G​rand Tour test driver and multiple British Champion throws her hat in the ring for a spot on the 2020 grid

F​ollowing the inaugural season of the controversial, all female, W Series, the selection process to form the 2020 grid gets underway next week in Almeria. The top 12 drivers from the 2019 season have an automatic entry into next year's championship.

With the remaining 8 grid slots left to be filled, 14 racers from 12 different countries earned a position in the selection process by taking part in an invitational simulator event, completing full race weekends to prove their worth.

D​uring the 3 day event in Almeria, the drivers will compete further in the sims, but also pit themselves against 2019 championship runner up Beitske Visser and 7th placed finisher Miki Koyama on the track to see how they stack up to their more experienced colleagues.

A​bbie Eaton will be among those trying out for the series having successfully gotten through the sim event. She told W Series “I’ve been following W Series throughout its inaugural season and I’ve been really impressed by how the championship has developed. I’m delighted to have been invited to Spain for the 2020 selection event following the simulator test event last week in the UK, and I’m looking forward to getting some mileage in a single seater, hopefully ending with a spot on the 2020 grid.”

K​atherine Legge will also be attempting to make a return to single seat racing having initially had reservations about the series. “I was sceptical about W Series in the beginning but I’ve followed it throughout the 2019 season and I can honestly say that it has exceeded my expectations, so much so that I’m delighted to be taking part in the test event myself this weekend in Almeria.”

Joining them to compete for seats will be:

Abbie Munro, UK

Anna Inotsume, Japan

Ayla Agren, Norway

Belen Garcia, Spain

Bruna Tomaselli, Brazil

Cheslea Herbert, New Zealand

Courtney Crone, USA

Gabriela Jilkova, Czech Republic

Hannah Grisham, USA

Irina Sidorkova, Russia

Michelle Gatting, Denmark

Nerea Marti, Spain

W​ith prize money up for grabs for all 20 entrants and FIA superlicence points being awarded, these are some of the most sought after seats on the motorsport calendar. The successful drivers are set to be announced shortly after selection.