2011 GP3 Series explained
The 2011 GP3 Series season was the second season of the GP3 Series, a feeder series for the GP2 Series. The season began at Istanbul Park on 7 May and concluded at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on 11 September after eight rounds made up of two races each and all in support of European Formula 1 Grands Prix. The 2010 champion Esteban Gutiérrez graduated to the GP2 Series so did not defend his title.
After the early rounds, the likes of Mitch Evans, Nigel Melker, Andrea Caldarelli and Alexander Sims were fighting for the championship lead. However, Caldarelli had to retire from the series due to failing to raise a sufficient budget for the whole season. Sims then held the lead after consistent podium finishes in both Valencia and Silverstone. This was not to last though, as the Finn Valtteri Bottas started to find his speed at Nürburgring, taking the top spot after winning the first race at Hungaroring while Sims was disqualified due rear floor height check. Bottas led the championship with 7 points from Sims. Total of 6 drivers were within 13 points from Bottas at that time.
Bottas was able to secure the title in the first race of Monza. In that race he took the chequered flag and his closest rival and team-mate James Calado was left to second place. As 7 points is the maximum from Sunday's race and Bottas had more victories than Calado, the 7-point gap between them was enough for Bottas to clinch the title with one race still to go.[1]
Teams and drivers
All of the teams used the Dallara GP3/10 chassis with and a Renault four-cylinder 2.0 litre (122 cu in) turbocharged engines order and with tyres supplied by Pirelli.
Driver changes
- Changed teams
- Entering/Re-Entering GP3 Series
- Formula Renault MEC champion Zoël Amberg joined the series with Atech CRS GP.
- Luciano Bacheta, the Formula Renault Eurocup runner-up, joined the series with RSC Mücke Motorsport.
- Valtteri Bottas joined the championship, having finished third in the Formula 3 Euro Series. He will continue with the Lotus ART team that he drove for in the Euro Series.
- James Calado joined the championship, having finished runner-up to Jean-Éric Vergne in British Formula 3 with Carlin. He will join Bottas at Lotus ART.
- Andrea Caldarelli, who finished third in Italian Formula Three, moved into the championship with Tech 1 Racing. Aaro Vainio joined him, having driven for the French squad in the Formula Renault Eurocup, finishing fourth in the standings.
- Gabriel Chaves stepped up from Italian Formula Three to GP3 with the Addax Team. He was joined by Dominic Storey, who moved over from a one-off drive in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series.
- Star Mazda champion Conor Daly joined the series for Carlin. He was joined by German Formula Three champion Tom Dillmann for the first round of the series in Istanbul Park.
- Having competed in Australian Formula Three and the Toyota Racing Series since the start of 2010, Mitch Evans joined MW Arden.
- Matias Laine made his debut in the series with Manor Racing, having competed in the Formula 3 Euro Series for Motopark Academy in 2010.
- Formula Renault UK race-winners Tamás Pál Kiss, Marlon Stöckinger, Lewis Williamson and Nick Yelloly all joined the series. Pál Kiss drove for Tech 1 Racing, Williamson drove for MW Arden while Stöckinger and Yelloly drove for Atech CRS GP.
- Alexander Sims made his debut in the series with Status Grand Prix, having finished fourth in the Formula 3 Euro Series for ART Grand Prix.
- Maxim Zimin joined the series with Jenzer Motorsport, having competed with the team in Formula Abarth.
