Wolff wanted F1 test to prove de Villota’s abilities

Susie Wolff has revealed she carried a heavy burden when she recently made her debut at the wheel of a formula one car.

Williams’ 29-year-old Scottish development driver made international headlines when she tested at Silverstone recently.

Some of the media attention was simply due to her gender, but Wolff’s appearance took on an even greater significance in light of the serious injuries sustained by fellow female test driver Maria de Villota earlier this year.

"After the publicity that surrounded Maria’s accident, there’s no doubt I felt an extra need to go out there, do a good job, and show her accident was a freak, one-off and it shouldn’t generalise women in motor sport," Wolff told the Herald Scotland.

"It was very important for me to do it for both of us and show everybody that women can drive F1 cars successfully. And I think I did," she added.