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Auto GP
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Auto GP, sometimes referred to as the Auto GP World Series and formerly known as both Euro Formula 3000 and the Euroseries 3000, was a European formula racing series.

Key Information

The series' roots can be traced back to 1999 and the Italian Formula 3000 series, organised by Pierluigi Corbari, which used old Lola chassis with Zytek engines. The teams used the Lola T96/50 in the first two years. At the beginning nearly all races were held in Italy, but very quickly the series expanded and had venues in different European countries.

The series became European Formula 3000 in 2001. The next three years (2001–2003) saw the Lola B99/50 in use. For 2004, Superfund became the series' title sponsor, planning to use a new car with a new set of regulations, named Formula Superfund, but the funding was pulled before the 2005 season got under way and the series was cancelled.

For 2005, Coloni Motorsport established an Italian national-level championship, using the Italian Formula 3000 name. In 2006, Coloni expanded this to form a new European championship named Euroseries 3000 with the Lola B02/50. The Italian series continued to run as part of Euroseries races.

In 2009, the organisers announced that the first-generation A1 Grand Prix Lola B05/52 were allowed alongside the Lola F3000 chassis, replacing the old cars completely from 2010.[2]

The championship itself was rebranded for the 2010 season, with it adopting the Auto GP name. As well as that, the championship offered a €200,000 prize fund at each of its six rounds.[3]

2015 marked the start of the Auto GP World Series working with ISRA, a company from the Netherlands who set up the 2014 FA1 Series, this partnership, however, has not lasted long with the Auto GP Organisation announcing at Round 1 (of the 2015 season) that the two companies have parted ways. The 2015 season was "archived" midway through the season and midway through the 2016 season the series merged with the BOSS GP series.

Results

[edit]

Formula 3000 era

[edit]
Season Champion Second Third Team Champion Secondary Class Champion
Italian Formula 3000
1999 Italy Giorgio Vinella South Africa Werner Lupberger Italy Marco Apicella Italy Team Martello not awarded
2000 Brazil Ricardo Sperafico United Kingdom Warren Hughes Italy Gabriele Lancieri Russia Arden Team Russia
Euro Formula 3000
2001 Brazil Felipe Massa Italy Thomas Biagi Germany Alex Müller Italy Draco Junior Team not awarded
2002 Brazil Jaime Melo, Jr. France Romain Dumas Czech Republic Jaroslav Janiš Italy Team Great Wall
2003 Brazil Augusto Farfus Italy Fabrizio del Monte Italy Gianmaria Bruni Italy Draco Junior Team
Superfund Euro Formula 3000
2004 Netherlands Nicky Pastorelli Italy Fabrizio del Monte Austria Norbert Siedler Italy Draco Junior Team not awarded
Italian Formula 3000
2005 Italy Luca Filippi Czech Republic Jaroslav Janiš Italy Giacomo Ricci Italy FMS International L: Italy Stefano Gattuso
Euroseries 3000
2006 Italy Giacomo Ricci Italy Marco Bonanomi Russia Vitaly Petrov Italy FMS International I: Italy Giacomo Ricci
2007 Italy Davide Rigon Brazil Diego Nunes Brazil Luiz Razia Italy Minardi by GP Racing I: Italy Davide Rigon
2008 France Nicolas Prost Italy Fabio Onidi Pakistan Adam Khan Italy Bull Racing I: Colombia Omar Leal
2009 United Kingdom Will Bratt Italy Marco Bonanomi Italy Fabio Onidi Italy FMS International I: United Kingdom Will Bratt

Auto GP

[edit]
Season Champion Second Third Team Champion Secondary Class Champion
Auto GP
2010 France Romain Grosjean Italy Edoardo Piscopo United Kingdom Duncan Tappy France DAMS U21: France Adrien Tambay
2011 Italy Kevin Ceccon Italy Luca Filippi Russia Sergey Afanasyev France DAMS U21: Italy Kevin Ceccon
Auto GP World Series
2012 United Kingdom Adrian Quaife-Hobbs Norway Pål Varhaug Russia Sergey Sirotkin United Kingdom Super Nova International U21: United Kingdom Adrian Quaife-Hobbs
Auto GP
2013 Italy Vittorio Ghirelli Japan Kimiya Sato Italy Sergio Campana United Kingdom Super Nova International U21: Italy Vittorio Ghirelli
2014 Japan Kimiya Sato Hungary Tamás Pál Kiss Germany Markus Pommer United Kingdom Super Nova International not awarded
2015 cancelled
Auto GP Formula Open Championship
2016 Mexico Luis Michael Dörrbecker India Mahaveer Raghunathan Switzerland Christof von Grünigen Italy Torino Squadra Corse not awarded

Scoring system

[edit]

Current system

[edit]

Teams only score from their two highest placed cars. 48 points is the maximum possible haul for one driver in a race weekend.

