Women have long been spectators in the world of Formula 1 but now they have been given the chance to make their mark on the starting grid.
Formula Woman is the latest in the “reality TV format” which has proved so popular with the TV viewing public . 10,000 women from across the UK applied for the chance to be trained as a racing driver. After a rigorous series of psychological, fitness, media competence and driving tests 16 finalists were chosen to drive Mazda RX-8s, two of which are sponsored by Bausch & Lomb's PureVision contact lenses. Complete novices when they started the competition, they have now embarked on an intensive training course, and taken part in seven regional races to get to the final nationwide championship at Brands Hatch.
This first ever all-women race championship has been captured by ITV1 and will be broadcast this summer as part of their motor sport coverage. The fly on the wall style programmes will show tears, the stress and pressure both on and off the tarmac and will give other women the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the life of a real racing driver.
From all different walks of life, including an accountant, a jet fighter pilot and a student! They all have one goal to hold up the trophy on the 25th July at Brands Hatch and be crowned the Formula Woman Champion 2004
A recent Bausch & Lomb survey revealed that over half the people surveyed (52%) believe, when it comes to competent driving, male and female drivers are just as good as each other. Surprisingly, 75% of men say that women can be trusted behind the wheel of a fast car! But how can women support this belief with 31% admitting they use the rear view mirror to apply makeup! Furthermore, 70% of women admitting to checking out potential partners at traffic lights – has speed dating taken to the roads we ask ourselves?
So do women make competent Formula 1 drivers?
To tell us more about the championship 2 of the 16 women taking part in the championship - driving two of the sixteen Mazda RX-8s, sponsored by Bausch & Lomb's PureVision - give us an insiders view on the sweat, oil and tears so far in the championship.
Emma and Nicola will be in the chat room on Wednesday 14 th July between 1600 – 1700 for an online chat.
To submit questions before the chat: questions@webchats.tv
To join the chat visit: www.webchats.tv
