W SERIES GEARS UP FOR ZOLDER FOR SECOND ROUNDS OF 2019

With the first W Series race in the books and the inaugural season underway, the championship now heads to Zolder in Belgium. The track, which opened in 1963, presents a very different challenge to Hockenheim and rewards accuracy and consistency. The undulating nature of the circuit and three tight chicanes mean getting on the power early is vital for carrying as much speed as possible onto the straights. The track has an old-school feel to it with gravel traps and barriers much closer than more modern facilities, so mistakes rarely go unpunished.

This will be a race for cool heads but with only six races in the first W Series season there will be plenty of drivers looking to make up ground on those who scored heavily at Hockenheim. Jamie Chadwick has made her mark as the driver to beat and will start as favourite, but Alice Powell and Marta Garcia will both be targetting higher steps on the podium. Emma Kimilainen and Fabienne Wohlwend will also be looking to make up lost ground after both squandered good qualifying performances in Germany.

All the indications are that this will be a close race with only a small mistake being the difference between spraying the champagne and finishing in the gravel.

Zolder may have existed in the shadow of Spa-Francorchamps when it comes to motor racing in Belgium, but the track has a rich history and attracts crowds far and wide.

Hear from our CEO and Racing Director ahead of the second W Series race of the season.

Catherine Bond Muir, W Series CEO

“We’re off and running. After Hockenheim, where the whole W Series team saw all their hard work come to fruition, we are now into the heart of our season. The reaction to our first race has been largely positive and it is important that we maintain momentum, iron out any wrinkles and keep putting on a great show for fans at trackside and those watching on television. I know all our drivers are keen to get back on the track, some looking to make up ground while others are hoping to maintain an advantage. Like them, I’m just as excited as I was for the first race at Hockenheim.”
Dave Ryan, W Series Racing Director

“This is where the first W Series season will really start to take shape. All our drivers will have learnt a lot at Hockenheim, whether they stood on the podium or their race lasted only a few corners. I’ve been really impressed with their desire to improve both behind the wheel and in their preparation and Zolder will provide a real test. It’s a tight track and one that bites if you’re not at the top of your game. One of the fascinating things about W Series is watching how the drivers deal with each new challenge and they will be challenged this weekend.”