Siti the only SEA driver to make it into W Series race

PETALING JAYA: Siti Shahkirah Shaharul (pic) has made Malaysia proud by becoming the only driver from South-East Asia to make it into the final list for the all-female W Series.

The W Series released a list of 55 contenders for a spot on the 18-driver grid for its inaugural campaign in 2019 over six rounds.

The single-seater championship, backed by the likes of former Formula One winner David Coulthard and esteemed F1 technical chief Adrian Newey, was announced in October with a US$1.5mil (RM6.3mil) prize fund and no budget requirements from prospective participants.

The candidates will leave for Austria for a three-day final assessment in January next year.

The 24-year-old Siti was pleased to make the preliminary list.

Siti was only 17 when she became the youngest female driver to participate in the Sepang 1000km Race back in 2011.

“I thank God after making it to the top 50 of W Series! I’ll work hard on getting into the top 18 and make Malaysia proud,” she posted on her Facebook page.

Siti, who got her first taste of go-kart racing when she was only six, will join a list of high profile names such as BMW-backed former Red Bull junior Beitske Visser from Holland, former Renault Sport Academy driver Marta Garcia from Spain, former Lotus F1 tester Carmen Jorda from Spain and British GT class champion Jamie Chadwick.

Chief executive officer Catherine Bond Muir said more than 100 applicants from 30 countries around the world applied before the field was trimmed.

“Even today there is a massive gender imbalance in motorsport and W Series is making the first step to correct that,” said Muir.

“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,” she added.

I thank God after making it to the top 50 of W Series! I’ll work hard on getting into the top 18 and make Malaysia proud. Siti Shahkirah Shaharul