In full: The 2017 FIA Formula 2 grid
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With the opening round of the 2017 FIA Formula 2 Championship around the corner, the 20-strong grid has now been finalised with 16 different nationalities represented.
Previously known as GP2, the series was rebranded in order to bring it more in line with the natural progression up to Formula 1 as drivers begin their single-seater careers in Formula 4, followed by Formula 3, Formula 2 and eventually the pinnacle of motorsport.
As per series regulations, reigning champion Pierre Gasly will not be able to defend his crown and has moved to Japanese championship Super Formula as he awaits a seat in Formula 1 with Scuderia Toro Rosso. 2016 runner-up Antonio Giovinazzi will also not feature in the series as he commits to his new role with Scuderia Ferrari in Formula 1.
2017 will see six rookies make their debuts in the series, while seven drivers have already achieved their maiden victories. Here is a driver-by-driver look at who will be in action for the season-opener at the Bahrain International Circuit.
#1 Charles Leclerc - Prema Racing
2016 GP3 champion Charles Leclerc steps up to Formula 2 with the Prema Racing squad. The Frenchman won three races en route to the title while embroiled in a titanic title battle with Alexander Albon.
This drew the attentions of Prema who beat ART Grand Prix to the punch and signed Leclerc for the 2017 Formula 2 season. He is expected to be the top rookie and potentially mount a title assault in his debut year.
#2 Antonio Fuoco - Prema Racing
Another GP3 graduate, 2016 saw Antonio Fuoco claim victories at Silverstone and Hockenheim before ending the season third in the standings.
The Italian joins an Italian team where he hopes to continue his strong form and challenge for victories in 2017.
#3 Louis Deletraz - Racing Engineering
Louis Deletraz made his series debut at the last round of 2016 with the Carlin squad, collecting a best finish of 17th place, after finishing second overall in the Formula V8 3.5 championship.
Now signed to a full-time seat with Racing Engineering, Deletraz is optimistic that he can convert his expertise from Formula V8 3.5 into Formula 2 and push to be at the sharp end.
#4 Gustav Malja - Racing Engineering
A couple of podiums last year showed the improvements made by Gustav Malja as he increasingly became more comfortable in the car.
With a full season now under his belt, the main priority for the Swede is to claim his first victory since his Formula Renault 2.0 NEC exploits in 2014.
#5 Luca Ghiotto - Russian Time
A victory in his rookie campaign proved a continuation of the form that Luca Ghiotto had demonstrated in GP3, where he narrowly missed out on the title to now-F1 driver Esteban Ocon.
With the constant upward trajectory shown by the Italian and a move to a former championship winning team, don’t be surprised to see Ghiotto feature regularly at the sharp end as he targets the crown.
#6 Artem Markelov - Russian Time
Artem Markelov took his maiden victory in 2016, with a superb drive in Monaco paying dividends as he beat Norman Nato following a safety car intervention.
He will continue with Russian Time for a fourth season as he looks to put together his experience and become a regular contender for victories and podiums.
#7 Nobuharu Matsushita - ART Grand Prix
Nobuharu Matsushita continues with ART Grand Prix for a third campaign as he looks to add to his two victories already achieved in the series.
The Japanese driver showed well in testing and expected to be among the title contenders, but will need to be more consistent if he is to fight for the crown.
#8 Alexander Albon - ART Grand Prix
The highly-impressive Alexander Albon graduates to Formula 2 with ART Grand Prix following his title assault in the 2016 GP2 season.
Expectations are high as the Anglo-Thai driver is set to continue his rivalry with Charles Leclerc as they fight for the top rookie honours.
#9 Oliver Rowland - DAMS
A move to former champions DAMS could be just what the doctor ordered for Oliver Rowland as he enters his second full season in the series.
A first victory still eludes the Englishman, but with a strong team and buckets of talent at his disposal, the 2015 Formula Renault 3.5 champion is expected to be in contention for the title.
#10 Nicholas Latifi - DAMS
Nicholas Latifi will continue with the DAMS squad in 2017, where he looks to add to his maiden podium scored at the opening round of 2016 in Spain.
Having not won a single-seater race since 2012, the Canadian will be looking to make amends and reach the top step in 2017.
#11 Ralph Boschung - Campos Racing
A GP3 victory in Austria made for a promising year in 2016, with Ralph Boschung doing enough to earn a graduation to Formula 2 with the Campos Racing squad.
The Swiss driver may not be considered a title favourite, but has the potential to produce strong results and may well be a regular point scorer.
#12 Stefano Coletti - Campos Racing
A surprise returnee to the series, Stefano Coletti last raced in this series in 2014 when the championship was under the GP2 guise.
A title challenger in 2013 and seven-time race winner, it is difficult to tell how the Monegasque driver will fare. Possibly a title contender on the basis of his experience, but will the prolonged period out of the car prove costly?
#14 Sergio Sette Camara - MP Motorsport
Sergio Sette Camara graduates from European Formula 3 to Formula 2 where he will make his debut with the MP Motorsport squad.
The Brazilian proved his potential with a podium at the prestigious Macau Grand Prix in 2016 and hopes to continue that form into 2017.
#15 Jordan King - MP Motorsport
A two-time race winner in the series, Jordan King moves from Racing Engineering to MP Motorsport in what may be his final season as he assesses his options in other categories.
The Brit had his eyes set on Formula 1 with Manor before the team folded, but he may yet attract the attention of other teams if he continues his upward trajectory.
#16 Nabil Jeffri - Trident
Nabil Jeffri will enter his second season in the series as he moves from Arden International to Trident for 2017.
The Malaysian only scored two points in his debut campaign and will be looking to improve as he aims to become a regular top ten contender.
#17 Sergio Canamasas - Trident
A series veteran, Sergio Canamasas starts his sixth season as he returns to Trident with whom he competed in 2014.
Spectacular but somewhat clumsy, the Spaniard can be blisteringly quick on his day but needs to avoid tangling with rival drivers if he is to find success.
#18 Nyck de Vries - Rapax
Nyck de Vries moves up to Formula 2 from GP3 where he took two wins en route to sixth in the standings.
De Vries has already shown much potential in his career with titles in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and Formula Renault 2.0 Alps and hopes to impress the bosses at McLaren F1, where he is a junior driver.
#19 Johnny Cecotto Jr - Rapax
The most experienced man in the series with 117 starts, Johnny Cecotto Jr looks to finally mount a title assault with the Rapax team.
The Venezuelan was sometimes erratic in the early stages of his GP2 career, but has collected four fine wins along the way and could regularly appear at the sharp end.
#20 Norman Nato - Pertamina Arden
An early title contender in 2016, Norman Nato rejoins the Arden squad for 2017 and looks to go the distance.
With two victories under his belt, the Frenchman will no doubt be keen to add to his tally and push for the championship crown.
#21 Sean Gelael - Pertamina Arden
Sean Gelael will start his second full season, this time with the Arden squad as he brings the team sponsorship from Pertamina.
The Indonesian driver claimed his maiden podium at the Red Bull Ring last season and hopes to score more consistently, as well as making the most of his new test role with Scuderia Toro Rosso.