Q&A DAVID COULTHARD

WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN TO

PUBLICLY BACK W SERIES?

I had a younger sister, who is unfortunately no longer with us, but I believe she was more naturally talented at driving than I was. It just so happened that the opportunity and the weight of the family support went to me as I was six years older and I think there is a more obviously established route for a professional career for men than there has been for women. I love the world of motorsport and the people that are involved because I think it brings out the best in all of us. I want this to bring out the best of the women’s talent out there.

WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR W SERIES TO BE CONSIDERED A SUCCESS?

For me, it would be if we could create positive role models and take away this glass ceiling. That would bring more women into racing, creating more female racing drivers. It’s exactly what my sister could have been if she was alive and armed with the opportunities I have today.

WHAT’S YOUR RESPONSE TO THE CRITICISM AIMED AT W SERIES?

In terms of the backlash, there are always going to be people who disagree when you are doing something different to what they are doing or what they believe in. All of the people involved in W Series are having a real go at it and giving this our best shot. Someone needs to make the first step and we’re all putting our time and effort into this. The racing world will tell us in time whether they also share that vision. There will be six races in 2019 and we will have a champion. That champion will have a spotlight and a big cheque to then progress their career to the next level.