2012 Auto GP points system[4][5]
Race  1st   2nd   3rd   4th   5th   6th   7th   8th   9th   10th  Pole position Fastest lap
R1 25 18 15 12 10 8 6 4 2 1 1 1
R2 20 15 12 10 8 6 4 3 2 1 1

Previous points systems

[edit]
Previous Auto GP points systems
Years Race  1st   2nd   3rd   4th   5th   6th   7th   8th   9th   10th  Pole position Fastest lap
2011 R1 25 18 15 12 10 8 6 4 2 1 1 1
R2 18 13 10 8 6 4 2 1 1
2006–2010 R1 10 8 6 5 4 3 2 1 1 1
R2 6 5 4 3 2 1 1
2005 10 8 6 5 4 3 2 1 1 1
1999–2004 10 6 4 3 2 1

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Auto GP

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Auto GP was a European open-wheel single-seater that ran from 2010 to 2016, providing a competitive platform for emerging drivers using high-performance formula cars powered by V8 engines. Originating in 1999 as the Italian series, it evolved into Euro from 2001 to 2005, was rebranded as Euroseries 3000 from 2006 to 2009, and then became Auto GP in 2010 under the organization of Coloni Motorsport, focusing on affordability and talent development as a bridge to series like Formula 1, , and endurance . The series featured double-header race weekends on prominent European circuits such as , , Spa-Francorchamps, and , emphasizing driver skill, strategy, and equal machinery to ensure close competition. Cars were based on advanced with Zytek V8 engines delivering over 550 horsepower, incorporating sophisticated and technology derived from higher formula categories. Notable champions included drivers like Antonio Pizzonia (2015) and Kimiya Sato (2014), with the series concluding after the 2016 season when it merged elements into the series.

History

Origins as Italian Formula 3000

The Italian Formula 3000 championship was established in 1999 by motorsport organizer Pierluigi Corbari as a national-level open-wheel racing series in , designed to offer a more affordable stepping stone for drivers aspiring to higher formulas by leveraging surplus equipment from the FIA-sanctioned international . The initiative aimed to fill a gap in European junior racing by providing competitive opportunities at reduced costs compared to the global series, focusing on accessibility for emerging talent while maintaining high standards of single-seater competition. From its outset, the series adopted a spec to emphasize cost control and driver development, utilizing the Lola T96/50 originally developed for earlier seasons, paired with Zytek V8 engines that produced approximately 480 hp. This setup, including gearboxes, allowed teams to compete without the financial burden of developing new technology, aligning with the championship's goal of promoting skill over expenditure. The one-make nature of the regulations ensured parity on the track, making outcomes more dependent on driver performance and team strategy. The inaugural 1999 season comprised seven rounds, primarily hosted at prominent Italian circuits such as Vallelunga, Monza, Enna-Pergusa, Misano (twice), and Imola, with one international outing at Donington Park in the United Kingdom. Giorgio Vinella claimed the drivers' championship title, driving for Team Martello, after securing victories at Enna and the second Misano event amid a competitive field. The season highlighted the series' potential as a development ground, with races attracting a mix of Italian and international drivers seeking experience in Formula 3000 machinery. Operated under the Auto GP Organisation—founded by Corbari specifically for this purpose—the championship prioritized operational efficiency and safety, implementing strict cost-capping measures to sustain participation and foster long-term growth in Italian . Despite these efforts, the series encountered early hurdles, including modest grid sizes of around 15 cars on average and stiff rivalry from the established , which drew top talent and larger budgets. In 2001, the championship expanded beyond to adopt a European format.

