Racing: Top 5 most exciting support series

Formula 2

One of the longest and most storied support series has had a checkered history in recent years, but now it is back in the spotlight. The former GP2 Series has been rebranded as Formula 2, bringing it further in line as the final step in the ladder before rising into the Formula One world championship.

The idea behind Formula 2 began back in 1948, but ran into some issues in the 2000s. The series was revived for a brief time between 2009 and 2012 before the promoter of the series called it off due to low car counts. Understandably, competing directly against the established and more popular GP2 and GP3 Series proved difficult, but the modern goal of Formula 2 was to provide cost-effective competition for teams. That mantra has now carried forward into the rebranded GP2 Series.

Beginning in 2018, Dallara and F2 will introduce a new car that will be uniform across its teams mostly, helping to further bring down costs. It will also be designed to more closely match their F1 partners, potentially further preparing drivers for the next step up. After all, Formula 2 has often created new stars for Formula One and other open-wheel series around the world, including up and comers like Dean Stoneman, Stefano Colletti, and Charles Leclerc.

Formula 2 races can be seen in the United States on tape delay ahead of Formula One races on NBCSN and the NBC Sports app.