NEW FEMALE-ONLY W SERIES LAUNCHED

WHEN: OCTOBER 10 There’s been a plethora of new series launched in the last 12 months but none of them have caused quite as much controversy as W Series.

The British Racing and Sports Car Club-administered category is open to female drivers only, will use an FIA Regional F3-spec Tatuus car and the winner will receive $500,000. But despite having big name backers like David Coulthard and Adrian Newey the series received a swathe of criticism.

“It’s completely unnecessary,” said 2014 Mazda MX-5 Supercup champion Abbie Eaton. “I just feel we’ve backtracked a load by segregating men and women and creating this series.”

There were various other arguments against the series too – some suggested it’s at too high a level to encourage more female drivers into the sport and the money should be spent at the grassroots.

But despite all the acrimony, five British drivers have signed up and are among the 55 contenders that will be whittled down to the 18 that actually get to race.