Evolution through European and Euroseries 3000

In 2001, the series underwent a significant rebranding from the Italian to the Euro Formula 3000, aiming to establish it as a continental feeder championship with races held across multiple European venues, including and the . This expansion attracted 11 teams and 30 drivers over the season, resulting in fields typically exceeding 20 cars per event to foster greater competition. The season comprised 10 rounds, culminating in a dominant performance by of Draco Racing, who secured the drivers' title with multiple victories. The following year, 2002 saw further growth with 10 rounds (9 contested), maintaining the use of the Lola B99/50 chassis while emphasizing international appeal through diverse circuits like Spa-Francorchamps and . Brazilian driver Jaime Melo Jr., racing for Great Wall Racing Team, clinched the championship after consistent podium finishes and wins in key races, such as a double victory in the penultimate round. This period highlighted the series' efforts to position itself as a viable stepping stone to higher formulas, though entry numbers remained modest amid rising costs in open-wheel racing. By 2003, the championship adopted the Lola T99/50 chassis to improve handling and competitiveness, aligning with trends in for more reliable and cost-effective racing. The season featured 10 rounds at prominent European tracks, including , , and Enna-Pergusa, with fields averaging around 18-22 cars. Augusto Farfus Jr. of Draco Racing emerged as champion, winning the opening two rounds and accumulating 60 points to edge out rivals like Fabrizio del Monte and . The 2004 season marked a formal transition to the Euroseries 3000 moniker under Superfund sponsorship, which introduced measures for cost reduction, such as standardized equipment and limited chassis options, to sustain participation amid financial pressures. Comprising 11 rounds at circuits like , Jerez, , and Zolder, the series drew fields of 15-20 cars, with Nicky Pastorelli of Draco Junior Team claiming the title through strong mid-season form, including a win at . This reorientation sought to enhance visibility via partnerships with major European autodromes, though persistent budgetary challenges began eroding team interest. In 2005, Italia continued with 8 rounds, focusing on cost controls and hybrid event scheduling alongside other series for shared promotion and logistics, such as alignments with by weekends to boost attendance. Italian driver dominated the premier class for Fisichella Motorsport, securing 4 wins and 65 points en route to the , while fields hovered around 15-18 cars amid declining entries due to economic strains. Organizational efforts included closer ties with circuit operators like those at Misano and , yet financial instability foreshadowed further contraction.

Rebranding and peak as Auto GP

In 2006, the series underwent a name change to Euroseries 3000, marking a shift toward broader European expansion while maintaining its roots in open-wheel . This evolution continued with technical updates aimed at uniformity and cost control, culminating in the full to Auto GP in 2010 to position the championship as a more internationally oriented feeder series. The reflected the series' growth under organizer Enzo Coloni, emphasizing professional standards and talent development for higher-tier competitions like Formula 1. A significant technical milestone came in 2009 with the introduction of the chassis, originally developed for the series and adapted with Zytek V8 engines producing over 550 horsepower. This spec chassis replaced older Lola models, promoting parity among teams and enhancing the series' appeal as a controlled, skill-focused platform. The 2010 season under the new Auto GP banner represented its peak, featuring an expanded international calendar with races at circuits such as Spa-Francorchamps and , alongside traditional Italian venues like and . Grids often exceeded 20 cars, showcasing increased participation from diverse teams and drivers. The series solidified its role as a Formula 1 feeder during this period, with notable achievements including the 2008 Euroseries 3000 season's expansion to 12 rounds across , from Vallelunga to Oschersleben, which boosted visibility and competition intensity. Drivers like Nicolas Prost, who claimed the 2008 title with consistent podiums, and , the 2009 Euroseries 3000 champion after dominating with , transitioned to higher levels—Prost to endurance racing and Grosjean to Formula 1 with in 2012. Kevin Ceccon won the inaugural 2010 Auto GP title with Lucidi Motors. These successes highlighted the series' effectiveness in nurturing talent through close racing and strategic depth. Organizationally, the late saw key advancements, including enhanced sponsorships and media exposure that elevated the series' profile. By , Auto GP introduced a €200,000 prize fund for the champion, incentivizing participation and professional commitment. A pivotal event was the Monza round, held as a support race to the Formula 1 , which drew significant crowds to the historic circuit and underscored the series' integration into major motorsport weekends. International TV coverage further amplified these milestones, contributing to the championship's stability and peak popularity.

