Plans have been drawn up to stage a "historic women-only motor racing championship," which could be launched in '19, according to Philip Duncan of the PA. In a proposal circulated earlier this year, "the potentially groundbreaking series intends to see women drivers compete at six races" -- five of which will be staged in Europe and the other in the U.S. -- with the champion promised a Formula 1 test drive. The London-based company behind the project is "believed to carry the financial muscle required to get the landmark proposal off the ground" -- and its "ambitious" organizers expect the championship to be second only to F1 as the biggest int'l motor racing series within three years of its launch. The aim is to run a "condensed summer-time calendar." The series has the support of Felix Porteiro -- a Spanish former racing driver -- and the leaked document also claims that a number of TV companies "have expressed an interest in broadcasting the series." The proposal fits with former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone's desire for an all-women's F1 championship. In '15, Ecclestone "hoped a separate event for women racers would showcase their talents and ease the path to compete" in F1. Carmen Jorda, the Spaniard who was also an F1 development driver, "is still a familiar face within the F1 paddock." Jorda said, "I believe a women's F1 championship would give us the chance to achieve our dreams and compete on an equal footing -- as in other sports. One day it will happen and it is the right thing to do." A number of leading women drivers have been approached by organizers about the series, but some are understood to be skeptical and "believe a women's-only championship may harm and undermine their position within the industry" (PA, 11/28).
