The W Series held its very first season this year. The recently concluded mega racing competition was hailed by many as a thrilling event, with all the races proving to be exhilaratingly well-contested. A new season is already set for next year, with preparations already underway. However, before that, let’s take a look at the recently concluded inaugural season.

The Races

The first season of the W Series had a total of 6 races across five different countries. The venues for the races included Hockenheim and Norisring in Germany, Misano in Italy, Zolder in Belgium, Assen in the Netherlands, and Brands Hatch in the UK.

Each of the races was met with a warm reception by the locals who not only exhibited immense support for the competitors but also expressed enthusiasm for the event. The W Series team promised to grow and succeed, and now with the roaring success of the first season, the idea behind the growth is strong, and every person on the team is ready to make this event grow.

The Rankings

Through the W Series, the drivers were ranked by a point system, with each position up till the 10th earning its respective share of points. The race leader was rewarded with 25 points, while the second and third place would receive 18 and 15 respectively. The driver finishing at 10th received a single point.

Finishing on top for the first season was the United Kingdom’s, Jaime Chadwick. Sporting the number 55, Jaime was able to accumulate a total of 110 points. Her point tally was bolstered by two race wins in Race 1 in Hockenheim and Race 3 in Misano. Besides that, Jaime also finished second once and third twice. Her wins proved to be special since she edged out her opponents both times by half a second.

Following Jaime close behind was Beitske Visser from the Netherlands. Beitske was able to secure a total of 100 points, falling shy of Jaime’s 110. Her main highlights include a first-place finish in Zolder and two-second place finishes in Misano and Norisring. Furthermore, Beitske also finished third in the last race of the season at Brands Hatch, UK. The number 95 provided fierce competition and earned wide praise.

Dead last was Canada’s, Megan Gilkes. The number 49 accumulated no points throughout the season but in the one off reverse grid race that was not part of the championship, Megan managed to lead all of the laps and finished on the top step in front of the usual top challengers.

The Next Season

The people behind the W Series have already announced a bigger season next year, with dates for the recruitment of drivers already announced. The recruitment tests will run over three days from the 15th of September to the 17th at the Circuito de Almeria, Andalusia, south-east Spain.

The top 12 drivers of the first season have already been guaranteed entry for next season and will also receive Super Licence points. These entrants include Jamie Chadwick (UK), Beitske Visser (NLD), Alice Powell (UK), Marta Garcia (ESP), Emma Kimilainen (FIN), Fabienne Wohlwend (LIE), Miki Koyama (JPN), Sarah Moore (UK), Vicky Piria (ITA), Tasmin Pepper (RSA), Jessica Hawkins (UK) and Sabre Cook (USA).

Any applicants will be tested with the Formula 3 vehicles utilized for the first season’s tests.

Photo by Paul Foster

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