Definition
The 2020 W Series refers to the planned second season of the W Series, an all‑female single‑seater motor‑racing championship. The season was cancelled before any competitive races were held due to the global COVID‑19 pandemic.
Overview
The inaugural 2019 season of the W Series was completed, establishing a championship that fields identical Formula 3‑spec cars driven exclusively by women. For 2020 the organizers announced a six‑round calendar primarily across European circuits, intending to build on the previous year’s format. In March 2020, the season was postponed in response to rising health concerns, and by May 2020 the series announced a full cancellation of the 2020 championship. Instead, the W Series conducted a virtual e‑sports competition and continued driver development programs. No points, race results, or championship standings exist for 2020.
Etymology/Origin
- W – stands for “Women’s,” indicating the series’ focus on providing a professional platform for female racing drivers.
- Series – denotes a recurring championship consisting of multiple races.
- 2020 – the calendar year for which the season was scheduled.
Characteristics
- Eligibility – Open to female drivers meeting the series’ licensing and performance criteria; selection was based on a multi‑stage evaluation process.
- Car specification – Planned use of the Tatuus‑Alfa Romeo F3 chassis equipped with a 1.8‑litre turbocharged Alfa Romeo engine, delivering approximately 270 hp, and shod with Hankook tires. All cars were to be identical to ensure driver skill as the primary variable.
- Team structure – The series continued its “no‑team” model, wherein the organization supplied and maintained all cars, eliminating budget disparities among drivers.
- Prize fund – The intended prize package included a €500,000 grant for the champion to pursue a seat in a higher‑level series, a continuation of the 2019 model.
- Broadcast and media – Planned live coverage on international sports networks and streaming platforms; the cancellation shifted focus to digital content and virtual racing events.
Related Topics
- W Series – The overarching championship launched in 2019.
- 2019 W Series – The inaugural season that completed a full calendar of eight races.
- 2021 W Series – The series’ third season, which resumed competition after the 2020 cancellation.
- Women in motorsport – Broader initiatives and organizations promoting female participation in racing.
- COVID‑19 pandemic and sport – The global health crisis that led to the suspension or cancellation of numerous sporting events in 2020.
- Formula 3 – The class of open‑wheel racing on which the W Series cars are based.