Women’s Motorsport is definitely entering new era of shape and form, with unprecedented new WSeries underway in Europe consisting of 6 Rounds, all supported by FIA F3 approved race cars, for selected 18 drivers with 2 drivers in reserve.
The initiative, born from deep seated belief, that talented -pre-Karting female drivers would directly benefit from single-seater WSeries Championship, promoters and organizers launched the initiative in October 2018 and results are already coming through.
18 year old Spanish selectee Marta Garcia scored WSeries win at Round 4, Norisring, Germany at the weekend, confirming 3rd place Overall in standings- excited, thrilled and over the moon to feel the win!
Marta: ‘Can’t explain the feeling!!! winning feels great 🏆🥇thanks everyone for the support ❤️’.
With mission of WSeries to provide selected Women drivers opportunity to further knowledge, skills, race experience and qualifications to enter future upper levels of racing, these Women drivers have much to gain- given the less than impressive history of Women making Formula 1 over past 40 years.
Not a single Women has made F1 grid since Lella Lombardi debut in the World Championship in 1974, scoring top 6 finish following year, gaining half a point. Subsequent feeder FIA Championship Series F4 through to F2 has given rise to Women drivers since, however no break-out female Champion has made grade yet.
WSeries initial selection process was tight with 54 applicants put through 3-day appraisal programme which was then measured down to 28 drivers. Next, 4-day testing and evaluation on drivers performance in WSeries race cars at track in Almeria, Spain confirmed final line-up.
Gaining substantial Media support, with WSeries broadcasting each race live on ‘UK Channel 4 free to air platform’ along with 60 Media sites around the world, these Women are able to raise their profiles and increase awareness of their careers to mainstream audience.
Current British Overall leader Jamie Chadwick is estatic on holding 60 points advantage post 4 Rounds, with Dutch driver Beitske Visser 2nd on 73 and Spanish sensation Marta Garcia on 60 points for 3rd Overall- 2 Rounds to go.
Jamie: ‘Yeeeeessssss! W Series win number 2 here at Misano 🥳🍾’.
Heading into Round 5, Assen TT circuit on July 19-20th, it will be all eyes on Visser, home track advantage a plus, then onto Final Round at Brand Hatch, UK, with Chadwick having the upper-hand home country benefit- a fitting conclusion for what is a great WSeries debut year.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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