MX23RW : Thursday, November 14 22:15:40| >> :600:270048113:270048113:

Susie Wolff defends Bernie Ecclestone amid sexism charge

Susie Wolff, F1's most successful female driver of recent times, defends Bernie Ecclestone amid accusations of sexism.

Susie Wolff, Formula 1's most successful female driver of recent times, has defended Bernie Ecclestone amid accusations of sexism.

F1 supremo Ecclestone, 85, caused an international media furore last week when he said: "I don't know whether a woman would physically be able to drive an F1 car quickly, and they wouldn't be taken seriously."

Counting herself out of the backlash, however, was Wolff, who stepped down as Williams's test and occasional Friday driver at the end of last year in order to start a campaign to get more women involved in motor racing.

"After hearing Bernie's comments in context and speaking to him today, it's clear we both have the goal of getting a female driver to F1," Wolff said on Twitter.

Indeed, Ecclestone had also said last week that he is willing to personally support a female team and driver in F1.

"I would say 'Great'," he said. "And I tell you what I would do: I would put in another £20m."

Wolff continued: "Through my years in motor sport, he was supportive of my mission to make it onto the starting grid in F1.

"Last week, he agreed to come on board with [the campaign] Dare To Be Different and support the next generation of girls aiming for the top, on and off the track.

"For me, actions always speak louder than words."

The 2016 F1 calendar continues with the Russian Grand Prix this weekend.

ID:271354: cacheID:271354:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2182:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
McLaren-Honda's Fernando Alonso prepares to leave the pits during the first practice session for the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on April 15, 2016
Read Next:
Alonso: 'Private teams cannot win in new F1'
>
rhs 2.0


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!