W Series attracts 55 contenders for maiden season, including Garcia, Jorda, Chadwick and Moore, who will vie for 18 spots on grid next year

The all-female W Series has released a list of 55 contenders for a spot on the 18-driver grid for its inaugural campaign in 2019.

The championship, backed by the likes of grand prix winner David Coulthard and Formula 1 technical chief Adrian Newey, was announced in October with a $1.5million [£1.1million] prize fund and no budget requirements from prospective participants.

It is set to be held over six rounds in 2019, running in support of the DTM, and use F3-specification Tatuus T-318 machinery.

The organisers say they have been contacted by “more than 100 applicants from 30 countries around the world”, from which the current ‘long-list’ was selected.

“We are thrilled but perhaps not surprised by the response,” series CEO Catherine Bond Muir said.

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

Bmw-backed former Red Bull junior Beitske Visser, ex-renault Sport Academy driver Marta Garcia, former Lotus F1 tester Carmen Jorda and British GT class champion Jamie Chadwick are among the highest-profile names in the initial roster.

Other British drivers on the list are Britcar champion Sarah Moore, Carrera Cup racer Esmee Hawkey, 2010 Formula Renault BARC champion Alice Powell and Mini Challenge driver Jessica Hawkins.