Jorda explains absence from W Series selection process

Carmen Jorda has explained why she did not take part in the driver selection process for the new W Series, citing sponsorship issues. 

Jorda had been on the original shortlist of 50 female drivers to undergo evaluation tests in Austria last weekend, though the former Lotus and Renault Formula 1 development driver opted to skip the event, relinquishing her chance of progressing to the next stage. 

The Spaniard took to social media to explain her absence from the Austria tests, revealing she had been unable to come to an agreement with her sponsors. 

I'll like to announce that I won't be part of the @wseries for its first season in 2019. It has been a pleasure for me to help promote a championship for women as @wseries during the past months but unfortunately we couldn't find an agreement that could fulfil my sponsors’ needs. pic.twitter.com/t8NGXaF4PN

— Carmen Jorda (@CarmenJorda) January 30, 2019

Jorda has not participated in a full racing programme since 2016. She most recently took part in Formula E testing in Saudi Arabia, albeit completing only a handful of laps. 

The successful 28 drivers will now take part in a four-day test in Spain driving the W Series Tatuus F318 Formula 3 car, with 18 spots (and two reserve spaces) available on the grid for the inaugural season of the female-only single-seater championship. 

W Series comprises of six rounds in support of the DTM series and begins on May 4-5 at the Hockenheimring in Germany.