The 2012 version of the GP3 Series kicks off at Barcelona this weekend with a near-unrecognisable field compared to a year ago.
With past champions Esteban Gutirrez and Valtteri Bottas having moved onwards and upwards, the stage is set for a talented youngster to put themselves firmly on the F1 radar come September. Here's AUTOSPORT's guide to the runners and riders.
Lotus GP
#1. Daniel Abt (D)
Age: 19
GP3 debut: Barcelona, 2012
2011: 7th in F3 Euro Series, 4th in FIA International F3 Trophy
Michael Schumacher's top 10 F1 victories When trying to compile a list of Michael Schumacher's greatest F1 drives you are spoiled for choice. If you narrow it down to just the races he won, you've still got almost 100 to choose from - which is no easy task F1
The major problem F1 should have outlawed by now The debate over how best to deal with track limits abuses in Formula 1 has rumbled on for long enough. With stricter enforcement, there's no question drivers would quickly learn to abide by the rules F1
Ferrari shows Mercedes how to handle a superstar Ferrari's faith in its young driver Charles Leclerc is a break from its past, and Esteban Ocon's uncertain future shows there's a lesson to be learned for Mercedes in that F1
How a 16-year-old wound still haunts Ferrari Both of Formula 1's top two teams needed to intervene in on-track events between its drivers at Hockenheim last weekend. While Mercedes made a straightforward call, Ferrari, possibly still grappling with the ghosts of its past, struggled to do likewise F1
What makes a great racing circuit? OPINION: F1 circuit design has changed over the years, and the old public-road layouts have given way to purpose-built autodromes. But what makes a great circuit, and could 'classic'-influenced designs offer a way for F1 to return to its roots? F1
The twin-keel car that took Sauber to new heights Sauber's opening years in Formula 1 were often spent struggling against the tide, but an innovative suspension design for 2001 and a pair of raw, young talents behind the wheel helped the Swiss squad to the front of the midfield order F1
Why F1 is in good hands in its hour of need Formula 1 has many challenges to resolve after the coronavirus pandemic threw the 2020 season into disarray - but, says MARK GALLAGHER, Liberty Media's secretive top man is unfazed by adversity F1
How Sauber twice saved itself from the brink of extinction Having almost lost its entry for the 2010 season following BMW's withdrawal, Sauber's recovery hit the buffers when Formula 1 switched to V6 hybrid engines in 2014 and the end appeared in sight. Here's how it turned its fortunes around not once, but twice F1
Highlights
Series
Explore
