Jamie Chadwick's historic win and big ambition

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History was made on Sunday at Brands Hatch when 20-year-old Jamie Chadwick became the first woman to win a round of the British Formula 3 championship.

The Douglas Motorsport driver launched her race from fourth on the full-reverse grid of the second race and was snapping at the heels of leader Pavan Ravishankar right on the opening lap.

Ravishankar crossed the checkered flag first but was handed a 10-second penalty for jumping the start, and that put Chadwick on the top step of the podium, a feat never achieved before in British F3.

"Today shows it's possible [to win] and nothing to do with my gender," said the Bath-born young woman.

Chadwick's previous impressive credentials include a British GT4 Championship title in 2015.

As talented as she is ambitious, Chadwick has already clearly stated that Formula 1 is her aim.

"I really want to do it obviously for myself but also to showcase that women can do it," she said earlier this year.

"And in the back of my head there is a confidence that I know, if given the right opportunity, I could."

You're off to a good start Jamie…

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.