The inaugural W-Series begins this year in May and after two intense qualifying sessions in Austria and Spain over the past six weeks, 18 drivers were selected to form the field for the new series.

The 18 female drivers will an all-expenses paid entry into the six race series that will be taking place in Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy and the United Kingdom.

Following the announcement of Wood’s inclusion, cams.com.au spoke to Wood about her success. 

CAMS: Congratulations Caitlin on making into the top 18, how does it feel?

Caitlin Wood: It feels surreal. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity and these drives don’t really exist. It’s absolutely amazing and I am so grateful to be apart of it. Maybe when the first round in Germany happens, it will feel more real but right now it’s really exciting to be part of the inaugural season and really looking forward to racing.

How intense was this whole process?

CW: Austria really tested all our skills from mental strength, to media, to driving. So it was really cool to come out of there knowing your strengths and weaknesses as a whole rounded driver were. Then the five days in Spain was mostly about driving as four of those were on track and they really wanted to see our development, progression and how we handled a Formula 3 car.

Those five days were more about maintaining and seeing the progression we made since Austria. It was very tough mentally and physically. I really enjoyed the experience and I can take so much out of it and put towards my career.

Did you ever think you weren’t going to make the final cut?

CW: Arriving to Spain, I didn’t know what to expect and where I would be and because my experience in Formula 3 is minimal and I was just going to take it day by day. To be honest I really surprised myself in how quickly I got on the pace and I was really proud in the way I handled myself. From day two I was confident that I was definitely good enough, fast enough and consistent enough to make it in that final 18. It was keeping it clean and keeping it smooth and adapting my driving style back to Formula car. That was the biggest thing for me from GTs but I was really proud with the way I drove.

Did you have methods as to how to adapt quickly to the F3 car?

CW: The first two days on track, the organisers didn’t want to put any pressure on us. They wanted us to learn the circuit because Almeria Circuit is very tricky and technical. They wanted us to take our time and not do anything silly, the pressure was not as high initially but in the last two days, that’s where it gained.

They wanted to see us push and make the most out of the cars. For myself to adapt as quickly as I did was a real confidence boost and I was able to bounce of that which was really great. I was really happy with the way I transitioned into the F3 car. After my preparation in a simulator, I have spoken to a lot of Formula drivers so I knew what I had to do, it was a matter of actually doing it and experience myself.

Now that you’re in the series, you can focus on the tracks. What’s your experience with them?

CW: I have been to Misano and Brands Hatch, the rest are all new to me and unfamiliar. These days there are simulators that are really good and that is what I will be doing to get myself up to speed. I am still really looking forward to it because all the circuits are amazing circuits so it will be a really cool experience. We have the official two or three days of testing in two weeks, which will give me a better indication as to where I am going to stand in the 18, I am going into it confident. I like the cars, I think they are amazing, they are lot of fun and I am just really enjoying the whole experience.

CAMS: Any other drivers to keep an eye on?

CW: Everyone really impressed me to be honest, everyone will be surprised as to how close it will be, there is no real stand out who take the lead and go off into the sunset. I genuinely don’t think that’s going to happen. I think there is going to be a lot of close tight racing which is exactly what we want and it will make for an exciting championship. Everyone at the moment is my rival.

What does this moment series mean for your career?

CW: A lot of people have asked me what would it mean to me to get in this series and unlike most of the drivers, I didn’t just want the W-Series. I needed it. I needed this championship to further my career so I think that’s the main difference between some of the other drivers and myself. I am really thankful for this opportunity and I am really going to try to make the most of it.