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With the 2021 season finale taking place next weekend in the USA, W Series has announced that the top 8 drivers at the end of the season will automatically qualify for a seat in the 2022 season.
The double-header season finale at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) has 50 points up for grabs next weekend on the 23-44 October.
Nerea Martí (19, ESP) and Irina Sidorkova (18, RUS) are guaranteed drivers until the end of 2022 regardless of their finishing position this year, due to being members of the W Series Academy.
With Alice Powell and Jamie Chadwick level on points in the fight for the championship on 109 points this season, they will definitely be retaining their place in W Series for next year, and have the chance to either defend or win the championship for 2022.
The rest of the top 8 currently stands with Emma Kimilainen, Nerea Martí, Fabienne Wohlwend, Sarah Moore, Irina Sidorkova and Belen Garcia. But all could change this weekend as only 22 points separate eighth to the last-placed drivers this year.
Chief Executive Officer of W Series, Catherine Bond Muir, said: “I am delighted to announce that our top eight drivers this year will be guaranteed a W Series drive in 2022. At the end of our inaugural season in 2019, 12 drivers earned the right to return to W Series for season two when we vowed to return bigger and better.
“This year’s reduced number of automatic qualifiers is further proof that we have done just that. Our landmark partnership with Formula 1 has resulted in increased interest in the series around the world and a larger pool of talented female racing drivers from which to choose from in season three.
“With Alice [Powell] and Jamie [Chadwick] level on points at the top of the standings going into the final round, we were already guaranteed a grandstand finish to our season at the Circuit of the Americas. Today’s news ensures the drama will be compelling throughout the field as every driver on the grid looks to seize this final opportunity to shine on motor racing’s biggest stage and ensure they don’t miss out on what promises to be another great W Series season next year.”
The season finale is sure to be one to remember and definitely going to make things very exciting!
All Image Credits: W Series
