beIN Sports races to W Series deal
June 14, 2021
By Colin Mann
Sports and entertainment group beIN Media has secured the exclusive broadcast rights to single seater motor racing championship, W Series, in the US and in 24 countries in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA). W Series will form a key part of beIN’s women’s sports portfolio and its wider ‘beINSPIRED’ project, which provides a global platform to events and talent that have not historically been given the exposure they deserve.
W Series this year will take place from June 26th to October 30th with the first of eight races set to take place in Austria. Since launching in 2019, W Series has established itself as a pioneer of gender equality in sport. The free-to-enter championship provides equal opportunity for women and eliminates the financial barriers that have historically prevented them from reaching the upper echelons of the motorsport.
For 2021, W Series will feature a diverse roster of 18 female drivers from around the world, including the inaugural 2019 W Series champion Jamie Chadwick, all competing in identical spec Tatuus F3 cars.
“We are delighted to exclusively broadcast W Series to our subscribers in the United States and the Middle East and North Africa,” commented Antonio Briceno, Managing Director of beIN Sports USA. “W Series is committed to promoting gender equality in motorsport and empowering the next generation of female drivers. By broadcasting the series, we look forward to shining a spotlight on the inspiring women in motorsport and wider society, aligning with our ambition underpinning our beINSPIRED corporate commitment.”
“W Series’ mission will always be to further the interests and prospects of female racing drivers, and to inspire girls and women everywhere,” added Catherine Bond Muir, Chief Executive Officer at W Series. “Racing in partnership with Formula 1 in 2021, coupled with the support of our global network of broadcasters, will significantly increase our reach, impact and influence by placing W Series on motor racing’s greatest stage and taking us to new audiences and territories. Our drivers are ready and raring to put on a fantastic show.”