Former Williams test driver Susie Wolff is set to launch an initiative aimed at increasing the number of women involved in motorsport.
Wolff, who retired from racing last year, has teamed up with the UK's Motor Sports Association for the scheme. In 2014 Wolff became the first woman to take part in a grand prix weekend for 22 years when she drove in FP1 at Silverstone, before going on to make a further three practice appearances.
Her retirement was triggered by doubts she would ever be handed a full-time drive in Formula One.
"I knew I wanted to give something back when I stopped racing," Wolff is quoted as saying by the BBC. "The scheme will start with motorsport, but there are plans to expand it into other male-dominated environments.
"I never set out to become a role model but somehow I did. The opportunities are out there. We aim to inspire female talent to ensure in the long term our sport is diverse."
For all the women who emailed me. Thank You. You are part of this story. Stay tuned.
— Susie Wolff (@Susie_Wolff) January 7, 2016Lella Lombardi was the last woman to start an F1 race at the 1976 Austrian Grand Prix, doing so 12 times in a career spanning three years. Before Wolff the last woman to have participated in a grand prix weekend was Giovanna Amati for Brabham in 1992, though she failed to qualify on the three races she entered.
Wolff will announce the initiative at the Autosport International show later this month.