W Series joins 2019 Autosport International line-up

Formula 1 race winner David Coulthard is confirmed to attend Friday of the show as he goes on the main Autosport stage to discuss how W Series was created and how it intends to change the face of motorsport.

Coulthard will be a judge for the series alongside former F1 driver and double Le Mans 24 Hours winner Alex Wurz as they narrow down the search in the coming weeks to find the final grid of 18 women. The single-seater series aims to give talented female drivers an opportunity in motorsport that hasn't previously been available to them.

Having already announced the names of more than 50 drivers who will enter a selection process to claim a place on the 2019 grid, Coulthard will be joined by shortlisted drivers Esmee Hawkey, Sarah Moore and Alice Powell across the four-day event.

The shortlisted drivers will go through a rigorous pre-selection process to claim one of the 18 places on the starting grid at Hockenheim in May. For those chosen to battle it out on track, a total prize fund of $1.5million is available, with a top prize of $500,000.

Identical Tatuus T-318 Formula 3 cars will be provided to drivers by the series, powered by identical Autotecnica Motori inline four-cylinder 1.8-litre turbocharged engines, using Sadev six-speed sequential gearboxes and fitted with halo safety devices.

The W Series stand will have one of its cars on display with simulators and key members of the team and drivers on hand to talk all about the new series and how fans at the show can play a part in future and get involved.

W Series CEO, Catherine Bond Muir, said: "Autosport International is the perfect platform for us to not only speak to industry members about the series but hopefully inspire the next generation of female drivers, showing them that there are opportunities for them to compete and show what they can do."

Autosport International Events Director, Kate Woodley, said: "W Series is offering a great opportunity for women to gain more experience and exposure in motorsport. We're proud to have the series in attendance at the event and to play a small part in the start of its journey."

Autosport International is part of Motorsport Network's flagship title, Autosport - one of the world's leading print and online motorsport publishers. Motorsport Network is the world's largest independent automotive and motorsport-related digital platform, connecting millions of people who love motorsport and cars. The network also creates key industry events including the annual Autosport Awards and the Motorsport Business Leaders' Forum.

Tickets are on sale now for the established motorsport season starter, which will pack in more exhibitors, stars and cars than ever before. Head over to www.autosportinternational.com to get yours today.