W Series results: Jamie Chadwick becomes the first winner of new women-only championship

Jamie Chadwick celebrates winning the first race of the new W Series at Hockenheim ( Reuters )

Britain's Jamie Chadwick made history by winning the opening round of the inaugural female-only motor racing championship in Hockenheim.

Chadwick, 20, dominated the W Series opener in Germany and, despite losing the lead on the first lap after running wide at the hairpin, she fought back from second to take the chequered flag.

The 20-year-old held off compatriot Alice Powell, with Spaniard Marta Garcia completing the podium positions.

The W Series champion will earn in excess of £350,000, and Chadwick, who last August became the first woman to win a British Formula Three race, heads the standings of this six-race series after controlling the weekend.

The 30-minute race came alive after just a handful of corners when Megan Gilkes' banzai move on Emma Kimilainen backfired, and she crashed into the Finnish driver.

Chadwick led from pole position before losing the lead on the first lap (Reuters)

Out came the safety car, with pole-sitter Chadwick now behind Britain's Sarah Moore after she ran off the track.

Sarah Moore briefly led behind the safety car before Chadwick retook the lead (Reuters)

Chadwick celebrates becoming the first W Series race winner at Hockenheim (Reuters)

But following a nine-minute delay, Chadwick regained the lead with a fine move before holding off Powell for the victory. Chadwick crossed the line 1.3 seconds clear of Powell. Moore finished fifth.

PA