Renault hands the keys to F1 to first Saudi Arabian woman driver

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On the very day Saudi Arabia lifts the ban on women driving in the Kingdom, Aseel Al-Hamad, the first female member of the Saudi Arabian Motorsport Federation, has been given the opportunity to drive a 2012 F1 car at Paul Ricard.

The charming Miss Al-Hamad, a member of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, will be behind the wheel of Renault's E20 on Sunday for a demo run in the car that won the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Kimi Raikkonen.

"I have loved racing and motorsport from a very young age and to drive a Formula 1 car goes even beyond my dreams and what I thought was possible," said Al-Hamad.

"It is a genuine honour to drive the Renault Sport Formula One Team E20 car in front of the crowds at its home Grand Prix in France.

"I hope doing so on the day when women can drive on the roads in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia shows what you can do if you have the passion and spirit to dream."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.