W Series have announced that Emma Kimiläinen will compete for the Puma Team in 2022 as the brand extends its team title and global racewear partnership this year.
Emma has won two races in her two seasons with W Series, the latter victory – at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium last August – starting a run of four consecutive podium finishes which saw the 32-year-old Finn end the season in third place in the championship standings.
She hopes to take this success into the 2022 season starting in Miami, USA in May. This year’s season will consist of support races at eight Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends.
“It’s amazing to be recognised by Puma and the fact that they believe in my talent even though I’m a 32-year-old mum speaks volumes. Together we can show the world that, irrespective of your age or gender, you can always pursue your dreams.”
Emma Kimiläinen
The Puma team finished sixth in last year’s inaugural teams’ championship, and Emma’s team- mate will be announced in due course.
Puma Motorsport broke the mould in the second season of the W Series in 2021 by tailoring racewear specifically for female drivers for the first time.
Puma will supply bespoke racewear during the third season as part of their women’s platform, She Moves Us – which celebrates females who move sports and culture forward and inspire other women around the world.
“We are excited to have Emma Kimiläinen join the Puma family as she is the embodiment of She Moves Us – excelling as an elite athlete in a male dominated sport while being a full-time mother. Emma’s winning attitude on and off track will inspire the next generation of women in motorsport.”
Maura Everett, Senior Brand Strategist, Women’s Performance
Puma Motorsport has supplied high-performance, flame-retardant racewear for W Series’ drivers since the inaugural season in 2019.
They are associated with the highest levels of motorsport and their tailored, triple-layer Nomex race suits ensure F1 standards of safety, performance, and comfort.
“I am very proud to be racing for the Puma W Series Team this year. With their She Moves Us campaign, our brand and values fit together perfectly and, being a professional athlete at the top level and a mother, I hope to inspire girls and women chasing their dreams in sports.”
Emma Kimiläinen
“I am delighted that Puma will continue to support W Series’ mission in 2022. Our brands are perfectly aligned – W Series aims to change the face of motorsport and increase opportunities in our industry for girls and women all around the world, while Puma is committed to celebrating females who inspire others, as shown by their support of W Series since our inaugural season.
“All of W Series’ drivers are inspirational and none more so than Emma Kimiläinen, who has competed against and beaten the world’s best drivers throughout her career and continues to do so whilst juggling her life as a businesswoman and a mother.”
W Series CEO, Catherine Bond Muir