GP2: Rookies Off To Fast Start

Formula 1

GP2: Rookies Off To Fast Start

Charles Pic opened the GP2 season with a win in Barcelona...

SPEED Staff | Posted May 12, 2010

Charles Pic celebrates his win in the GP2 Series season opener in Spain. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

It hasn't even been a week since the opening round of the 2010 GP2 Series season in Barcelona, but the Paddock has already moved to the prestigious and challenging streets of Monaco for the second round of an already thrilling year.

As expected, rookies have marked their territory in Formula One’s strongest feeder category as ART’s Jules Bianchi snatched the pole position at Circuit de Catalunya ahead of second-year driver Sergio Perez and teammate Sam Bird.

Then it was Arden’s Charles Pic who crossed the finish line first, scoring his maiden win in the European Series.

Then the following day, in the Sprint race, another rookie displayed impressive skills as, starting from reversed pole position, Ocean’s Fabio Leimer led from lights to flag to score his first GP2 win and his team’s second in the series.

Pic is leading in the GP2 drivers’ standings ahead of young Fabio Leimer and Giacomo Ricci, but in the teams’ classification, Italian squad Rapax is on top thanks to strong performances from Luiz Razia and Pastor Maldonado.

As for Maldonado, Monte Carlo might be his best track. After a strong preseason testing campaign and a first podium in the 2010 season, he figures to once more be a contender in Monaco.

Watch The Monaco Grand Prix LIVE Sunday at 7:30 am. Eastern on SPEED