W SERIES POWERS ON TO MISANO IN ITALY

As the inaugural W Series season reaches the halfway point the championship makes its only visit to southern Europe.

The Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli (to give the track its full name) is located half an hour’s drive from the resort town of Rimini on Italy’s Adriatic coast and opened in 1972.

It has really made its name as a motorcycle racing venue, but back in the 1970s – complete with floodlights to allow night racing – the circuit hosted European F2 and F3 races as well as rounds of the World Sportscar Championship.

Originally laid out to run in an anti-clockwise direction, the track underwent a major renovation and safety upgrade in 2006 and now runs clockwise. The track, which has little undulation, has several good overtaking opportunities with a long back ‘straight’ that has three kinks before a tight right-hand bend. Jamie Chadwick and Beitske Visser won at Hockenheim and Zolder respectively, while Alice Powell has twice finished on the podium. Their rivals will be looking to close the gap, particularly Marta Garcia and Sarah Moore who will both be looking to convert consistency into really big points. Former GP3 driver Vicky Piria will also be hoping for a good finish on home soil.

The first two races have showcased some great racing and we shouldn’t expect anything different down in Misano.

Catherine Bond Muir, W Series CEO

“There might not have been any on-track action since that wonderful weekend at Zolder, but things still move fast at W Series. I’m delighted with the impression that we’ve made, the way we have reacted to challenges and also that our drivers are getting the recognition they deserve. It was thrilling to see Jamie Chadwick joining the Williams F1 Driver Academy and I’m sure she enjoyed her weekend at the Indianapolis 500. This is what W Series set out to do; give our drivers the opportunity to show what great racers they are.

I can’t wait to see them all back on track at Misano for what should be another exciting weekend – with four races left in the championship it’s still all to play for.”

Dave Ryan, W Series Racing Director

“Misano provides a very different challenge to that which faced the drivers at Zolder. The track has an open feel to it and long straights followed by tight corners will reward those who are bravest on the brakes. I think we should see some really good racing this weekend. The championship standings show a distinct top five but I think there are one or two more who could upset the order.

From what I’ve seen, right through selection and the first two races, there’s no lack of skill or determination on the W Series grid.”