Decline and merger with BOSS GP

Following the peak popularity in 2010, the Auto GP series experienced a gradual decline in participation and stability from 2011 to 2013, with grid sizes contracting amid broader economic pressures and intensified rivalry from the GP2 Series, which offered a clearer pathway to Formula One. By the 2013 season, the series fielded only 15 full-time entrants, a notable reduction from earlier years, reflecting lower driver interest and team commitments. Despite the challenges, Japanese driver Kimiya Sato secured the drivers' championship for Euronova Racing, earning 213 points across 16 races with five victories. The period from 2014 to 2015 brought further instability, exacerbated by organizational shifts and failed collaborations. In late 2014, Auto GP announced a partnership with the International Sport Racing Association (ISRA), organizers of the FA1 series, aiming to combine efforts for an expanded 18-car grid in 2015 and revive momentum through shared resources and a unified calendar. However, the alliance collapsed mid-season, leading to the suspension of the championship in June 2015 after just four rounds, as organizers cited insurmountable logistical and political issues, including the cancellation of the planned Marrakech opener. In 2016, Auto GP attempted a final revival through a merger with the (Big Open Single Seater) series, rebranding the combined entity as the Auto GP Formula Open Championship to integrate Auto GP's Lola-Zytek machinery into 's diverse open-wheel field. The merger occurred after the opening round at , absorbing remaining teams and drivers into 's structure. Mexican driver Luis Michael Dörrbecker clinched the final Auto GP drivers' title with Torino Squadra Corse, accumulating 222 points over 10 starts with seven wins, while the team also claimed the constructors' honors. Several interconnected factors contributed to the series' downturn, including escalating operational costs—such as entry fees exceeding €150,000 per season—and the withdrawal of key engine suppliers like Zytek, which strained team budgets without viable alternatives. Additionally, Auto GP's inability to obtain FIA superlicense points diminished its appeal as a feeder series, diverting talent to more recognized categories like GP2. The series effectively folded after 2016, with its assets and technical regulations fully absorbed into , which continues to operate as a historic open-wheel without any Auto GP-specific revival efforts as of 2025.

Competition Format

Race Weekend Structure

A typical Auto GP race weekend followed a three-day format, beginning with free practice sessions on to allow teams to fine-tune their cars for the specific circuit conditions. Qualifying took place on morning, setting the starting grid for the first race held later that afternoon, while the second race occurred on . This structure provided drivers with balanced track time while maximizing on-track action for spectators. The series originally featured a single race per weekend during its early years as Italian Formula 3000 and Euroseries 3000. Following the rebranding to Euroseries 3000 in 2006 and then to Auto GP in 2010, the format evolved to two races to increase competitiveness and excitement, with the first race serving as the main event and the second employing a reverse grid for the top eight finishers from the first race to encourage from the outset. From the 2012 season onward, the second race incorporated a mandatory , requiring drivers to enter the pits for a change or other adjustments between three and the penultimate , adding a strategic layer similar to higher-level series. Safety protocols adhered to FIA standards, including red-flag procedures where races could be stopped and restarted behind a if necessary, ensuring driver protection during incidents. Auto GP events were held exclusively on European circuits, with seasons comprising 10 to 12 rounds at venues such as , , Spa-Francorchamps, , and , often as support races within larger festivals. To count toward the , races required completion of at least 75 percent of the scheduled distance, with points awarded accordingly in each event.

Points and Scoring System

The points and scoring system in Auto GP underwent several changes throughout its history, reflecting shifts in race format and alignment with broader open-wheel racing trends. During its formative years as the Italian Formula 3000 (1999–2005), the series featured single races where points were awarded to the top six finishers using a scale of 10 for first place, 6 for second, 4 for third, 3 for fourth, 2 for fifth, and 1 for sixth. This system emphasized consistency across the season's rounds, with no additional bonuses for or fastest lap documented in early regulations. Following the rebranding to Euroseries 3000 in and then to in , the format evolved to include dual races per weekend starting in , prompting an update to the scoring to reward performance in both the feature and sprint events. In , the feature race allocated points to the top eight finishers as 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1, with 1 point each for and fastest lap; the sprint race awarded 6-5-4-3-2-1 to the top six, plus 1 for fastest lap. Points eligibility required drivers to complete at least 75% of the race to be classified as finishers, a standard rule to ensure meaningful competition in interrupted events. Ties in the final standings were resolved by countback, prioritizing the driver or team with the most wins, followed by higher positions if necessary. A significant adjustment occurred in 2012, adopting a higher-value system inspired by Formula 1 to increase the stakes per weekend and allow a maximum of 48 points for a driver achieving pole, winning both races, and setting both fastest laps. The feature race points became 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 for the top 10, plus 1 for pole and 1 for fastest lap; the sprint race used 20-15-12-10-8-6-4-3-2-1 for the top 10, plus 1 for fastest lap. This structure persisted through 2016, enhancing the series' competitiveness during its dual-race era. The team championship was calculated by summing points from each team's two highest-scoring drivers per race, excluding lower-placed entries to focus on overall . Non-finishers received no points unless they completed the required distance threshold, maintaining fairness in variable conditions.

