W Series which will start in 2019 is backed by a number of major F1 names, including 13-time Grand Prix winner, David Coulthard and Red Bull design chief, Adrian Newey, who believes that men and women could compete on equal terms in motorsport.
A prize fund of $1.5 million will be given to winners and free entry for 18-20 competitors, who will be selected purely on merit following tests and appraisals. The overall winner will collect $500,000, with prize money down to 18th place.
Organisers aim to stage six 30-minutes races at top circuits in Europe with future plans to expand the series to America, Asia and Australia.
The last woman to start an F1 Grand Prix was Italy’s Lella Lombardi in 1976.
Source: BBC Sport
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