Nico Rosberg became its inaugural champion during its inaugural year and his victory marked an important step forward for him as it set him on an unforgettable racing path to greater successes to follow.
The Path to Victory
The GP2 Series, launched as an alternate feeder series racing circuit for Formula 1, in 2005 quickly established itself as one of the premier feeder series racing series directly supporting F1 race weekends. From day one it quickly established itself as highly competitive series that offered intense battles for supremacy between competitors.
Nico Rosberg, unfazed by the competition, overturned expectations to challenge Heikki Kovalainen, the initial favorite for the championship. Despite a challenging start, where Rosberg finished eighth in the opening race at Imola and struggled to find his pace, his fortunes began to shift as the season progressed.
Early Struggles and Podium Success
Rosberg’s turnaround started with improved performances in Spain and Monaco, where he began to score his first podiums of the season. These results revitalized his championship hopes after a rocky start.
Victory at Magny-Cours
His breakthrough victory came at Magny-Cours, France, propelling him into the championship contention. This win was a pivotal moment, demonstrating Rosberg’s potential and setting the stage for a string of successes.
Subsequent victories at Silverstone and Hockenheim underscored Rosberg’s championship credentials, significantly altering the championship standings and setting up a nail-biting finish to the season.
Overcoming Adversity
Rosberg faced challenges, notably in Hungary, where a penalty for an illegal steering rack positioning set him back. However, an impressive comeback in the Sprint Race saw him finishing just behind his teammate, Alexandre Premat, keeping his championship aspirations alive.
Despite further complications in Istanbul, Rosberg’s consistent performances and strategic mastery enabled him to close the gap on Kovalainen, intensifying the championship battle.
Securing the Championship
The title fight came to a head in Bahrain, the season’s final showdown. Rosberg’s dominance in qualifying was a sign of his unwavering focus and determination. A victory in the Sprint Race, combined with Kovalainen’s inability to challenge further, secured Rosberg the inaugural GP2 championship title.
From GP2 Champion to Formula 1 Competitor
Winning the GP2 Series not only demonstrated Rosberg’s skill but catapulted him onto an upward career trajectory. Soon after his win in GP2, Williams Formula 1 team signed him, setting off an eventful journey towards winning motorsport’s premier category and ultimately the 2016 Formula One World Championship with Mercedes.
Nico Rosberg’s win in GP2 marked not only his resilience and talent but also a unique journey through motorsport history.