Susie Wolff says motorsport ‘should not be segregated’ following launch of women-only W Series
Former F1 test driver says females should compete alongside men
SUSIE WOLFF says the new women-only W Series is not the solution to get more females involved in motorsport.
The former F1 test driver believes there should be no segregation, with women and men racing together.
The Formula E Venturi team principle said: "I spent my career racing against men and I made a career out of racing because I managed to do it.
"I've showed it was possible and if people want to follow in my footsteps you need to compete against the best."
W Series kicked off last weekend with Brit Jamie Chadwick winning the inaugural race in Hockenheim.
Wolff added: "With W Series, I think there is a positive that there is 18 women racing, but this is not a segregated sport.
BE THE BEST IN THE WORLD
"Where I think the limitations are, if you want to be a successful racing driver and make a living you need to compete against the best in the world, you need to be good enough.
"It comes down to talent, it doesn't come down to being the best woman or being the best man.
"And the sport is not segregated, you can't pick out one level and segregate it and then expect the winner to go back in and make her way in a normal championship where there is no segregation."
Wolff, who is married to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, doubts the series will become a long-term success.
She said: "My initial reaction was 'oh, that's interesting'.
"I'm not sure it's going to be successful in the long-term.
"But it's got good people involved and I wish them all the best."