17-year-old Bianca Bustamante has secured a full-season drive in the 2022 W Series, racing in the Tatuus F3 T-318 formula car. Bustamante will be one of the youngest drivers on the grid and the only driver selected on this year’s grid to come straight out of karting. The selection comes as a result of Bustamante’s impressive performance at the official W Series Pre-Season test, held recently in March at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, a circuit she will compete at later this year as a support race to the Formula 1 Grand Prix calendar.
“I am beyond thrilled to be part of W Series this season. It is a dream come true and I am still pinching myself every day to check this actually happened. All my life I have had my sights set on Formula 1, and now my racing career has taken a big step in the right direction thanks to W Series,” said Bianca Bustamante.
2022 has seen a rapid rise for Bustamante as she tackled the massive learning curve involved in transitioning from karts to formula cars. Despite this year being her first season in formula cars, her growth and development have been exceptional. From her early tests in Formula 4 through to recent tests in Formula 3, she has shown a natural ability to adapt to faster cars and deliver in high-pressure moments. This was highlighted by her two W Series tests in the USA and Spain, where she showed her raw talent, pace and potential which ultimately resulted in a surprise place on the grid for the 2022 W Series season.
Securing a W Series race seat is a dream opportunity that puts Bustamante one step closer towards her ultimate goal – to be a Formula 1 driver. Furthermore, Bianca believes that W Series will not only provide her with a platform to showcase her talent, but also inspire a new generation of young girls to take up motorsport.
“I’ve enjoyed every moment so far as I learn what it takes to become a professional driver, and I’m going to give it my all both on and off the track. I never knew what training meant until I spent the last few weeks with professional trainers, but I’m making big gains in both my strength and mental focus. It has been a whirlwind and I’m looking forward to a couple of weeks at home in the Philippines before my debut race in W Series. Until then I’m going to keep pinching myself until I’m finally on the start grid in Miami,” Bustamante added.
Bianca is proud to be racing in W Series, an initiative that is breaking barriers and empowering female racers to be a part of motorsports on equal terms. The championship eliminates any financial barriers by selecting drivers purely on ability and provides a free-to-enter 8-race championship. The 2022 season kicks off with the first race of the season alongside the inaugural Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix from 6th to 8th May 2022. The series will visit five new venues this year, including the first-ever W Series round in Asia held at the Suzuka Circuit.
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