[1] The format of two races per weekend was a new feature for 2009, introduced by series promoter Nicolo di San Germano at the official pre-season meeting in March.
[2] Guido Cappellini, driving for Zepter Team, was drivers' champion, securing an unprecedented tenth championship crown before retiring at the end of the year.
[7] However whilst it increased the spectacle and offered teams and drivers more opportunities for success, costs were forced upwards and the format wasn't retained for 2010.
The initial calendar for the 2009 season featured the Grand Prix of Russia in Saint Petersburg as the second round of the championship, taking place on 5 and 6 June.
[1] However the race was postponed, with an announcement made on 22 April that it would instead be moved to the second week of August, with the Grand Prix of Finland becoming the second round, on 12 and 13 June.