W Series announces its reserve driver line-up for the 2021 season.
- Five W Series drivers selected for reserve role
- Squad comprises experienced W Series drivers and rookie Abbi Pulling
- Naomi Schiff adds reserve driver role to commentary duties
- Tasmin Pepper becomes reserve driver following South Africa’s latest Coronavirus travel restrictions, and is replaced by Gosia Rdest in Austria
Following last month’s successful pre-season test at the Anglesey Circuit in Wales, W Series has announced a five-strong squad of reserve drivers for this year’s eight-race season, which begins in Austria on 26 June in support of Formula 1’s Styrian Grand Prix. The line-up combines experienced drivers from W Series’ inaugural season in 2019 with impressive emerging talent and is as follows:
- Tasmin Pepper, 30, South Africa
- Abbi Pulling, 18, United Kingdom
- Gosia Rdest, 28, Poland
- Naomi Schiff, 27, Rwanda
- Caitlin Wood, 24, Australia
Dave Ryan (Racing Director, W Series) said:
“Having a strong pool of drivers to call upon at each race is incredibly
important as we manage all the uncertainties that come with running a motor
racing championship during the ongoing pandemic. With this great squad of drivers
available, we are confident that we can deal with whatever is thrown at us this
season. We are delighted to be able to give these drivers – all of whom have
proved themselves to be very competitive in W Series’ Tatuus T-318 Formula 3
race cars – invaluable racing experience as they continue to build their careers.”
Gosia will compete in the first two rounds of the season in Austria, where Caitlin will be the reserve driver. Naomi, who also competed in season one, will combine her reserve driver duties with her new role as a commentator and presenter for the championship’s television coverage.
South African Tasmin, who finished 10th in the 2019 standings, is unable to compete in the full 2021 season due to her country’s COVID-19 travel restrictions. Instead, she has been allocated a reserve driver place in the event that changes to the restrictions allow her to take part in races later this season.
New to W Series is Abbi Pulling, who was invited to take part in the pre-season test in Anglesey. Abbi, a former British karting champion, is currently competing in the British Formula 4 championship. Abbi will be a reserve driver at the second race of the season in Spielberg on 3 July.