W Series drivers handed F3 test

Ewan Gale
Tuesday 6 September 2022 10:00 - Updated: 10:06

Three W Series drivers are to be given a test in F3 machinery in an attempt to promote progression from the championship.

The all-female single-seater championship is in its third season, with Jamie Chadwick taking both championships so far and well on course for title number three.

But there has been little in the way of opportunity for the drivers - even for Chadwick, despite the aims that prize money would provide funds to help the financials of junior formula competition.

That is set to change with Abbi Pulling - a member of the Alpine Affiliate programme - Chloe Chambers and Tereza Babickova set to take to the track at Magny-Cours on September 16 and 17 in a F3 test - promoted by the championship's organisers.

They will be joined by Formula Regional driver Hamda Al Qubaisi, who became the first woman in Italian F4 history to secure a podium last season.

The initiative is the second of its kind following last year's inaugural running, with each driver to test for a full day, with two cars on track per day.

The target is for the drivers to be introduced to the machinery, the different set-ups available and the demands of the environment.

Pulling currently sits fourth in the W Series standings, with Chambers 16th and Babickova 18th.

“It’s very important to us to ensure that more and more female drivers join our championship," said F3 CEO Bruno Michel.

"Diversity is one of our key discussions regarding the future of motorsport.

“We initiated these dedicated F3 tests last year, with Nerea Marti, Doriane Pin, Irina Sidorkova and Maya Weug, who all said how beneficial this one-day test had been to their understanding of the demands of our championship.

"We selected four new drivers for this year, as we follow closely not only W Series, but also female drivers in other categories.

“The purpose of this test is not to compare their performance, but it is an opportunity for them to understand what is required from an F3 driver from every aspect, so that they can prepare for the challenges when they progress to our championship, hopefully in the near future.”

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali added: “Providing more opportunities for women drivers across single-seater racing is a key priority for all of us at Formula 1 and across the whole sport.

“This test, the second of its kind, will provide real opportunity for these four talented drivers to demonstrate their potential to teams and make the case for a competitive seat in years to come.”