Auto GP has Worldwide plans for 2012, that will lead to its demise

Auto GP start

The Auto GP series uses the cars from the former A1 Grand Prix Series. Now they are about to take on an international calendar that will cause costs to skyrocket and lead to the same fate as A1 Grand Prix – death.

With just one month to the end of the Championship, with the Valencia and Mugello rounds that are going to be the title deciders, for Auto GP it's already time to think about 2012. The Auto GP staff is already at work on the plans for next year, aiming to a further growth for a Series that in just two seasons already became one of the most appreciated in motorsport. The calendar obviously is one of the key aspects of this plan, and looking to the 2012 dates Auto GP has opted for some major changes.

The aim for next season is to pass from a European to a Worldwide calendar, with three intercontinental trips to Curitiba (Brazil), Sonoma (USA where not a single soul would buy a ticket to see Auto GP) and Suzuka (Japan), touching three continents and top-notch venues (Sonoma is one of the best tracks of the IndyCar calendar and Suzuka is renowned for making the history of recent F1). This intercontinental program is part of a project that should see an even tighter cooperation between Auto GP, WTCC and broadcaster Eurosport: according to this plan, Auto GP will race alongside the World Touring Car Championship through the whole season in 8 events, one more than in 2011.

Below, the first draft of the Auto GP 2012 calendar

11 March, Monza (I)
1 April, Valencia (E)
15 April, Donington Park (UK)
13 May, Budapest (HUN)
3 June, Brno (CZ)
29 July, Curitiba (BR)
23 September, Sonoma (USA)
21 October, Suzuka (J)

Enzo Coloni: "Improving step by step has always been our philosophy, and 2011 was a key year, thanks to our agreement with WTCC and Eurosport. So, looking to next season, we believe that the time has come to raise the bar again: our aim for 2012 is an improved calendar, with one more race compared to this year, and an even tighter cooperation with our partners. This means racing for the whole season together with the World Touring Car Championship, including three intercontinental events in Brazil, USA and Japan. We are speaking about this with the WTCC organization and their attitude on the matter is very positive, and in the meantime our staff is working at full steam to cope with the logistical needs".