'Grid Girls' to make comeback as competitive racing series

The FIA will launch an all-female racing series named 'Grid Girls', GP Fans understands, in an attempt to win back many of the fans alienated by Formula 1's decision to scrap the use of models at races. The series could even become one of the support events to F1 as it tours the globe.

By Alf Priolo

Liberty Media's decision to ditch 'grid girls' in favour of 'grid kids' for 2018 was met with a mixed reception.

Though Liberty said that the move was made to "reflect societal changes", others - including former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone - railed against a decision which they believed struck to the heart of the sport's glamorous traditions.

Although they will not be returning in their former guise, fans could once again have the chance to cheer on 'grid girls' when the series is launched in 2020.

An FIA source said: "The brand 'Grid Girls' has become synonymous with motor racing over the last 30 years. It would be such a shame to let such a catchy moniker die out.

"Fans across the world were devastated to hear the 'grid girls' were no longer going to feature at F1 races this year. This new series shows that we are willing to listen properly to our fans about any concerns they may have."

Talk of all-women series has been a prickly subject in the past.

Former Lotus and Renault development driver Carmen Jorda has previously suggested that an all-women's F1 could help females into the higher echelons of motorsport, although the Spanish racer courted controversy earlier this year when suggesting that women should target drives in Formula E over F1 due to "physical problems".

The FIA are determined to make 'Grid Girls' as competitive as possible and believe it could ultimately lead to being seen as one of motorsport's most challenging series.

"The cars are going to be tough to drive," the source added. "It will really put our ladies to the test.

"Think a Morris Marina with the wheels of a faulty shopping trolley.

"We don't want gizmos, gadgets and go-faster buttons clouding the skill of the drivers on show, they must be put to the test.

"If people are bored of processional races in other series, this will be the one for them."

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