Technical Regulations

Chassis and Aerodynamics

The Auto GP series employed a standardized spec to ensure parity, evolving from predecessor series. While earlier iterations (Italian Formula 3000 and Euro Formula 3000) used Lola T96/50 (1999–2001, carbon-fiber , minimum weight 540 kg excluding driver and fuel), B99/50 (2002), and B02/50 (2003–2005), the Auto GP era from 2010 to 2016 exclusively utilized the . This featured a carbon-fiber and aluminum tub supporting higher power outputs, with a dry weight of 615 kg. Teams leased from the organizer to maintain uniformity and control costs. Aerodynamic features were tightly regulated to promote close and limit expenses, with fixed wings on all models generating balanced . No adjustable aerodynamic elements were permitted. The B05/52 dimensions were standardized: of 2,895 mm, front/rear track widths of 1,800 mm, facilitating consistent handling. Transmission was a 6-speed sequential paddle-shift gearbox from Xtrac, mounted transversely for optimal . Maintenance required inspections through approved suppliers to preserve integrity.

Engines and Powertrains

During its origins as Italian and Euro (1999–2009), the series used a 3.0-liter naturally aspirated Judd KV (badged as Zytek), producing 450–520 hp at up to 10,500 rpm. From 2010 to 2015, Auto GP adopted the specification: the Zytek ZA1348 3.4-liter naturally aspirated , producing approximately 550 hp at around 10,000 rpm. The fuel system included a 110-liter tank with unleaded racing fuel, managed by a Magneti Marelli . The rear-wheel-drive featured a and sequential gearbox, achieving a top speed of about 280 km/h and 0–100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. Engines were sealed with a 2,000 km lifespan to ensure reliability and cost control. The engine was mounted mid-chassis for balanced . Auto GP emphasized naturally aspirated V8 technology to highlight driver skill. In 2016, following integration with elements, configurations included various older V8 engines such as Judd and Zytek units across diverse chassis.

Seasons and Results

Early Seasons (1999–2005)

The Italian Championship debuted in 1999 as a national open-wheel series utilizing surplus Lola T96/50 chassis powered by Zytek V8 engines, organized by former International F3000 team owner Pierluigi Corbari to provide a cost-effective stepping stone for aspiring drivers. The inaugural season consisted of 7 rounds, primarily held on Italian circuits, with Giorgio Vinella securing the drivers' title for Team Martello after a tight battle that saw grids expand from 14 to 20 cars by season's end. Team Martello's dominance was evident in their consistent finishes, contributing to the series' early success despite the tragic loss of driver Riccardo Moscatelli in pre-season testing, which prompted a at subsequent events. In 2000, the championship expanded slightly to 8 events, with Brazilian Ricardo Sperafico claiming the crown for ADM Motorsport amid growing international interest, as the series attracted drivers like Warren Hughes and Gabriele Lancieri. The following year marked a to Euro Formula 3000 and an increase to 10 scheduled rounds across Europe, including stops at and Zolder, where dominated with 6 victories out of 8 races for Draco Junior Team, propelling him toward a Formula 1 opportunity. Massa's campaign highlighted the series' rising profile, with competitive fields averaging around 20 entrants per event. The 2002 and 2003 seasons saw continued growth under the Euro banner, with 9 rounds each year; Jaime Melo Jr. won the 2002 title for Team Great Wall, while Augusto Farfus Jr. took the 2003 championship, benefiting from peak attendance figures that reached up to 20,000 spectators per race at popular venues like . These years featured intense rivalries and minor incidents, such as a multi-car collision at in 2003 involving drivers like Christian Kiesa, though no serious injuries resulted. By 2004, Nicky Pastorelli secured the drivers' honors with Euro 3000, but the series began facing challenges from the newly launched , leading to smaller fields. The 2005 season reverted to the Italian name with 8 rounds and saw win the title for Fisichella Motorsport, achieving multiple podiums in a campaign marked by grids declining to an average of 18 cars due to GP2's superior funding and FIA backing drawing top talent away. Fields declined from an average of 22 cars in 2003 to 16 in 2005 as GP2 attracted top talent with FIA support. Over the 1999–2005 period, the predecessor series conducted a total of 56 races, with an average of 16 classified finishers per event, maintaining a strong safety record with no fatalities but occasional minor crashes underscoring the competitive nature of the machinery.

