GP2 teams have given an enthusiastic welcome to the news that the series will race on Formula 1 tires for the first time next season when Pirelli takes over as supplier.
Under the new three-year deal, GP2 will run its entire season on one of the harder compounds being prepared for F1. Up to this point, it has used a custom Bridgestone Potenza. The change will also mark a switch to F1-style narrower front tires, and will coincide with the introduction of the new-generation GP2/11 car.
It comes as part of an ongoing push by the series to retain as many links to F1 as possible. iSport team boss Paul Jackson says it will make GP2 even more important for drivers trying to prepare for F1.
"The change will keep the relevance for the drivers coming out of here into F1," Jackson told AUTOSPORT. "They're used to the tire, which is a big factor. So I think it will be a really good situation."