Maiken Rasmussen, from Århus in Denmark, has been selected by Volkswagen Motorsport to receive a car for a full season in the 2011 Scirocco R-Cup. Working in association with the FIA’s Women & Motor Sport Commission, Volkswagen Motorsport assessed the ability of 11 young female racers, nominated by their ASNs, at the Oschersleben circuit in Germany on 2 November. Rasmussen was judged to have shown the greatest potential and has been selected to contest the Scirocco Junior Cup classification, which is part of the nine-race 2011 Scirocco R-Cup - one of the world’s most eco-conscious one-make series thanks to its bio natural gas powered engine.Rasmussen said: “I am totally happy! To win this selection is the best thing that could happen to me. I came to Oschersleben to win and did everything to achieve it. I improved quite a lot from session to session; I think that was crucial to take the victory. To race in the Scirocco R-Cup next year is a fantastic opportunity for every young driver and I am really looking forward to this. A big, big thank you to the FIA, Michèle Mouton and Volkswagen.”Maiken Rasmussen, aged 20 (21.01.90), started competing in karts at the age of 11. Without budget to participate in an extensive programme, she was only able to compete in five or six races per year. Over the following seasons she contested events in the Danish and Belgian Championships, won the DM Revancen and qualified for the European Championship. In 2009, Maiken once again qualified for the European Championship, as well as the World Cup. She is currently an official driver in the Smart Cup and leading the Championship. This opportunity ensures that, despite a lack of sponsorship, Maiken can continue racing with support from her father – a former racing mechanic in Formula Ford – and her boyfriend Benjamin Bailly, who is currently racing in the Formula 2 Championship.Michèle Mouton, President of the Women & Motor Sport Commission said: “First of all a compliment to all eleven candidates; they all made a really good job and showed strong performances. That made the decision really difficult. Taking into account all sessions, experience and improvement shown during the day, Maiken Rasmussen showed the best performance. Congratulations to Maiken, she will be part of the 2011 Scirocco R-Cup as a young professional racing driver. It was the FIA´s first selection for young female racing drivers and a very positive experience. Thanks to Volkswagen for the great support and perfect organisation.”In 2011, Rasmussen will be pitted against a grid of other young racers competing for the title of Scirocco Junior R-Cup Champion as well as professional drivers and racing legends from such series as Formula 1, WRC and Le Mans.Kris Nissen, Volkswagen Motorsport Director added: “Congratulations to Maiken, she is able to really look forward to 2011 and I am sure that she will be a real asset for the the Scirocco R-Cup. It will give her the opportunity to become a young racing driver in a very professional environment and to learn a lot. And as stated before, we were delighted to be able to create this valuable talent initiative together with the FIA.”Throughout the season and during race weekends, Maiken will receive guidance, advice and training from Volkswagen Motorsport and members of the Women & Motor Sport Commission.

Runner-up in the selection process, Britain’s Louise Richardson, also qualified for the Scirocco R-Cup and has been offered a drive for 2011 at her own cost. If Richardson is unable to finalise this race programme, Sarah Moore, also from Britain, who finished third in the qualification process, will be offered the opportunity.