W Series has expanded its pre-season plans for its 2021 return, with a five-day test for this year’s crop of drivers taking place at Valencia Ricardo Tormo on April 26-30.
The championship had initially told select members of the media that its pre-season fixture would run over four days, but an extra day has now been added at the Spanish circuit.
It’s unknown whether a deal has already been signed with a new team to run the series’ 20 cars, after Hitech GP parted ways with the championship organisers following the cancellation of the 2020 season.
“Pre-season tests are always important, but this one is especially so given the extended period that our drivers have spent away from on-track action due to the coronavirus pandemic,” said W Series’ racing director Dave Ryan.
“It is for that reason that we have set aside five days for this year’s W Series pre-season test.
“Our engineers and mechanics will now get ample opportunity to get W Series’ Tatuus T-318 Formula 3 race cars in perfect shape for the exciting season which lies ahead when W Series will stage eight Formula 1 support races.
“Five days of testing will ensure that our drivers, both old and new, can learn as much as possible about our cars and hone their driving technique, thereby enabling them to showcase their skills fully when W Series makes its debut on motor racing’s biggest stage in Le Castellet, France, in June.
“The Circuit Ricardo Tormo is perfectly suited to testing F3 cars. The tight and twisty layout is 4.01km in length and consists of one long straight and 14 corners.
“Few are trickier than Turn One – an 80-degree left-hander that requires precise but heavy braking.
“I know all of our drivers are eager to get going and work as hard as possible to prepare themselves for the 2021 season, and I expect to see some impressive performances from W Series’ established stars and newcomers alike over the five days in Valencia.”
The second W Series season takes place exclusively on the F1 support bill, with races in Europe and North America. Each round will consist of one race, running on the Saturday of a grand prix weekend.