Schoolgirls get behind the wheel at Silverstone

A group of schoolgirls have got behind the wheel at an event exploring careers and skills in motorsports.

Thirty primary school aged pupils took part in a range of science, technology, engineering and maths workshops at Silverstone Museum in Northamptonshire, organised by automotive engine oil firm Mobil 1.

The youngsters worked to code Lego cars, designed racing helmets and drove go-karts.

Racing driver Jamie Chadwick said: "When you have more diversity, the culture is more inviting for more women, which I think is important."

One primary school girl said she previously wanted to be a veterinary nurse, but after "doing all of this" at Friday's event - was considering a future in motorsport.

Another youngster said the designing and go-karting had been big highlights from the day.

Chadwick is a three-time W Series champion and MRF champion who is currently competing in the European Le Mans Series.

She said a variety of backgrounds were needed in the sport in order to bring different opinions and perceptions.

"You don't want the same groups of people thinking the same, you want all sorts of different people bringing ideas to the table," she explained.

"For me, having that in the form of more women in the sport is a very positive thing and it brings more performance to the team."

She said seeing more women and representation in motorsport had a "domino effect" culturally.

"You look at the sport, you turn on the TV; you see more women and you see more women want to get involved from a starting grassroots level."

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