Susie Wolff to become first female driver at GP in over two decades at Silverstone

Susie Wolff is set to become the first female driver to compete at a grand prix in over two decades when she takes to the track this weekend at Silverstone.

The Scot will climb behind the wheel of a Williams in Friday’s opening practice session after impressing during testing at the track a year ago.

Giovanna Amati was the last woman to enter the world championship with Brabham in 1992 but she was dropped after three failed attempts to qualify for a race.

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton raced alongside Wolff earlier in his career in Formula Renault and is looking forward to seeing her in an Formula 1 car.

“Susie was one of the very few, if not the only girl I raced against,” said Lewis. “I saw her in karting but she was always in the class above me.

“Then we raced single-seater Formula Renault together, she was great, we had a podium together a couple of times.

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“I think she has done remarkably well in her career. She’s very, very talented, so it’s going to be really cool to see her in a Formula 1 car.

McLaren’s Jenson Button is also looking forward to seeing the 31-year-old take to the track.

“First of all it’s good that it is at Silverstone, from what I know, she knows this circuit well, which is a positive thing," the McLaren driver said.

“Jumping into a Formula 1 car I’m sure she will feel a little bit of pressure in front of the home crowd but she’s been working for Williams for quite a while so I’m guessing she knows the ins and outs of the car and the team.”

“She has also driven in a test and went very well so it will be good to see her on the track.”

Watch the 2014 British GP live on Sky Sports F1. Extensive coverage of the Silverstone race weekend begins with Friday Practice from 9.45am on July 4.