W Series in F1 tie up
New audiences? W Series wants to harness F1’s profile
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After a trailblazing debut season the team behind W Series, the all-female championship, had to find new momentum.
That arrived last month when it was announced that this year’s series, which begins in May in Russia, will feature two non-European races for the first time when it will act as a support for both the Mexican and US grands prix.
Racing on a Formula 1 weekend is likely to enhance W Series’ standing around the world and significantly boost its visibility – especially as the races in Austin and Mexico City are usually among F1’s best-attended races.
Fans watch as the field passes through the stadium section of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriquez, Mexico
LAT
W Series CEO Catherine Bond Muir said: “We are delighted that, in only our second season, our championship has been welcomed by F1. Interest in and enthusiasm for W Series was enormous in our first season and the addition of two all-new races on the F1 platform will only increase that.”
The series aims to raise the profile of women in motor sport, with the ultimate goal of steering a female driver onto the Formula 1 grid. W Series also now has superlicence points. The champion will earn 15 points – putting W Series in line with series such as Indy Lights and the World Touring Car Cup.