Auto GP Seasons (2006–2015)

The Auto GP series, formerly known as Euroseries 3000, marked its formative years from 2006 to 2009 with growing competitive depth and a shift toward broader European participation. In 2006, Giacomo Ricci secured the drivers' championship for FMS International, clinching the title with five wins in a season featuring nine double-header rounds primarily in and . The following year, of by GP Racing dominated the 2007 season, earning the crown with consistent podiums across eight rounds in circuits like and Spa-Francorchamps, highlighting the series' emerging balance among emerging talents. Nicolas Prost claimed the 2008 title for Bull Racing, navigating a calendar of eight rounds across , , , and the to edge out rivals Fabio Onidi and Adam Khan by just two points. The 2009 season saw Will Bratt of Coloni Motorsport take the drivers' championship in Euroseries 3000, preceding the rebranding to Auto GP for 2010, with races expanding to include non-Italian venues like , fostering tighter competition among a diverse field of drivers. These early seasons established Auto GP as a for future stars, with over 60 races contested and a focus on cost-effective open-wheel using Lola-Zytek . The rebranding to Auto GP in 2010 propelled the series into a period of heightened international appeal and on-track intensity from 2010 to 2012. of dominated the inaugural Auto GP season, winning four races and amassing 58 points to secure the title, while also claimed the teams' championship with strong performances from Edoardo Piscopo and Duncan Tappy across 14 races in seven countries, including debuts in and the . In 2011, Kevin Ceccon of Ombra Racing emerged as champion with a single victory but consistent podiums in a 14-race calendar spanning seven countries, underscoring the series' dual-race format that rewarded reliability. The 2012 season, amid broader economic challenges in , saw Adrian Quaife-Hobbs of Super Nova International win the title with three victories in 14 races across seven countries, including expansions to and the , though entry numbers dipped slightly due to financial pressures. This era saw the highest points tally for a champion at 58 in 2010 under the series' scoring system (25-18-15 for top three in main races, 15-12-10 for sprint races), emphasizing strategic depth in double-header weekends. From 2013 to 2015, Auto GP continued its international expansion while facing logistical hurdles, culminating in over 120 races across the decade. Vittorio Ghirelli of Super Nova International won the 2013 drivers' title with three victories in 14 races across seven events in six countries, including the , , the , and , promoting competitive balance with multiple winners like Kimiya Sato. Sato, representing Euronova Racing, claimed the 2014 championship with six wins despite missing two rounds, in a calendar of 12 races across eight countries, including non-European interest from Asian drivers such as Japan's Sato himself and India's , reflecting growing global participation. The 2015 season was impacted by organizational issues, including fallout from disputes with the International Sport Racing Association (ISRA), resulting in a shortened calendar of eight races before a mid-season archival, where Antonio Pizzonia of Zele Racing secured the title with two victories. Key trends included a rise in non-European entries, particularly from , enhancing diversity, and the consistent use of dual-race formats in eight seasons from 2010 onward, which tested driver adaptability and contributed to the series' reputation for intense, balanced competition.

Final Season and Legacy (2016)

