Emma Kimilainen stars at Spa as W Series moves past horrific crash

Emma Kimiläinen has won the W Series outing at Spa, putting on a masterclass in wet conditions to finish ahead of Jamie Chadwick and Alice Powell.

Emma Kimiläinen celebrates her Spa masterclass. (Supplied)

After an enormous six-car crash during qualifying on Friday, 16 drivers started the race, with pole-sitter Jamie Chadwick taking control of the race from a safety car start.

The 2019 champion had a 2.6 second lead by the end of the first lap ahead of championship rival Alice Powell, with Kimiläinen a further three seconds back in the wet conditions after passing Australian Caitlin Wood.

Wood ran wide at Eau Rouge, opening the door to Kimiläinen and Marta Garcia.

The pair charged after the leaders, taking two seconds out of the gap to Powell on the next lap.

The Finn struck first, passing Powell for second at Blanchimont, with a clear pace advantage in the changing conditions.

The chase was now on for the lead, with eight minutes left for Kimiläinen to bridge the five second gap to Chadwick.

The Ecurie W driver was electrifying, setting the fastest lap and taking three seconds out of Chadwick's advantage.

Kimiläinen made her move on the next lap, and the race was over, as she eased clear to take the second victory of her W Series career by almost nine seconds.

"This is such an amazing feeling!" she celebrated after the race.

"I had a really good car and I have to thank my engineer, driver coach and mechanic for getting everything spot on today."

"The Ecurie W team is rocking and this track is just amazing – it's great to be here and race in front of this lovely crowd."

"More wins are what I'm aiming for in the remainder of the season."

"It hasn't been the easiest start to the year for me, but anything can happen from here and I'm still aiming for the title, that's for sure."

"If you want to win, get the Finn!"

Further back, Garcia slipped past Powell to score her first podium of the season.

Puma teammates Caitlin Wood and Marta Garcia celebrate after Spa. (Caitlin Wood Racing/Facebook)

Wood finished fifth, her equal-best W Series result.

"Puma team goals!" said the Australian.

"I came home P5 in today's race in tricky weather conditions and Marta P3 - great team points!"

"I'm super proud of what we achieved this weekend, from being P3 in qually and P5 in the race."

"I leave Spa happy and ready for more."

Jamie Chadwick now leads the championship over Powell by just seven points, with Kimiläinen surging up to third in the standings.