Brits through W Series first-round selection process
All five British drivers to be shortlisted for the all-female W Series have made it through the first stage of the selection process.
BRDC British Formula 3 driver Jamie Chadwick, former GP3 racer Alice Powell, Porsche Carrera Cup GB competitor Esmee Hawkey, 2009 Ginetta Junior champion Sarah Moore and Jessica Hawkins were among the 28 drivers to make it through after threedays of intensive assessment in Austria.
The original shortlist of 54 drivers were whittled down by a panel of judges including W Series directors David Coulthard and Dave Ryan, as well as former Indycar driver Lyn St James and Le Mans winner Alexander Wurz.
Candidates were evaluated over the course of 10 modules, which included tests of driving ability in snowy conditions at the Wachauring, using Ford Fiesta ST and Porsche Cayman S road cars.
Fitness and mental agility and comprehensive media sessions were also taken into consideration before a ‘Race of Champions-style’ challenge.
The next stage of the selection process will take place across four days in Almeria in Southern Spain in March, where candidates will test the Tatuus F318 Formula 3 car to be used in W Series.
The final grid of 18 drivers, plus two reserves, will then be selected ahead of the first round at Hockenheim in May.