The 2016 season represented the culmination of the Auto GP Formula Open, which held its standalone opening event at Adria International Raceway on May 7–8, where Luis Michael Dörrbecker claimed double victories. After this, Auto GP merged with the series. Under the merged structure, the championship continued for a total of six additional rounds as a dedicated class within , utilizing shared grids that accommodated up to 25 cars across open-wheel categories. The merged events took place at (May), (June), (July), (August), (September), and (October), though the series suffered from limited promotion and modest field sizes in the Formula class reserved for Auto GP-spec Lola-Zytek machinery. Dörrbecker, driving for Torino Squadra Corse, secured the drivers' crown with three race wins and 222 points, outpacing India's by 71 points. Torino Squadra Corse also captured the teams' title, marking a strong conclusion amid the transition. The merger arose from Auto GP's mounting financial strains and dwindling entrant numbers, rendering independent operations unviable after the partial 2015 cancellation. With estimated annual costs exceeding €2 million for organization, logistics, and spec-series maintenance, the integration into allowed continued competition for Auto GP entrants without standalone infrastructure. Despite the shared platform boosting grid variety, low visibility and sponsorship hindered revival efforts, leading to the permanent absorption into 's Formula class by 2017, with no resurgence of the Auto GP branding observed through 2025. Auto GP's legacy endures as a pivotal European open-wheel category that emphasized affordable, spec-series racing to nurture talent from Formula 3 toward elite levels, influencing subsequent cost-controlled formats like Formula 2. Over its full history from 1999 to 2016, the series and its predecessors crowned 18 champions across 18 seasons and facilitated pathways for over a dozen drivers to higher series, including , whose 2010 Auto GP title contributed to his return to Formula 1 with Lotus-Renault in 2012. Other alumni, such as , transitioned to IndyCar success post-2008 participation. The series' standardized chassis and Zytek engines exemplified balanced, high-performance competition, though escalating operational expenses ultimately curtailed its independence.

Notable Participants

Prominent Drivers

Felipe Massa emerged as a standout talent in the early years of the series' predecessor, the Euro Formula 3000, where he dominated the 2001 season by securing six victories from eight races to claim the championship title. This success directly facilitated his progression to Formula 1, debuting with the Sauber team in 2002 and eventually achieving 11 Grand Prix wins in his F1 career. Romain Grosjean demonstrated his versatility in open-wheel racing by winning the 2010 Auto GP championship, a pivotal achievement that propelled him back into the spotlight after an earlier F1 stint. His strong performances, including multiple podiums, led to a return to GP2 where he captured the title in 2011, followed by a multi-year Formula 1 tenure with Lotus and , amassing 10 podium finishes. Nicolas Prost, son of four-time Formula 1 world champion , won the 2008 Euroseries 3000 title in his debut season, achieving one race victory, two pole positions, and seven podiums en route to the drivers' crown. This accomplishment marked a significant step in his career, leading him to endurance racing in the Le Mans Series and later to , where he competed from 2014 to 2018 with e.dams-, earning multiple podiums. Later champions included Kimiya Sato, who won the 2014 title with six victories for Euronova Racing before progressing to the and testing in DTM. Antonio Pizzonia claimed the 2015 drivers' crown, adding to his prior Formula 1 experience with Williams and Sauber. Other notable participants include , who raced as a guest driver in Auto GP during 2009 while competing in 3.5, gaining valuable experience before advancing to series like Super Formula and Indy Lights. Similarly, finished third in the 2006 Euroseries 3000 standings with a race win at the , which helped launch his Formula 1 career with in 2010. The series attracted over 200 unique drivers across its run, serving as a key feeder category from which several progressed to elite open-wheel competitions such as GP2 and Formula 1.

Key Teams and Organizations

The Auto GP series featured a variety of teams over its lifespan, with several achieving notable success through consistent performance and strategic entries. French outfit emerged as a powerhouse in the early years of the rebranded Auto GP, securing the teams' championship in both 2010 and 2011. During this period, the team recorded 9 victories, 6 pole positions, 31 podiums, and 8 fastest laps, demonstrating their technical prowess with Lola-Zytek machinery. Super Nova Racing, a British with roots in , dominated the midfield of the series in the 2010s by clinching the drivers' championships in 2012 and 2013, while also capturing the teams' title in 2014 after a close battle with Virtuosi . Their success was built on reliable operations and driver development, contributing to the series' competitive balance during its global expansion phase. In its concluding 2016 season under the Auto GP Formula Open banner, Italian squad Torino Squadra Corse claimed the drivers' title with Luis Michael Dörrbecker, marking a strong finish amid a reduced grid. Other consistent performers included BVM Racing, which fielded competitive entries from 2007 onward and secured multiple podiums across various rounds. Teams like Coloni Motorsport, led by Enzo Coloni's family operation, bridged the gap from the series' heritage, providing chassis and logistical support while transitioning veteran expertise into the Auto GP era. The governing structure centered on the Auto GP Organisation, established in 1999 by Enzo Coloni—a former team owner—who directed operations until the series' end in 2016. Coloni's leadership emphasized cost-effective racing with standardized chassis and Zytek engines, fostering entries from over 30 distinct teams historically. To promote accessibility, rules limited each team to a maximum of four cars per event and encouraged shared transporter among entrants. In 2015, the organization briefly allied with Dutch promoter ISRA for enhanced international and , drawing from ISRA's FA1 Series experience; however, the partnership dissolved prior to the season opener due to logistical shortfalls. Prize incentives, such as the €20,000 awarded to the top team in 2014, underscored efforts to reward excellence amid evolving regulations.

