Women's W Series launched in 2019

If drivers like Danica Patrick in IndyCar and Nascar, Tatiana Calderon in GP3 or Jamie Chadwick in British F3 face the predominantly male pelotons, a new 100% female series will see the light of day in 2019 under the name WSeries.

Centered on a calendar initially in Europe (before turning to Asia and America in the coming years), the championship will feature 18 to 20 pilots, all selected via a process including tests on the track, in a simulator, or even engineering tests.

The lucky winners will then be supported and coached by a panel of motorsport personalities, such as David Coulthard (former driver Williams or even McLaren en F1), Adrian Newey (consultant Red Bull Racing), Dave Ryan (notably known for his involvement in GT with McLaren and Von Ryan Racing, or in F1 with Manor).

Tatuus single-seaters and first reactions

“To be a good racing driver you have to be skillful, determined, competitive, courageous and fit, but you don't have to have specific strength that certain sports require, underlines David Coulthard.

You don't have to be a man either. That's why, with the W Series, we firmly believe that female and male racing drivers can compete on equal terms, on equal terms, with the same opportunities.

At the moment, however, women tend to reach a “glass ceiling” around the GP3 / Formula 3 level in their learning curve, often due to lack of funding rather than lack of talent.

That's why a completely new racing series car All-female racing is required, in order to create a constructive competition environment in which our drivers will be able to equip themselves with the skills necessary to eventually move on and compete with the best male drivers. »

In this context, Tatuus T-318 chassis were selected, powered by a 1,8 liter turbo unit from Autotecnica Motori, mated to a 6-speed Sadev gearbox. As the FIA ​​wants, the Halo cockpit protection system will be implemented.

1,3 million euros will be offered during the season, with the winner being rewarded with more than €430.

An initiative which quickly sparked debate in the motorsport community. Pippa Mann, involved in IndyCar in recent years, quickly stepped up to the plate, denouncing the “segregation” of female drivers.

What a sad day for motorsport. Those with funding to help female racers are choosing to segregate them as opposed to supporting them. I am deeply disappointed to see such a historic step backwards take place in my life time. https://t.co/8ZrKqaADwx

— Pippa Mann (@PippaMann) 10th October, 2018