A TEENAGER who began a karting career in Brentwood is setting her sights on a spot on the Formula 1 grid.
Molly Hart, 16, had her first taste of racing at Brentwood three years ago, and has gone from strength to strength ever since.
She was second in the 2011 Brentwood Karting Championship and then went one better last year by winning the Championship.
She also has set a lap record at the Essex track, and is currently competing in the Rotax Arena series.
And despite being the only girl currently racing in the series, she is impressing, winning the Top Novice prize. That success has also been repeated at Rye House, and she also managed to come fifth in one event there.
For her 16th birthday last year, she was treated to a trip to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where she met Lewis Hamilton.
She said: "The Grand Prix was the most amazing experience, and only made me more determined to achieve driving in F1.
"I got the opportunity to go to the McLaren factory and spent time with Lewis Hamilton. He is a great inspiration.
"He told me to follow my dreams – he wrote that message on my helmet – and that is what I am doing!"
She has also received support and advice from Susie Wolff, who is currently a test driver for Williams.
In total, only five women have ever competed in Formula 1 - and three of them never managed to qualify for a race.
The subject of women in Formula 1 has been a hot issue in recent weeks after former driver Sir Stirling Moss told the BBC that he believes women do not "have aptitude to win a Formula 1 race".
Molly's mum Tracey added: "She is exceptionally ambitious to achieve more and to become a racing driver in cars."
"Potential sponsors can email Tracey213@btinternet.com."