References

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  18. https://legacy.driverdb.com/championships/standings/auto-gp/2010
  19. http://www.dlg.speedfreaks.org/archive/2008/ef3k.html
  20. https://www.speedsport-magazine.com/motorsport/formula-level2/auto-gp-euroseries-3000.html
  21. https://formulascout.com/2013-auto-gp-season-review/13740
  22. https://paul11f1.wordpress.com/2013/03/23/auto-gp-world-series-season-preview/
  23. https://formulascout.com/autogp-and-fa1-announce-merger-for-2015/23573
  24. https://formulascout.com/auto-gps-marrakech-opener-cancelled/25878
  25. https://twitter.com/Motorsport/status/614003584989069312
  26. https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/fia-agreement-on-tpc-testing-in-f1-but-will-power-unit-costs-double-in-2026/10746613/
  27. https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/f1-superlicence-points-must-go-heres-a-better-system/
  28. https://www.bossgp.com/history/
  29. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6E4NheS26TVlyhGhEu7gqsWBgdkNfgKT
  30. https://www.speedsport-magazine.com/motorsport/formula-level2/auto-gp-euroseries-3000/1999-points.html
  31. https://www.speedsport-magazine.com/motorsport/formula-level2/auto-gp-euroseries-3000/2010-points.html
  32. https://www.speedsport-magazine.com/motorsport/formula-level2/auto-gp-euroseries-3000/2012-points.html
  33. https://colonimotorsport.com/en/auto-gp/
  34. https://juddpower.com/our-engines/judd-kv-zytek-v8-f3000/
  35. https://fastestlaps.com/models/lola-b05-52-zytek
  36. https://www.autosport.com/general/news/zytek-wins-a1-grand-prix-v8-contract-5009962/5009962/
  37. https://bossgp.com/
  38. https://legacy.driverdb.com/championships/standings/formula-3000-italy/2000/
  39. https://www.motorsportsetc.com/champs/euro_f3k.htm
  40. https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/2001-euro-f3000-championship/
  41. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq5kyvXXGIw
  42. https://www.racecar.com/news/11298/motorsport/f3000-italia-filippi-takes-championship
  43. https://www.driverdb.com/drivers/luis-michael-dorrbecker
  44. https://www.driverdb.com/championships/auto-gp/2016
  45. https://racing24-7.net/en/2017/02/18/boss-gp-korer-pa-vej-til-indycar/
  46. https://www.racefans.net/felipe-massa/
  47. https://www.espn.com/rpm/f1/spot/fmassa.html
  48. https://www.lamborghini.com/en-en/motorsport/news/factory-focus-romain-grosjean
  49. https://www.prostgp.org/nicnews/np011208.htm
  50. https://e-formula.news/teams-drivers/driver-portrait?driverId=15
  51. https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/2014-auto-gp-world-series/
  52. https://www.snaplap.net/driver/esteban-guerrieri/
  53. https://au.motorsport.com/autogp/news/eu3000-vitaly-petrov-hungaroring-race-report/2089068/
  54. https://damslucasoil.com/racing-cv/
  55. https://www.racecar.com/news/38383/motorsport/dams-to-defend-auto-gp-title-in-2011
  56. https://www.autovolt-magazine.com/super-nova-signed-to-run-formula-e-team-trulligp/
  57. https://colonimotorsport.com/en/coloni-motorsport/
  58. https://www.autosport.com/auto-gp/news/q-a-with-auto-gp-boss-enzo-coloni-4454558/4454558/
  59. https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2015/05/regalia-leads-nine-car-auto-gp-field-in-hungaroring-practice/
  60. https://www.racecar.com/news/61174/motorsport/auto-gp-annonuces-2014-prize-money
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