Watch: W Series Esports League - Circuit of Americas

1. Use play icon in this page to watch live coverage
2. A women-only event with three races per round
3. Race 1: 15 mins
4. Race 2 (reverse grid): 15 mins
5. Race 3: 20 mins
6. W Series drivers, past and present, expected to take part
7. Second round in 10-event series taking place every Thursday

Visser leads as Sidorova makes her mark

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Beitske Visser finished second in the W-Series last year

Beitske Visser led from the start to take the first race of the W Series at a virtual Monza track - after being edged to pole position by Caitlin Wood – and she was at the top of the overall standings after taking the third and final race too.

The other main talking point was the form of 16-year-old Russian driver Irina Sidorkova, who finished second, fourth and third in the three races to keep the pressure on Visser in the standings.

The second race, with a reverse-grid format, was notable for the performance of Emma Kimilainen, who escaped from pole position - and the huge early pile-up she left behind at the start - to grab a win and maximum points.

Sidorkova again made her way through the field to come close to a podium finish from second from the back, while Fabienne Wohlwend secured second place.

The third race was another win for Visser, but only after the second-row pairing of Nerea Martí and Ayla Agren scooped the lead at the start. Visser was back in front after seven minutes and Sidorkova again found herself on the podium with a determined drive, but was unable to pass Marti.

Of the Brits, Jessica Hawkins made up more places than any other driver in the first race, coming from 15th on the grid to finish seventh, two places ahead of reigning W Series champion Jamie Chadwick.

Chadwick’s best finish was her fifth in race two, while Alice Powell’s fifth place in race three ensured she and Sarah Moore lead the British challenge at the end of the first week.

Leading W Series standings

1. Beitske Visser (Ned) 49pts
2. Irina Sidorkova (Rus) 46
3. Gosia Rdest (Pol) 36
4. Nerea Marti (Spa) 35
5. Tasmin Pepper (SA) 30
6. Marta Garcia (Spa) 23
7. Emma Kimilainen (Fin) 23
8. Caitlin Wood (Aus) 20
9. Ayla Agren (Nor) 20
10. Alice Powell (GB) 19
11. Sarah Moore (GB) 19

What is the W Series Esports League and how does it work?

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With the 2020 W Series postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic, the W Series Esports League has been launched to fill the void until an expanded 2021 on-track calendar is started.

The Esports League is a 10-round series, taking place every Thursday from 11 June. Similarly to the on-track version it is women-only racing but this time via simulation.

All 18 drivers that qualified for the on-track W Series are expected to take part alongside some previous W Series drivers.

How will it work?

The opening round will feature three races:

• Race 1: 15 mins
• Race 2 (reverse grid): 15 mins
• Race 3: 20 mins

The starting grid for the reverse-grid race will be determined by the finishing positions from race one. To promote close, fair competition and an authentic ‘League’ feel, points for each race will be awarded as follows:

• Race 1: 20-17-15-13-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 (1st – 15th) & one point for fastest lap
• Race 2: 20-17-15-13-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 (1st – 15th) & one point for fastest lap
• Race 3: 20-17-15-13-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 (1st – 15th) & one point for fastest lap

At the end of the W Series Esports League season, the driver who has scored the most points will be declared the winner of the W Series Esports League.

Who is competing in the W Series Esports League?

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Great Britain's Jamie Chadwick, who won the 2019 W Series Championship, is set to be taking part alongside the 17 other drivers that were due to race in the on-track 2020 Championships.

They will be joined by some specially invited guests to form a larger field with drivers from across the world taking part in the 10-round series.

Alongside Chadwick, as Great Britain representatives, are Alice Powell (third in the 2019 standings) Sarah Moore (eighth in 2019), Jessica Hawkins (11th in 2019) and Abbie Eaton.

The full list of drivers:

Ayla Agren (Norway), Jamie Chadwick, Alice Powell, Sarah Moore, Jessica Hawkins, Abbie Eaton (all GB), Sabre Cook (USA), Belen Garcia, Marta Garcia, Nerea Marti (all Spain), Emma Kimilainen (Finland), Miki Koyama (Japan), Tasmin Pepper (South Africa), Vicky Piria (Italy), Gosia Rdest (Poland), Naomi Schiff (Rwanda), Irina Sidorkova (Russia), Bruna Tomaselli (Brazil), Beitske Visser (Netherlands), Fabienne Wohlwend (Liechtenstein), Caitlin Wood (Australia).

How can I watch the W Series Esports League?

BBC Sport will have live coverage from all 10 rounds in the W Series Esports League.

Coverage will be available live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app and available to catch up for 30 days.

Full coverage details:

Round one, Monza - catch up here

Round two, Circuit of Americas - Thursday 18 June, 19:00-20:30

Round three, Brands Hatch - Thursday 25 June, 19:00-20:30

Roundfour, Interlagos - Thursday 2 July, 19:00-20:30

Round five, Spa-Francorchamps - Thursday 9 July, 19:00-20:30

Round six, Watkins Glen - Thursday 16 July, 19:00-20:30

Round seven, Suzuka - Thursday 23 July, 19:00-20:30

Round eight, Mount Panorama - Thursday 30 July, 19:00-20:30

Round nine, Nurburing - Thursday 6 August, 19:00-20:30

Round 10, Silverstone - Thursday 13 August, 19:00-20:30

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