After racing in the Formula 3 Euro Series in 2007 and 2008, James Jakes made his GP2 debut in the 2008-09 Asia Series, racing for Super Nova.

He sat out most of the 2009 season, returning to the Super Nova team for the opening round of the 2009-10 Asia Series. He raced for Manor in the 2010 GP3 Series, finishing eighth in the standings, despite missing four races because of njury.