W Series have confirmed to RacingNews365.com that Russian driver Irina Sidorkova will not participate in this week's three-day pre-season test session in Barcelona. Sidorkova entered five races in the series in 2021 as part of the W Series Academy team, and was originally named on the list of drivers taking part in the test on 2-4 March ahead of the 2022 season getting underway in May. However, the series have now confirmed that she will not be testing, with a spokesperson adding: "A decision about Irina's future participation in W Series will be taken in due course."
Sidorkova's story so far in W Series
Sidorkova took part in five W Series races in 2021, and finished on the podium in only her second appearance at the Red Bull Ring. Another points finish followed in Hungary, but the 18-year-old's season ended early when she was unable to obtain a US visa for the finale in Austin, Texas, despite having a National Interests Exemption as a professional athlete. Prior to competing in W Series, Sidorkova started her career in karting before making the transition to cars at the age of 12. She finished second in the Russian Circuit Racing Series Junior Championship at 13, and in 2017 was the winner of the Ice Circuit Racing Cup in St. Petersburg. Sidorkova went on to take part in FIA Formula 4 Spain, and achieved two podiums in Russian F4.
F1 cancels Russian Grand Prix contract
The news on Sidorkova comes as the sporting world continues to react to Russia's ongoing invasion of nearby Ukraine. F1 have confirmed that they have terminated their contract with the Russian Grand Prix, having initially announced that the 2022 event would not go ahead. Earlier this week, the FIA announced that Russian drivers, including Nikita Mazepin, will be allowed to compete in their championships in a neutral capacity and under the 'FIA flag', subject to specific conditions . W Series will act as a support race alongside Formula 1 at several weekends in the 2022 season, with the eight-race calendar for the all-female championship beginning in Miami on 6-8 May.
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