Auto GP joins WTCC bill for 2011

The second series of the new single-seater championship, which is based on the former A1GP Lolas, will run alongside the Monza, Marrakech, Brno, Donington Park, Oschersleben and Valencia WTCC rounds, as well as featuring a standalone event on the Bucharest street track in mid-August.

Formula 2's move away to an independent calendar has created space on the WTCC schedule for Auto GP's arrival.

Auto GP general manager Enzo Coloni said: "After a great 2010 season that saw us grow to quickly become one of the most competitive feeder series, we clearly stated that our plan for 2011 was to step up and be able to offer the best package around.

"We knew that professional partners and improved TV coverage were key factors to this, and I'm happy that we achieved the best possible result with both of these aspects.

"Our discussions with WTCC were very fruitful from the beginning so we look forward to a very close collaboration."

The inaugural Auto GP season featured grids of between 14 and 17 cars, and was won by ex-Renault Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean and the DAMS team.

2011 Auto GP calendar

13-15 May      Monza (I)
3-5 June       Marrakech (MA)
17-19 June     Brno (CZ)
15-17 July     Donington Park (GB)
29-31 July     Oschersleben (D)
19-21 August   Bucharest (RO)
2-4 September  Valencia (E)