Lotus News Article

GP2 – Pre-Season 2012

Thursday, January 19, 2012 - 10:45
LOTUS GP COMPETES IN GP2 & GP2 ASIA

Lotus GP logo

Re-christened Lotus GP for 2012, the team formerly known as ART Grand Prix are determined to snatch back the title after a promising yet inconsistent 2011.

And, being Formula One’s feeder series, both young drivers believe they have what it takes to win in the premiere league. This France-based team have a terrific pedigree, having won titles with Nico Rosberg, Nico Hulkenberg and Lewis Hamilton in the past.

THE CAR

The Dallara-designed Renault-engined GP2 car is like a Formula One car that’s been ever so slightly shrunk in the wash. But only a little bit because it still packs 612bhp and can top 320 km/h.

And, just like Formula One, they come with semi-auto paddle-shift gearboxes, a carbon monocoque, carbon brakes, wings boasting big downforce, and a Renault V8 just like that of the Lotus E20 F1™ car, but with a 10,000rpm limiter.

GP2 2012 James Calado

THE DRIVERS

Esteban Gutierrez and James Calado are young men in a hurry. Both are tipped as future F1 champions. Gutierrez, from Mexico, dominated the GP3 series in 2010 and already has a year of GP2 under his belt. But he’ll have to work hard to keep Calado to heel. The Englishman was sensational in GP3, just missing out on the title in his rookie year.
Estaban Gutierrez

ESTEBAN GUTIÉRREZ

Nationality: Mexican
Date of Birth: 05/08/1991

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

2010 GP3 Series, Champion
2009 F3 Euroseries, 9th
2008 Formula BMW Europe, Champion

James Calado

JAMES CALADO

Nationality: British
Date of Birth: 13/06/1989

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

2012 GP2 Series
2011 - GP3 Series, runner-up
2010 Vice Champion of F3 UK Championship
2009 2nd in Formula Renault Eurocup Championship
2008 Champion FR 2.0 UK Winter Series

GP2 2012 Guttierez

2011 GP2 RESULTS

See our progress last season >

MORE INFORMATION ON GP2

Visit the GP2 Series site >