- Leaving GP3 Series
2011 Schedule
The 2011 calendar was announced on 18 January 2011. The series consisted of eight rounds. A prospective ninth round in Monaco was dropped on 2 February 2011 due to a lack of paddock space.[39] It supported every other European Formula One event.[2]
The following rounds were included on the provisional calendars published by the FIA but were cancelled:
Results
Championship standings
Drivers' Championship
Teams' Championship
Pos | Team | Car No. | IST
![](../images/flags.16x11/TR.gif) | CAT
![](../images/flags.16x11/ES.gif) | VAL
![](../images/flags.16x11/ES.gif) | SIL
![](../images/flags.16x11/GB.gif) | NÜR
![](../images/flags.16x11/DE.gif) | HUN
![](../images/flags.16x11/HU.gif) | SPA
![](../images/flags.16x11/BE.gif) | MNZ
![](../images/flags.16x11/IT.gif) | Points |
---|
1 | Lotus ART | 1 | 22 | 26† | 15 | 26† | Ret | 15 | Ret | 17 | 23 | Ret | 18 | 14 | 8 | 1 | 10 | 19 | 124 |
---|
2 | 4 | 8 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 15 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 19 | 1 | 17 | 3 | 17 | 13 | 2 | 21 | 8 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 25 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 14 | 2 | MW Arden | 26 | 6 | 7 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 9 | Ret | 19 | 22 | Ret | 24† | 11 | Ret | 8 | Ret | 69 |
---|
27 | 19 | 21 | 27 | 25† | Ret | Ret | 12 | 10 | 9 | 16 | 16 | 12 | 19 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 28 | Ret | 20 | 14 | 9 | 2 | 6 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 14 | 6 | Ret | 9 | DNS | 18 | 10 | 3 | Marussia Manor Racing | 10 | 24 | 16 | 11 | 23 | 1 | 8 | 4 | 15 | 5 | Ret | 3 | 10 | 4 | Ret | Ret | 6 | 67 |
---|
11 | 26† | 10 | 20 | 11 | 19 | 22† | 10 | 4 | 1 | 10 | 9 | 1 | 12 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 18 | Ret | 19 | 24 | 17 | Ret | Ret | Ret | 14 | 23 | 14 | 21 | 18 | Ret | 20 | Ret | 4 | RSC Mücke Motorsport | 29 | Ret | 19 | 22 | 16 | 18 | 10 | 5 | 19 | 25 | 25 | 17 | Ret | Ret | 17 | 15 | 15 | 61 |
---|
30 | 7 | 2 | 18 | 12 | Ret | Ret | Ret | 13 | 26† | 12 | 2 | 13 | 15 | 4 | 12 | 11 | 31 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 2 | Ret | 19 | Ret | 8 | 10 | 3 | 8 | 4 | 3 | Ret | 9 | Ret | 5 | Status Grand Prix | 4 | 8 | 1 | Ret | Ret | 6 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 12 | 2 | DSQ | 9 | Ret | Ret | 21† | Ret | 50 |
---|
5 | 5 | 4 | 12 | 17 | Ret | 20† | 19 | 9 | 28 | Ret | 11 | 6 | Ret | 11 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 14 | 24 | 17 | 13 | Ret | Ret | 18 | 24 | 11 | 18 | 28 | 23 | 10 | 8 | Ret | Ret | 6 | Tech 1 Racing | 17 | 15 | Ret | 3 | 20 | Ret | Ret | 11 | 18 | 7 | 13 | 5 | 7 | 13 | Ret | 22† | 8 | 43 |
---|
18 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 4 | Ret | Ret | 20 | 21 | 18 | 24† | 27 | Ret | 22 | 21 | 14 | Ret | 19 | 16 | 18 | 8 | 1 | 16 | 13 | Ret | 20 | 8 | 4 | 10 | 20 | 17 | 14 | Ret | 12 | 7 | Jenzer Motorsport | 7 | 11 | 15 | 5 | Ret | Ret | 14 | 1 | 11 | 15 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 37 |
---|
8 | 23 | 17 | Ret | 19 | Ret | 21† | DSQ | EX | 20 | 15 | 19 | 8 | Ret | 15 | Ret | 16 | 9 | 25 | Ret | 9 | 8 | 13 | 9 | 14 | 22 | 13 | 11 | 22 | Ret | 14 | 6 | 16 | 20 | 8 | Addax Team | 23 | 20 | Ret | Ret | 27† | 20 | Ret | Ret | 25† | 22 | 5 | 7 | 22 | 6 | Ret | Ret | 9 | 33 |
---|
24 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 6 | 4 | 5 | Ret | 14 | 27† | 17 | 23 | Ret | 16 | 16 | 17 | 7 | 25 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 5 | 11 | 8 | 2 | 24 | Ret | 24 | 19 | 20 | 20 | Ret | 18 | 9 | Carlin | 14 | 21 | 25 | 21 | 22 | 12 | 7 | 13 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 13 | 11 | 5 | 7 | 6 | Ret | 21 |
---|
15 | 3 | 9 | 24 | 14 | 15 | Ret | DNS | DNS | 29 | 21 | 26 | 18 | Ret | Ret | 11 | 5 | 16 | Ret | 22 | 23 | 15 | 10 | 17 | 17 | 23 | 17 | 19 | 20 | 15 | 21 | 18 | 13 | Ret | 10 | Atech CRS GP | 20 | Ret | 23 | 26 | Ret | 14 | 16 | 16 | Ret | Ret | DNS | 12 | 17 | Ret | 10 | 19 | 13 | 7 |
---|
21 | 13 | 11 | 25 | 18 | 9 | 12 | 3 | 6 | 16 | 9 | 21 | Ret | Ret | 13 | Ret | Ret | 22 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 10 | 11 | 18 | Ret | 16 | 21 | 20 | 15 | 16 | Ret | 12 | Ret | Ret | Pos | Team | Car No. | IST
![](../images/flags.16x11/TR.gif) | CAT
![](../images/flags.16x11/ES.gif) | VAL
![](../images/flags.16x11/ES.gif) | SIL
![](../images/flags.16x11/GB.gif) | NÜR
![](../images/flags.16x11/DE.gif) | HUN
![](../images/flags.16x11/HU.gif) | SPA
![](../images/flags.16x11/BE.gif) | MNZ
![](../images/flags.16x11/IT.gif) | Points | |
---|
| valign=top | | |
- Drivers who did not finish the race but were classified are marked with †.
