A few weeks ago we brought you a story of a women’s only race series. W Series essentially a single-seater race formula strictly for female racers. You can read more about the series here.

After taking, what must have been, countless submissions from around the world the organisers have come up with a preliminary list of over 50 drivers. These drivers will compete to see which 18 will take to the grid when the season kicks off next year. The final grid will be determined following a series of track tests in the W Series racecar ahead of the season’s first race, at Hockenheim in Germany on May 3.

Local lasses

On the extensive list are three South African hopefuls. They are kart racers: 22-year-old Ivana Cetinich and 32-year-old Fabienne Lanz and 28-year-old Tasmin Pepper who has previously raced in the Formula VW series and is a Polo Cup regular.

In their own words

Catherine Bond Muir, W Series CEO said: “We are thrilled but perhaps not surprised by the response. Even today there is a massive gender imbalance in motorsport and W Series is making the first step to correct that.  Drivers from all over the world have stepped forward, so it’s clear that with the right framework we can make the changes this sport desperately needs.”

Not only is W Series a free-to-enter competition, but a total prize fund of $1 500 000 has been assigned, with the overall series winner taking $500 000. W Series will also fund travel and subsistence costs, which opens the competition to drivers from all economic backgrounds across the world.

David Coulthard, W Series advisory board chair, “We designed W Series specifically to shine a light on female talent right around the world. I can’t wait to be part of the next stage and to see some of that talent in action.”