Jorda, Chadwick among W Series applicants

The W Series has announced a 55-name long list of drivers who are in line to take part in the maiden campaign of the female-only competition. According to the W Series, over 100 applicants were received, and the list will be whittled down further to 18 drivers to take part.

A series of tests will be held in order to determine the racing field for the series, which aims to give female racers opportunities to get onto the ladder towards Formula 1.

Grand prix drivers David Coulthard and Alex Wurz will form part of the selection panel, alongside former McLaren sporting director Dave Ryan.

Former Lotus F1 test driver Carmen Jorda is among the qualifiers, as well as former Red Bull junior Beitske Visser and Jamie Chadwick, who this year became the first female race-winner in British Formula 3.

Jorda has previous experience in GP3, while Vicky Piria, Samin Gomez and Alice Powell have also raced at the same level.

Co-founder Coulthard said: "We designed W Series specifically to shine a light on female talent right around the world.

"I can't wait to be part of the next stage and to see some of that talent in action."

W Series will run as a support series to DTM in 2019, with the first race slated for Hockenheim in May.

For the full 55-name list of W Series qualifiers, click here.

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