The future of the W Series is uncertain. The series ran into financial problems when the investor who had already signed the contract suddenly disappeared.
Emma Kimiläinen was left without a stable place when the entire series disappeared. PDO
Emma Kimiläinen does not yet know what she will drive this season.
For the previous three years, Kimiläinen, 32, presented her skills in the women-only formula series W Series.
The last season of Kimiläinen, who finished third in the 2021 series, ended prematurely like the others, when the W Series, which ran into severe financial difficulties, put the end of the season in the middle of the season.
The reason was a new investor who promised too much.
– We are in this situation for reasons independent of the series, Kimiläinen states.
The investor disappeared
Kimiläinen, 33, calmly waits to see what’s going on behind the scenes. PASI LEISMA
The W Series was launched with no expense spared.
What made the series rare was not only its limitation to women, but also the prize money. Besides F1, the W Series became the only formula class where driving is paid. In other formula classes, the driver has to pay the team in order to get behind the wheel.
Kimiläinen received $125,000 in prize money from the series in 2021 and $90,000 in the 2019 season.
It took money to run the series. Even though there were enough sponsors and supporters, no good money was pumped into the series. They also wanted value for money.
The W Series had to tighten its belt already at the beginning of the 2022 season. The financial situation had to be eased when the investor became interested in the series.
Everything had to be ready. The contract was already signed, but then the investor disappeared.
– The money belonging to the series was never paid. A big deal had been made with the investor, but the money never came. In the end, it became clear that they would never come, Kimiläinen recalls.
– That’s when the uncertain times began. Suddenly, the decision-makers had to start hunting for the missing millions in a hurry.
It didn’t work out. The 2022 season ended four races early.
Negotiations underway
Kimiläinen was one of the top drivers in the W Series. PDO
The continuation of the W Series is a question mark. However, rumors of the series’ death are premature.
– I think the change of ownership is underway. Much is still unclear, but things are being tried to be agreed behind the scenes. However, large contracts require time. That’s why I urge you to wait in peace, says Kimiläinen.
The drivers’ thirst to get back to the track is strong.
– We are ready to drive as soon as we get some kind of signal about the continuation. It is impossible to say whether we will be able to ride already this year or next year at the earliest. Now we can only wait and see what happens, says Kimiläinen.