Injury prompts line-up change for all-female Formula 3 tests at Magny-Cours

Jamie Woodhouse
A view above ex-French GP circuit, Magny-Cours.

A view above former French GP host circuit, Magny-Cours.

A personnel switch has been announced for the upcoming Magny-Cours test, with Tereza Babickova ruled out due to injury.

Formula 1 is intent on increasing the number of females participating in motorsport, with the aim of a female driver ultimately joining what is currently an all-male grid.

The establishment of the W Series marked a key step forward in achieving that aim, the all-female series seeing drivers compete in Formula 3 cars as part of the support race schedule on selected Formula 1 race weekends.

And as part of the ongoing efforts, it was announced a Formula 3 test, the second of its kind, would take place at Magny-Cours, former host venue of the French Grand Prix, from September 16-17.

 

 

W Series drivers Abbi Pulling, Chloe Chambers and Tereza Babickova, alongside Formula 4 and Formula Regional driver Hamda Al Qubaisi, were named for the Formula 3 test, although it has been announced by Formula 1 that Babickova has sadly been forced to withdraw due to injury.

Babickova suffered a spinal injury as a result of an incident during the first race of the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine around the Red Bull Ring, host venue of the Austrian Grand Prix.

Formula 1 report the 2022 W Series competitor has returned to her native Czech Republic for medical treatment, so her place in the Magny-Cours test will be taken by Nerea Marti, the 20-year-old Spanish racer who has made the W Series podium three times to date.

“First of all, I hope Tereza has a speedy recovery and I look forward to seeing her back on track as soon as possible,” said Marti.

“I’m super-excited to be taking part in this week’s Formula 3 tests. I was offered the same opportunity last year and it was a really positive day during which I learned a lot. It will be really good to see my progression from last year and of course gain more experience with the F3 car.

“I really appreciate this great opportunity and I want to thank Bruno Michel [Formula 2 and Formula 3 CEO] and his team. I’m ready for it and I will give my all again!”

W Series race director Dave Ryan added: “First and foremost, I am glad Tereza is in good spirits and receiving excellent medical treatment for her injury.

“[Tereza] has made a good start to her W Series racing career this year, hence why several opportunities in other single-seater categories have come her way in the last few months.

“She is a promising and determined young driver and that combination means there is every chance further opportunities, with the likes of Formula 3, will present themselves again in the future.

“For now, she is focusing on her recovery which W Series will support her in fully to ensure it is as quick as possible. We send her our best and wish her a strong and speedy return to racing in due course.”