Transcript of Formula Woman Webchat
Formula Woman is the latest in the “reality TV format”. 10,000 women initially entered and following a series of psychological, fitness, media competence, driving tests and races, this number has been reduced to 16 drivers. Emma Hayles and Nicola Robison, two of the Pure Vision Formula Woman Drivers were live online on Wednesday to tell us first hand what it's all about.
Tessa wants to know: "Has it been your dream to be race drivers since you were young?" Emma and Nicola said: N - I've always been interested in motor sport since I was about 10 years old and I watched Formula 1 on TV with my Dad and from then on it was dream to be a racing driver.
E - To be honest I haven't always wanted to be a racing driver but I have always wanted to be a professional sports person. However, I have been interested in motor racing and this is a perfect opportunity to get into the world of sport.
Mo wants to know: "Do you think you'll be a winner?" Emma and Nicola said: E - I believe I have the potential to be a successful racing driver but there are a lot of other elements to consider.
Tammy wants to know: "How fit do you need to be to be a Formula 1 driver?" Emma and Nicola said: N - A high level of fitness is vital in any motor sport. However, for the type of cars we are driving which are the Mazda RX-8 saloon cars, fitness isn't as important as in Formula 1.
Mr Spandanger wants to know: "If Michael Schumacher was in a Mazda, do you think you could beat him with your better experience of the cars?" Emma and Nicola said: E - Although we have been driving Mazda's all season Michael Schumacher has years of racing experience and we can't compete with him at this time.
Cath wants to know: "Do you want to compete in the same races as men eventually?" Emma and Nicola said: N - For me that would be yes, definitely! As I want to be judged on my driving ability and not my gender.
Wilma wants to know: "Why aren't there any Formula One women drivers?" Emma and Nicola said: E - I feel that attitudes toward women have been developed over the years in motor racing and it has been very difficult to change these attitudes. There's no reason why women can't compete against men, that's why the Formula Woman championship is such a good concept because it showing people that women can race competitively.
Mr Spandanger wants to know: "When your driving, does your hair ever get your eyes and you cant see where your going? " Emma and Nicola said: E - Luckily enough for me the invention of hair ties has helped me and I'm able to tie my hair up!
Tommy wants to know: "Do you know how to change a tyre?" Emma and Nicola said: E and N - What do you think??!!
Chocy wants to know: "Any tips on confident track driving - I really want to have ago, but the prospect is still frightening!" Emma and Nicola said: E - If you go along to any racing circuit you will find plenty of friendly faces who will be willing to help you out and not judge you. You should definitely go along and have a go! N - Definitely give it a go but remember, don't run before you can walk. Always take on board what tuition you are given by instructors and remember it's always important to learn a circuit before trying to race on it.
Jennifer wants to know: "Has anyone had any big crashes?" Emma and Nicola said: E - Coming off the track is part of the learning curve that any driver has to go through. You have to sometimes go past your limit to find your limit.
Dereck wants to know: "Who is your favourite Formula 1 driver?" Emma and Nicola said: N - My favourite is David Coulthard. I was lucky enough to have the chance to meet him at Heathrow airport in January.
E - I don't have a favourite Formula 1 driver but I highly rate the F3 driver Danny Watts!
Tom wants to know: "Have you got any points on your licence?" Emma and Nicola said: N - I definitely don't have any points on my licence as I don't think that would look very good on my other job as a police officer!
Neg wants to know: "do you remember your first driving lesson? what was the experience like? " Emma and Nicola said: N - I remember I was really excited at the prospect of getting behind the wheel of a car and I was determined to pass my driving test first time and as quickly as possible.
Neg also wants to know: "Had you had any experience racing before you started this or were you just ladies who LOVE LOVE LOVE driving ... like me?" Emma and Nicola said: E - Formula Woman were looking for complete novice drivers that they could train to become racing drivers, so our level of experience racing cars is minimal but we are learning all the time!
Mr Spandanger wants to know: "Do you know your way around the track or do you get lost?" Emma and Nicola said: E - Sometimes it gets a little tricky but most of the time we find our way round!
Zainab wants to know: "What has been the most gruelling part of the training?" Emma and Nicola said: N - The training that we completed at Cadwell park in March was fairly gruelling and as part of that we went to an off shore training centre in Hull to see how we determined we were to become racing drivers. Part of this included having to escape from a helicopter simulator which was submerged in water.
Mary wants to know: "Have you had to take out better motor insurance since you joined the championship?" Emma and Nicola said: E - We are lucky enough that we are covered by Formula Woman in regards to insurance.
