Chadwick makes it five from five in W Series after superb victory in Spain

Reigning W Series champion Jamie Chadwick continued her seemingly relentless march to a third successive title after notching an incredible fifth successive victory in the fledgling series for female drivers only, leading from pole to flag at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Having won last year’s championship by winning both races in the title decider, the Williams Racing Academy and Jenner Racing driver also completed back-to-back victories at Miami International Autodrome to make it five wins from five races.

As has been often the case, the British driver started the race from pole position and led away compatriots Alice Powell and Abbie Pulling at the start, the latter getting the better of her mentor and flat mate to win the race for second into the opening corner.

From then on for Chadwick, it was very much a case of tyre management and watching her mirrors like a hawk, as Pulling piled on the pressure late on, hoping for a rare slip up. But it was Chadwick who held out for the victory, the added bonus of setting the fastest lap of the race.

“It was all about managing the tyres in that race and I managed to do that the whole way. In the last few laps, I got a bit nervy and was struggling when I came under pressure from Abbi [Pulling], but fortunately I managed to hold her off and I’m really happy with the win,” commented Chadwick after the race via the official W Series website.

Following the all-British podium was Finland’s Emma Kimilainen and inaugural season runner-up Beitske Visser. Yet arguably the cheers of the day came for the Spaniard duo of Marta Garcia and Belen Garcia, who took the chequered flag in seventh and eighth positions respectively in front of their home support.

“I’m proud of myself after bouncing back from Miami and a bit of a poor qualifying,” added Pulling. “I started on the front foot here and big thanks to my team. I had good pace, couldn’t quite get Jamie [Chadwick] but it’s still a good result for me. I was right behind her on the last lap, and I know what I need to do in the next races to move forward again.”

It all means that Chadwick further extends her lead in the drivers’ standings to 37 points over Abbie Pulling with Alice Powell a further three points behind.

“Firstly, well done to Jamie [Chadwick]. She drove a really solid race, had a really good weekend and all credit to her,” said Dave Ryan, Racing Director, W Series. “It’s pleasing to see Abbi [Pulling] do such a strong drive to come second, she is going to improve massively throughout the year and I can see her pushing Jamie all the way. Alice [Powell] was right up there too and it was tight at the front, but I think Jamie had it under control.

TEAM UP WITH ACRONIS

Acronis is proud to be the official Cyber Protection Partner of the W Series.

During the 2021 season, Acronis opened up an exciting #TeamUp Program, giving new and existing service providers the opportunity to support sports partnerships, join the sports ecosystem, attend races and enjoy amazing sports marketing benefits. To find out more, please visit https://www.acronis.com/en-us/lp/msp-sports/

READ ALSO: Jamie Chadwick season preview exclusive

Fraser Masefield

Sports news and features writer, web editor and author.