External links
Notes and References
- News: Allen. Peter. Valtteri Bottas claims GP3 Series title. 14 May 2017. formulascout.com. 11 September 2011.
- News: 2011 GP3 Series calendar. GP3 Series. GP2 Motorsport Limited. 18 January 2011. 18 January 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110121221343/http://gp3series.com/news/Winter-News/2011-GP3-Series-Calendar/. 21 January 2011. dead.
- News: GP3 Series teams revealed . . GP2 Motorsport Limited . 1 October 2009 . 27 October 2010 .
- News: Group Lotus announces ART deal. Matt. Beer. Autosport. Haymarket Publications. 22 September 2010. 2 October 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100925035750/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/86859. 25 September 2010 . live.
- News: Lotus ART complete GP3 line up. 10 December 2010. GP3 Series. GP2 Motorsport Limited. 10 December 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20101226174655/http://gp3series.com/news/Winter-News/Lotus-ART-complete-GP3-line-up/. 26 December 2010 . live.
- News: Richie Stanaway joins Lotus ART . . GP2 Motorsport Limited . 23 August 2011 . 23 August 2011 .
- News: Bottas switches to GP3 with ART. Matt. Beer. 23 November 2010. autosport.com. Haymarket Publications. 23 November 2010.
- News: Calado to step up to GP3 with ART Grand Prix in 2011 . 27 September 2010 . . GP2 Motorsport Limited . 28 September 2010 . https://archive.today/20101002033622/http://www.gp3series.com/news/September-2010/Caldo-steps-up-to-GP3/ . 2 October 2010 . dead .
- News: Alexander Sims joins Status GP for 2011. 20 January 2011. GP3 Series. GP2 Motorsport Limited. 20 January 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110121221306/http://gp3series.com/news/Winter-News/Alexander-Sims-joins-Status-GP-for-2011/. 21 January 2011. dead.
- News: Félix da Costa to race with Status GP . 15 February 2011 . . GP2 Motorsport Limited . 15 February 2011 . dead . https://archive.today/20110218072349/http://www.gp3series.com/news/Winter-News/Felix-Da-Costa-to-race-with-Status/ . 18 February 2011 .
- News: Lukashevich returns to GP3 with Status GP . 2 May 2011 . . GP2 Motorsport Limited . 2 May 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110506220717/http://www.gp3series.com/news/2011/Ivan-confirmed-at-Status-GP/ . 6 May 2011 .
- News: Nico Müller staying with Jenzer for 2011 GP3 season . 6 October 2010 . . GP2 Motorsport Limited . 6 October 2010 . https://archive.today/20101009035225/http://www.gp3series.com/news/October-2010/Nico-and-Jenzer-announcement/ . 9 October 2010 . dead .
- News: Maxim Zimin joins Jenzer for 2011 . 24 February 2011 . . GP2 Motorsport Limited . 24 February 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110711120529/http://www.gp3series.com/news/Winter-News/Maxim-Zimin-joins-Jenzer-for-2011/ . 11 July 2011 .
- News: Jenzer complete line-up with Vittorio Ghirelli . . GP2 Motorsport Limited . 19 March 2011 . 19 March 2011 .
- News: Alex Fontana Replaces Vittorio Ghirelli at Jenzer. Peter. Allen. TheCheckeredFlag.co.uk. BlackEagleMedia. 24 August 2011. 24 August 2011.
- News: Monza race preview: Driver and team entry-list . F1SA . F1 Supporters Association . 8 September 2011 . 8 September 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20111130013123/http://f1sa.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=30917%3Agp3-2011-italy-monza-race-preview-driver-and-team-entry-list&catid=18%3Agp2&Itemid=132 . 30 November 2011 .
- News: Manor Racing confirm 2011 line-up . https://web.archive.org/web/20110305053725/http://gp3series.com/news/Winter-News/Manor-Racing-confirm-2011-line-up/ . dead . 5 March 2011 . 25 February 2011 . . GP2 Motorsport Limited . 25 February 2011 .
- News: Carlin head to Turkey for GP3 . 4 May 2011 . carlin.co.uk . . 4 May 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110928133552/http://www.carlin.co.uk/news/CarlinheadtoTurkeyforGP3.htm . 28 September 2011 .
