Caitlin Wood will go into the all-important W-Series qualifying aiming to showcase the quality of Australian motor sport during the historic series. 

One of four Australians selected to take part in the intense weekend of testing, the 22-year-old believes her European experience will stand her in good stead, having been based in the UK for the past three years. 

With more than 50 females from around the world competing for 18 spots in the all-expenses paid international series, Wood knows how important it would be to make the final cut. 

“It would mean a lot to get selected because the W-Series is realistically a once-in-a-life time opportunity,” Wood said.

“These drives, where everything is paid for in a Formula 3 car and competing in Europe, don’t come around often so it’s an amazing opportunity. 

“It’s giving more women the experience they need to go out and compete in the mainstream formula categories and continue their pathway forward. 

“Getting into the W- Series would also help build my profile on the world stage, it will help me show the world what us Aussies are capable of.”

While Wood will have the small advantage of European experience over some of the other females competing, a lack of finances has unfortunately restricted her preparation.

However the New South Wales born driver is still confident going into qualifying after doing all she can to get herself both mentally and physically prepared.

“My preparation has been as good as it can be at this point,” Wood added. 

“Obviously I am restricted to budget so I can’t really go testing in the cars but we are always hard in the gym during off season as well as simulator preparation. 

“I still feel confident for a strong result. I am a racing driver, and I have to be confident because it is part of our genetics.” 

As Wood begins her crusade for a spot in the series, her time in Europe has seen her enjoy a successful stint in the prestigious European Lamborghini Super Trofeo Series, giving her a wealth of valuable experience in the lead to the event.

Despite having a lack of open wheel experience due to driving GTs during her European campaign, Wood is still confident her time in a Lamborghini is just as good as any other driving.

“Any seat time is good seat time I believe,” Wood explained.

“While I have predominately been GT based in the past few years, I was competing in Formula Ford and the CAMS Australian Formula 4 Championship before that.

“Formula 4 is the closet thing I had to the Formula 3 cars themselves, but the Lamborghinis are still quick even if they have different driving style characteristics. 

“The Lamborghini has 640 horse power, they still have slick tyres and they still have down force, so there are going to be similarities and there are differences.

“I don’t think there will be a disadvantage. I just need to get a new car and adapt as quick as I can."