Susie Wolff first woman in top motorsport event

A SCOTS racing driver will make history when she becomes the first woman to take part in one of the world’s biggest motorsport competitions.

Susie Wolff will compete in Thailand. Picture: PA

Williams Formula 1 development driver Susie Wolff and David Coulthard have been confirmed as Team GB for the Race of Champions in Bangkok, Thailand next month.

The annual event pits some of the world’s greatest drivers from motorsport’s main disciplines, such as Formula 1 and Le Mans head-to-head in identical cars.

As the first woman to compete in the contest, Oban-born Wolff will be in a field including F1 great Michael Schumacher and the Le Mans legend Tom Kristensen.

She became a development driver for Williams in April last year and raced in Germany’s DTM touring car series for seven years.

“I’m very proud to have been invited. Being the first-ever female in the competition doesn’t bring any added pressure. I’m out there to simply do my best as a racing driver,” she said.

Coulthard claimed 13 Grand Prix victories, but retired last year to focus on his Formula 1 commentary for BBC television.