced GP2 racers and the rookies as they discover what the new section of track has to offer.

Alberto Valerio and this year's current championship leader Pastor Maldonado both won races at Silverstone in 2009 on Bridgestone's medium specification slick.

"Silverstone as a venue has always been tough on the tyres, but with the new and longer circuit it could be even harder on them. One of the reasons for this is because the revised turn at Abbey is predicted to generate more lateral force, exerting a greater load on the tyres. In addition, the new Wellington Straight will be a fast part of the track which will increase average speed; this straight also meaning the drivers will be braking hard into Brooklands. The medium compound GP2 tyre has been allocated for Silverstone as we believe it will provide the right challenge for the GP2 drivers."

Stats & Facts

Number & Spec of tyres for Silverstone: 704 (medium and wet)
Pole position time 2009:                1m 25.899s - R Grosjean, Barwa Addax Team
Fastest race lap 2009:                  1m 29.069s - L di Grassi, Racing Engineering (R2)
Top three 2009 race 1:                  A Valerio    (Piquet GP), 
                                        L di Grassi  (Racing Engineering), 
                                        N Hulkenberg (ART)
Top three 2009 race 2:                  P Maldonado  (ART), 
                                        A Zuber      (FMSI), 
                                        K Chandhok   (Ocean Racing Technology)

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