Jenny wants to know: "What did you do when you found out that you'd been chosen?" Emma and Nicola said: N - I was absolutely ecstatic and couldn't wait to tell my family and friends. It was a dream come true!
Polly wants to know: "Are your boyfriends/partners supportive?" Emma and Nicola said: E - I don't have one at present...I'm here for a good time not a long time! N - Yes, my boyfriend has been really supportive and is really proud of me.
Tony wants to know: "What is your dream car?" Emma and Nicola said: N and E - Formula 1 car, and getting the chance to drive one!
Jillian wants to know: "How has everyone got on? Is there a lot of rivalry between the girls?" Emma and Nicola said: E and N - We're all friendly off the track but when it comes to the racing we're all pretty ruthless!
Polly wants to know: "Have you done any physical training for the championship?" Emma and Nicola said: E - The amount of training that the drivers have done has varied, some of the drivers have taken the fitness very seriously and some not so. For me being physically fit is beneficial as it helps with my mental capacities when I'm driving.
Polly wants to know: "Did you pass your driving test first time? If not can you remember why you failed?" Emma and Nicola said: N and E - we both passed first time.
Mo wants to know: "Why do you think you were chosen over all the people that applied?" Emma and Nicola said: E - Because the selectors saw in me the potential to become a successful racing driver, and I agree with them! N - I think I have all the qualities required to become a racing driver, I'm 110% focused and determined.
Neg wants to know: "what was your first car? " Emma and Nicola said: E - Volkswagon polo 1.4. N - Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0i
Lisa wants to know: "Are you looking forward to going back to your day jobs after the championship?" Emma and Nicola said: E - I have given up what I was doing before to focus entirely on my driving and I'm looking to become a professional racing driver. N - I'm still continuing with my day job as a police officer as well as being a racing driver and I hope to continue in the world of motor sport in the years to come.
Sarah wants to know: "What kind of clothes do you wear in the cars?" Emma and Nicola said: N and E - we wear fireproof racing overalls, the same as any other racing driver.
Neg wants to know: "Having been on a reality TV format -are people beginning to recognise you? " Emma and Nicola said: E - Not yet but it's early days! Hopefully I will be recognised because of my driving abilities and nothing else.
Hattie wants to know: "What chance has a novice female got in the racing world and how do I get into saloon car racing - do you know of any other competitions similar to formula woman?" Emma and Nicola said: E - The best way to see if you have what it takes is go along to a Formula Woman track day where you'll be assessed and advised on your driving. You can also enter for next years Formula Woman champs on www.formulawoman.com.
Hattie wants to know: "How do guys react when you tell them ur in Formula woman?" Emma and Nicola said: N - The guys are normally really impressed and want to find out more about the racing E - ...and the girlfriends give you the evils!
Hayley wants to know: "How do you feel driving in your glasses?" Emma and Nicola said: E - I don't normally wear my glasses but I left my Bausch & Lomb PureVision contact lenses at home. Obviously when I'm driving I wear my contact lenses.
Debs wants to know: "What's it like driving the Mazda RX-8?" Emma and Nicola said: N - Driving the Mazda RX-8 is fantastic. It handles really well and you've got 230 bhp to play with. We're very lucky to be racing for Mazda and you too have the chance to win a Mazda RX-8 through our sponsor at winthiscar.net.
Sarah wants to know: "Do you get special training as to what to do in bad weather?" Emma and Nicola said: N and E - The best training is through experience, if you're going quick you're doing it right. If you're in the tyre wall you're doing it wrong.
Raj wants to know: "Do you feel like an inspiration to younger women?" Emma and Nicola said: N - Yes in a way especially those woman that are interested in a career in motor sport. The Formula Woman championship shows that ordinary women with every day jobs have the potential to become racing car drivers if they have the ability and the determination.
Hayley wants to know: "Do you enjoy the cameras being there all the time?" Emma and Nicola said: N and E - At first it was really daunting but the amount of media coverage that we have been given, most drivers would give their right arm for.
Marcus wants to know: "What car do you drive outside the race track?" Emma and Nicola said: N - All 16 drivers have been given identical Mazda MX-5's to use outside the racetrack until the end of the championship.
Hattie wants to know: "has anyone asked you for your autograph yet?" Emma and Nicola said: E and N - At the racing circuits we've had a lot of support with people asking for our autographs, it's always nice to feel special! Emma and Nicola said: N and E - Thanks for logging on. All support is appreciated and if anyone wants to come and see us race we're at Brands Hatch in Kent on July 25th, hope to see you there!
