W Series Race 1: Bianca Bustamante scores points on debut

Here’s another reason why it’s worth staying up late to tune in to the 2022 Formula One Miami Grand Prix – there’s a Filipina racing in the support race, and she just had an impressive debut.

In an eventful race that saw a lengthy safety car period and a last-lap shootout, defending champion Jamie Chadwick claimed victory ahead of Marta Garcia and Jessica Hawkins. Pole-sitter Nerea Marti drove home to finish 8th, while 17-year-old Filipina racer Bianca Bustamante drove a steady race to cross the line 11th.

However, after post-race penalties were handed to 2nd-placed Marta Garcia and 8th-placed Chloe Chambers, the final standings saw Garcia drop to 11th and Chambers to 14th. This meant Jessica Hawkins has clinched 2nd ahead of Beltske Visser.

This also meant Bianca Bustamante was elevated to 9th in the final standings, and thus, she officially scores two points on her maiden W series race.

In addition, Bustamante was also the best-placed rookie in the standings, finishing ahead of Emely De Heus and her fellow W Series Academy teammate Juju Noda who finished 12th.

We’ll see more of Bianca Bustamante in action at Race 2 of the W Series, which will start May 8, Sunday, 10:35 PM Philippine time ahead of the main Formula One Miami Grand Prix which will be on Monday, May 9 at 3:30 AM.