Why did Carmen Jorda pull out of W Series' selection process?

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Carmen Jorda was conspicuously absent from last weekend's W Series selection process that took place in Austria, and the Spanish driver has explained why.

The new all-female championship, which aims to showcase and promote the talent of young women racers and support their quest to reach F1, selected 28 finalists that will move on to the next level, hoping for a chance to be on the series 18-strong 2019 grid of drivers.

It's on to the next level for W Series' happy 28!

Jorda, a former Lotus and Renault development driver who was originally listed as a W Series participant, stated on Twitter that she could not secure an agreement that complied with her sponsors' requirements.

"I'll like to announce that I won't be part of the W Series for its first season in 2019," she wrote.

"It has been a pleasure for me to help promote a championship for women as W Series during the past months but unfortunately we couldn't find an agreement that could fulfill my sponsors' needs.

"I'll like to wish the very best to @WSeriesRacing and all its competitors! Motorsport is my passion and my way of life. News about what I will be doing for my 2019 season will come soon!"

Perhaps Carmen believed that she was entitled to bypass the selection process given her profile and "credentials"? Just a thought...

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.