Auto GP 2015

[Alessio]

Originally Posted by Roninho

Actually in my suggested serie set up your point isnt really applicable. I suggested to more aim at the ex-GP2/WSR guys (make it a paid drive instead of a junior serie). Drivers with a lot of experience in GP2/WSR will not need the experience from Autogp to make the move to LMP2/1.

The problem with a paid drive is that a lot of the teams in AutoGP run very tight budgets. Formula Nippon is an example of what you are talking about, a single seater series where drivers are paid to compete, and that works, but that's because Toyota and Honda are willing to support several customer teams.

[Roninho]

Originally Posted by Alessio

The problem with a paid drive is that a lot of the teams in AutoGP run very tight budgets. Formula Nippon is an example of what you are talking about, a single seater series where drivers are paid to compete, and that works, but that's because Toyota and Honda are willing to support several customer teams.

Agreed.

Formula Nippon/Super Formula seems like the only open wheel championship where OEM's actually seem to find a balance between competition and keeping costs to an acceptable level. Toyota and Honda have been involved for ages. It is a shame that we cannot get such a system in other series.

[Alessio]

Originally Posted by Roninho

Agreed.

Formula Nippon/Super Formula seems like the only open wheel championship where OEM's actually seem to find a balance between competition and keeping costs to an acceptable level. Toyota and Honda have been involved for ages. It is a shame that we cannot get such a system in other series.

The problem with manufacturer involvement in Europe is that the main exposure would be in Formula 1 or WEC, so few chances exist for a similar series to exist. Formula 3 in a way has similarities to Formula Nippon with large involvement of Mercedes and VW but at the same time not to the extent that it is in Japan.

[Roninho]

Originally Posted by Alessio

The problem with manufacturer involvement in Europe is that the main exposure would be in Formula 1 or WEC, so few chances exist for a similar series to exist. Formula 3 in a way has similarities to Formula Nippon with large involvement of Mercedes and VW but at the same time not to the extent that it is in Japan.

Yep indeed.
But that is also the result of the type of involvement by the OEM's. Formula Nippon but also DTM get a lot of exposure due to the power of the OEMS, and the fact that the OEMs use their power for this. DTM is broadcasted on major german television because the oems Ensure this. I am not familiar with Super Formula but i would imagine that is also the reason for the good exposure they get.

If you look at F3 this was never the case. Which makes sense if you combine that the cars are not impressive for a tv sport, and that all the best talent moves along next year since it is a developmental serie (so no/very little star drivers).

I know that it will never happen, but imo if a German OEM and another OEM with a good european presence would be added to the World Series of Renault then imo you would have a very good class for a mix between good paid drivers for ex-F1/top GP2 but just missed F1 drivers and talented drivers as well. Cars that are fast but still decent budgets, 3 manufacturers, 8-10 european events, tv coverage.

[Frosty11]

Is there any point in this championship continuing?

[ger80]

They could run together with BossGP

[kurski]

http://www.autogp.net/newssingola2_en.asp?c=244
Auto GP forced to suspend 2015 season

[WSR Fan]

Not the most surprising news I think you'll agree..

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/119672

[Alessio]

Not surprising but very sad imo. Sort of the last "F3000" championship around seemingly gone now.

[Mekola]

Originally Posted by Alessio

Not surprising but very sad imo. Sort of the last "F3000" championship around seemingly gone now.

The last season where Auto GP used F3000 cars was 2008. They still were European F3000 when they got the ex-A1GP Lola B05/52 cars back in 2009.

[Motorsportfreak]

Shame for the series - the cars look great and have a wonderful sound.

[Alessio]

Originally Posted by Mekola

The last season where Auto GP used F3000 cars was 2008. They still were European F3000 when they got the ex-A1GP Lola B05/52 cars back in 2009.

I know, I was considering it more in origins.

[jondownunder]

Just noticed that Auto GP, as of earlier this month, are hoping to relaunch in 2016 as a national series again in Italy:

http://autogp.net/newssingola2_en.asp?c=245

[Mekola]

Regalia should race there, then.

[Mekola]

I recommend the presence of Argentine driver Julian Santero in Auto GP, if it's revamped in 2016. Santero is 2013 Argentine F. Renault champion where he dominated, and is spending his time in local tin tops (even a complete year in Super TC2000 for the champion Peugeot squad) when he could do much more and brill in European formula scheme.

[chunterer]

Auto GP would be better off stopping now and entrants getting involved in FR 3.5. Probably better exposure for them although a bit dearer I expect.

[Mekola]

There is no room for smaller teams in Formula 3.5 - Then Auto GP must survive. At least for them, even for the Colonis who're the organizers.

[bella]

i'd disagree with that. comtec are pretty small, draco were never massive, and both the new spanish teams aren't exactly what you'd classify as big organisations. there just isn't enough drivers to fill gp2, gp3, f3 and 3.5 grids at the moment, let alone autogp too. you can have all the small teams you want, but if there's no drivers with budgets then there's no racing.

[Formulahistory]

According to Zele there are test days in November and they will compete with 3 cars...

[Mekola]

Originally Posted by Formulahistory

According to Zele there are test days in November and they will compete with 3 cars...

Precisely, Zele is one of these teams that could fit in Auto GP. And there are other kind of similar teams that could survive or expand with this kind of formula series. Then I second the surveillance of Auto GP, albeit as a national series.

[Formulahistory]

Torino is the first confirmed team for 2016:

http://www.autogp.net/newssingola2_en.asp?c=246

[Mekola]

Originally Posted by Formulahistory

Torino is the first confirmed team for 2016:

http://www.autogp.net/newssingola2_en.asp?c=246

Torino?!? This is a registered IKA-Renault brand of an Argentine car! (Based on the 1964 Rambler American). Legendary name for Argentine cars, even in motorsport (specially in the 1969 Marathon the la Route, when none other that the same Juan Manuel Fangio was involved).

Imagine, dear Australian friends, if any European team would want to be so-called Holden. This is the same case.

[Alessio]

Well, I think Torino is better known as a city in Italy...

[Biscuits In A Red Bull]

Planning for 2016 is a bit pre-emptive. Personally I'd be packing my bags and, if I can, reinvesting in something like GP3, where they would ideally want more teams. Auto GP is nothing short of irrelevant in the whole scheme of things and to me, investing in it would be a waste of money.

[Cinghio44]

I think it could be a good top Formula series here in Italy with a low budget required and the possibility to race with a powerful single seater Formula

I think also that's the only chance to see some young italian guns in a Formula championship...time will tell...