WOOD RETURNS TO W SERIES

Australian Caitlin Wood will return to the W Series competition for this weekend’s round as part of the Hungary Grand Prix.

The now 24-year-old took part in the inaugural season back in 2019 after having been one of 20 selected following an intense testing process of more than 60 women from around the globe.

So far in 2021, Wood has been one of five reserve drivers registered to the series and will get her turn to line up on the grid in the second Puma W Series Team car alongside Spaniard Marta Garcia at the Hungaroring.

“I am super excited for the weekend because it’s a great opportunity,” said Wood.

“It’s going to be a tricky round because it’s halfway through the season, but I am going in with a positive attitude and will grab this opportunity with both hands.

“Right now, Hungary is the only round locked in but if I can perform well and take a lot away from the weekend, then there could be a chance for something further down the track.

“Unfortunately I haven’t been in the car since pre-season, but I have been watching and learning for this moment, so I want to get in there and give it a good go.

“I think wanting to come away with some points and to enjoy myself are good goals. I also want to represent Australia well on the international stage.”

Caitlin Wood returns to W Series

The New South Wales-born driver is looking forward to racing again and getting the chance to show her development as a driver following a string of unfortunate luck during her debut in the series back in 2019.

“Ultimately I have been a reserve driver for the first three rounds this year, but I have been going to all the races and treating the week leading up to them by preparing as if I am driving,” explained Wood.

“I’ve had good preparation for each round and although it wasn’t my turn to get in the car, I put in just as much effort as the others so I will continue with that same preparation method for this week.

“I have also really worked on myself with my driving and mental coaches so I could tick all the boxes and do a good job for when the time for me to race did come.

“I can’t change the fact that I haven’t done the first three rounds or been in the car since pre-season testing, but I do feel far more comfortable and confident in my abilities since 2019.

“That year wasn’t the best for me as I was a bit unlucky in a very up and down season. So to be given that chance where I can have another go and try and prove myself is the most important thing and I am looking forward to it.”

Wood has some recent seat time in the W Series car having completed demonstration runs at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

This weekend will see the W Series on the Formula 1 support card, with one 30-minute practice session and qualifying on Friday before the 30-minute race on Saturday following Formula 1’s official qualifying session.

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