- Web site: Llista d'inscrits / Entry list . 17 May 2011 . circuitcat.com . . 17 May 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110813153017/http://circuitcat.com/files/609-550-Document/INS%20GP3%20v1%201705.pdf . 13 August 2011 .
- News: MacLeod joins Carlin for remainder of season . . GP2 Motorsport Limited . 19 July 2011 . 19 July 2011 .
- News: Vainio moves to GP3 with Tech 1. Peter. Mills. autosport.com. Haymarket Publishing. 28 December 2010. 28 December 2010.
- News: Caldarelli firma con Tech 1 . Caruccio . Antonio . 21 March 2011 . ItaliaRacing.net . Inpagina . it . 21 March 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20111008033156/http://italiaracing.net/notizia.asp?id=30754&cat=55 . 8 October 2011 .
- News: Hylkema Signs With Tech 1 To Race in GP3. Peter. Allen. The Checkered Flag. BlackEagleMedia. 30 May 2011. 30 May 2011.
- News: Tamás Pál Kiss confirmed at Tech 1 Racing . . GP2 Motorsport Limited . 30 March 2011 . 30 March 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110401040005/http://www.gp3series.com/news/2011/Pal-Kiss-confirmed-at-Tech-1/ . 1 April 2011.
- News: Stockinger in GP3 move with Atech. Matt. Beer. 17 November 2010. autosport.com. Haymarket Publications. 17 November 2010.
- News: ATECH CRS GP confirms Nick Yelloly . 4 November 2010 . . GP2 Motorsport Limited . 4 November 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20101106202708/http://gp3series.com/news/Winter-News/ATECH-CRS-GP-CONFIRMS-NICK-YELLOLY/ . 6 November 2010 . dead .
- News: Amberg secures Atech CRS drive. Matt. Beer. 9 March 2011. Autosport. Haymarket Publications. 9 March 2011.
- Web site: GP3 Series Newsletter . . GP2 Motorsport Limited . 2 May 2011 . 2 May 2011 .
- News: Tom Dillmann trova l'accordo con la Addax per completare la stagione . https://web.archive.org/web/20211228193849/http://stopandgo.tv/news/gp3/it/tom-dillmann-trova-l-accordo-con-la-addax-per-completare-la-stagione.html . dead . 28 December 2021 . Jacopo . Rubinho . Stop&Go . 30 May 2011 . 30 May 2011 . it .
- News: Gabby Chaves signs up for Addax Team GP3 . . GP2 Motorsport Limited . 28 March 2011 . 28 March 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110404041911/http://gp3series.com/news/2011/CHAVES--SIGNS-UP-FOR--ADDAX/ . 4 April 2011 .
- News: Smith Loses GP3 Seat For Season Finale, Replaced By Ghirelli. Peter. Allen. TheCheckeredFlag.co.uk. BlackEagleMedia. 8 September 2011. 8 September 2011.
- News: Mitch Evans youngest NZ Grand Prix winner. Peter. Martinez. 13 February 2011. Stuff. Fairfax Media. New Zealand Press Association. 14 February 2011.
- News: Trummer switches to MW Arden. Matt. Beer. 1 December 2010. autosport.com. Haymarket Publications. 1 December 2010.
- News: Williamson joins MW Arden. Jim. McGill. 21 February 2011. scotcars.co.uk. Scotcars. 21 February 2011.
- News: RSC Mücke Motorsport completes line up with Luciano Bacheta . 2 May 2011 . . GP2 Motorsport Limited . 2 May 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110505231739/http://www.gp3series.com/news/2011/Mucke-completes-line-up-with-Bacheta/ . 5 May 2011 .
- News: Mancinelli To Race For Mucke at Spa And Monza. Peter. Allen. TheCheckeredFlag.co.uk. BlackEagleMedia. 14 August 2011. 14 August 2011.
- News: Christensen confirmed at RSC Mücke Motorsport . . GP2 Motorsport Limited . 21 April 2011 . 21 April 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110430105119/http://www.gp3series.com/news/2011/Christensen-joins-Mucke/ . 30 April 2011 .
- News: RSC Mücke Motorsport & Melker together again in 2011 . 29 September 2010 . . GP2 Motorsport Limited . 29 September 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20101001214233/http://www.gp3series.com/news/September-2010/RSC-Mucke-Motorsport--Nigel-Melker/ . 1 October 2010 . dead .
- News: Monaco dropped from GP3 calendar. Simon. Strang. 2 February 2011. Autosport. Haymarket Publications. 2 February 2011.
- Web site: GP3 Fastest laps . motorsportstats.com . Motorsport Stats . 29 December 2021.