Jamie Chadwick wins MRF Challenge like a boss!

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British hopeful Jamie Chadwick became the first female driver to win the MRF Challenge crown after a strong performance in the series' season finale held on Sunday in Chennai.

Chadwick defeated fellow championship contender Max Defourny, sealing the title in the series' MRF F2000 premier class with three heat wins out of the six that took place last weekend in India.

"It hasn't sunk in yet," said the overwhelmed 20-year-old.

"I would like to thank my team too and am happy that everything came together this weekend.

"In the last race, I made some mistakes which cost me a bit of the lead, but I quickly composed myself and made sure I won.

"I came into MRF Challenge for some experience and exposure, and not to win the championship. But after winning three races in Bahrain, I realised I was in with a chance and so went for it this weekend."

As she ramps up her ambition, Chadwick is also among the 28 young women who will be fighting for a spot on the W Series' grid in 2019 when the group takes part in the all-female series' final tests in Spain next month.

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.