W-Series championship: The all-female race to commence from May 2019

W-series is a third-tier all-female single-seater racing championship that will begin in May this year. It was launched publicly in October 2018 to compensate the lack of opportunities in the highest levels of motorsports for female racers. The championship is backed by prominent personalities from the motorsports community like David Coulthard, Adrian Newey, Dave Ryan and Matt Bishop.

The cars used for the championship would be 1.8 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Tatuus T-318 Formula 3 cars with a Sadev six-speed sequential gearbox complete with HALO ring.

With more than 50 names already announced who have entered the selection process, 18 will make it to the grid. For the first time, the racers will be meeting the fans at the Autosport International organized at Birmingham’s NEC.

Autosport International Events Director, Kate Woodley, said: “W Series is offering a great opportunity for women to gain more experience and exposure in motorsport. We’re proud to have the series in attendance at the event and to play a small part in the start of its journey.”

The selection will be carried out by former F1 driver and double Le Mans 24 Hours winner Alex Wurz with  David Coulthard. The selected riders will battle it out for a total prize of USD 1.5 million with the top racer getting USD 500,000

On the W Series CEO, Catherine Bond Muir, said: “Autosport International is the perfect platform for us to not only speak to industry members about the series but hopefully inspire the next generation of female drivers, showing them that there are opportunities for them to compete and show what they can do.”

The championship is a great idea but has also received some flak from the community. Many feel this will separate female racers rather than including them. We for sure are excited to see the ladies ripping the tarmac!

Here is the provisional race schedule:

1. 3rd – 5th May at Hockenheim
2. 17th – 19th May at Zolder
3. 7th – 9th June at Misano
4. 5th – 7th July at Norisring
5. 19th – 21st July at Assen
6. 10th – 11th August at Brands Hatch

Words by Manaal Mahatme