---
title: "All-Female ‘W’ Racing Series Set for European Launch in 2019"
description: "The open-wheel league is planned to go global in the coming years."
date: "2018-10-11"
modified: "2018-10-11"
authors:
  - name: "Caleb Jacobs"
    job_title: "Senior Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/caleb-jacobs"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/24166/all-female-w-series-set-for-european-launch-in-2019"
categories:
  - "News"
tags:
  - "Female-Only Racing Series"
  - "motorsport"
  - "W Series"
---

# All-Female ‘W’ Racing Series Set for European Launch in 2019

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/10/w-series-hero.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

An all-new, female-only racing series has been created with intentions of giving women [a widespread platform](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/21800/susie-wolff-becomes-formula-es-first-female-team-principal>) to prove themselves and [move up to motorsport's top levels](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/17072/women-in-motorsport-their-past-present-and-future>).

Named the W Series, this project was conceptualized and resultantly developed by a group of racing professionals including ex-Formula 1 driver David Coulthard, F1 designer Adrian Newey, former McLaren and Manor team manager Dave Ryan, and journalist Matt Bishop.

The open-wheel league will be free to enter for 18-20 yet unnamed drivers selected by “a rigorous pre-selection process involving on-track testing, simulator appraisal, technical engineering tests, fitness trials etc," according to a statement from the series. Competitors will be vying for their share of a money pool totaling $1.5 million while the overall champion will earn $500,000. Winnings will be awarded through 18th place in the standings.

Drivers will pilot spec Tatuus T-318 Formula 3 cars, all equipped with identical 1.8-liter turbo four-cylinder engines and Sadev six-speed sequential gearboxes. These machines will also be fitted with [Halo cockpit safety devices.](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/18399/f1-halo-capable-of-holding-double-decker-bus-says-mercedes>)

In efforts of undercutting planned criticisms for segregating women from their male counterparts, the W Series released the following quote in an official release:

“At the heart of W Series’ DNA is the firm belief that women can compete equally with men in motorsport. However, an all-female series is essential in order to force greater female participation. W Series is, therefore, a mission-driven competition, the aim of which is not only to provide exciting racing for spectators and viewers on a global scale, but also to equip its drivers with the experience and expertise with which they may progress their careers, racing and honing their skills in W Series before eventually graduating to existing high-level mainstream racing series.”

The initial season of competition will take place across Europe with expansion to the Americas, Asia, and Australia planned for the coming years.

## Author
Caleb Jacobs is The Drive’s senior editor. When he’s not searching for stories or poring over copy, he’s usually driving his dump truck or wishing it was running so he could drive it. He was born and raised in the Missouri Ozarks, and he lives there today with his family.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-jacobs-319323119>)  
[Instagram](<https://instagram.com/calebjwords>)  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/calebjacobs0611>)