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Talks to provide 'spark' for women in motorsport

Silverstone Museum Three young women are looking at a Mercedes racing drivers suit in a cabinet at Silverstone Museum. one of the women, wearing a red top, is pointing at the suit. Another woman in a black top and cap is looking at the suit. A third young woman appears to be looking at another exhibit.Silverstone Museum
Silverstone Museum is running a "girls go free" offer for those under 18

A female racing driver said "representation matters" if more women are to take up careers in motorsport.

Caitlin Wood hosted one of a series of events at Silverstone Museum designed to encourage participation.

The Northamptonshire circuit, which hosts the British Grand Prix, has invited leading women to speak to visitors.

A study in 2023 found female participation in motorsport worldwide was about 10%, while no woman has raced in Formula 1 since the 1970s.

Silverstone Museum Racing driver Caitlin Wood is standing in front of racing car artwork and holding a microphone. In front of her is an audience sitting on chairs listening to her.Silverstone Museum
Racing driver Caitlin Wood spoke to an audience

Ms Wood, 27, started racing at the age of seven and now competes in the Porsche Sprint Challenge GB series.

Talking to people "will hopefully give them the inspiration or the spark they need to make that next step in chasing a career," she said.

The museum is holding a diversity and inclusion panel and hosting a talk by sports broadcaster Lee McKenzie, as part of its #GirlsWill campaign.

Chief executive Phil Lawrie said the events were "inspirational to girls, women and anyone considering careers in motorsport".

A 2023 study by More Than Equal, an organisation co-founded by ex-Formula 1 driver David Coulthard, found problems raising funding based on prejudice was one factor in low participation rates among women.

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