The Vauxhall Corsa-e helping to find new female racing talent

By Sam Phillips

4 Feb 2022

A new competition to bring women into motorsport has used a Vauxhall Corsa-e to assess female racing talent at a number of tracks around the UK.

The Formula Woman competition is open to any female over looking to enter motorsport, with different assessments being used to judge driving ability.

Applicants had to be over the age of 17 with a full driving licence.

After receiving thousands of applications, 740 applicants took part in a number of dedicated Formula Woman track days at Bedford Autodrome, Knockhill Racing Circuit and Anglesey Circuit.

Vauxhall Corsa-e review

During the track days the drivers received tuition behind the wheel of a Vauxhall Corsa-e, with participants learning the fundamentals of driving on a race track, including racing lines and racecraft.

Alongside the racing on-track, the applicants took part in a briefing as well as written and fitness tests and even media training.

After analysing each performance, the Formula Woman judges were able to pick 50 finalists who will progress on to the next round of assessments.

Vauxhall’s small electric hatchback has a 50kWh battery, achieving a range of up to 222 miles. It is capable of charging up to speeds of 100kW allowing for a 10-80% charge in just 30 minutes. With 134bhp, the Corsa-e can accelerate from 0-60mph in 7.6 seconds.

““The Vauxhall Corsa-e really did prove to be a fabulous choice for the assessments,” said Graeme Glew, Formula Woman founder.

“It was a very easy car to drive and handled very well, it just couldn’t be faulted.”

Vauxhall’s communications director, Jeremy Townsend added, ““We were delighted to be able to support the Formula Woman competition.”

“It was a great opportunity for the applicants to put the all-electric Corsa-e through its paces and experience its impressive acceleration and agile handling.”

Formula Woman is now preparing the 50 finalists for the next round of assessments on 2 and 3 March. After the second round of assessments, 15 drivers will progress on to the penultimate state 4 March.

Six winners will then be selected on 10-11 March from which four drivers will claim the prize of a full season in the GT Cup championship, with two reserves.