2005 GP2 Series

The 2005 GP2 Series was the inaugural season of the FIA GP2 Series, which was designed to become the second tier of single-seater racing under Formula One. To reduce costs, GP2's first season would see teams use a standardised engine, chassis, gearbox and tyres, hoping avoid the fate of its predecessor, the Formula 3000 Championship.

The inaugural GP2 Series would begin with a wave of mechanical issues with the new Dallara GP2/05 and its Mecachrome engine. Regardless, Heikki Kovalainen would become the first GP2 Series winner by winning the Feature Race at Imola, before Adam Carroll claimed victory in the Sprint Race.

Kovalainen would go on to become one of the major title contenders, with the Finn claiming additional victories in Magny-Cours, Istanbul and Monza. Carroll, meanwhile, would become the first driver to win a second race in the series by winning the Monaco Feature Race, while Gianmaria Bruni and José María López also claimed early victories.

However, as the season progressed a new driver with an old name would rise to the top and, ultimately, become the 2005 GP2 Series Champion. Indeed, five victories in the second half of the season would see Nico Rosberg jump to the head of the table, with a double victory at Bahrain at the end of the season securing his crown.

Elsewhere, Rosberg's team ART Grand Prix would claim the honours in the Teams' Championship, with Arden International and Super Nova Racing completing the top three. Otherwise it was a very competitive opening season for the GP2 Series, with ten drivers from nine different teams claiming victory.

Calendar
The full calendar for the 2005 FIA GP2 Series Championship is shown below:

Entry List
The full 2005 FIA GP2 Series entry list is outlined below:
 * * Piquet Racing competed under a British license.
 * * Bruni would join Durango ahead of the 2005 Spa Feature Race.
 * † Monfardini moved to Coloni Motorsport for the season finale in Bahrain.

2005 GP2 Series Championship for Drivers
The full Championship standings from the 2005 FIA GP2 Series Championship for Drivers is outlined below: