©WSeries

Nobody has ever really come up with a good explanation about why a country of just 5 million people - but 77 billion trees - has produced so many great racing drivers.

Driving as fast as possible as young as possible appears to be a rite of passage in Finland, be it on asphalt roads, gravel roads, or roads covered in dirt or snow. The ability to drive a car on the ragged edge of adhesion is just ingrained in the country's culture.

Emma Kimilainen - a surname that's a tell-tale sign on its own about what this young woman is about - put her "culture" and skills to good use in the penultimate round of the W Series at Assen on Saturday.

From pole, Emma bowed to Alice Powell but a small error by the Brit put the Finn back in charge, a position she retained until the checkered flag.

Kimilainen's win has kept the all-female championship wide open for its grand finale that will take place at Brands Hatch in three weeks.

Williams development driver Jamie Chadwick - who finished third at Assen - slightly increased her advantage in the series over rival Beitske Visser, with 13 points now separating the two title contenders.

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.

Recent Posts

US House Judiciary Committee takes aim at Andretti F1 rejection

The US House Judiciary Committee is seeking answers from commercial right holder Liberty Media over…

1 hour ago

Sauber confirms Sainz as top target for Audi F1 team

Sauber team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi has confirmed that Carlos Sainz is at the top…

16 hours ago

Gritty Ocon delivers first point to Alpine after intense Miami GP

Esteban Ocon’s tenacious efforts in last weekend’s Miami Grand Prix secured a crucial 10th place…

17 hours ago

Button: Maiden F1 win won’t change the way Norris goes racing

Jenson Button believes the core of Lando Norris’ racing style will not change following the…

19 hours ago

Ford unfazed by Newey exit: Commitment to Red Bull ‘unchanged’

Ford says its commitment to Red Bull’s engine programme remains “unchanged” despite renowned designer Adrian…

20 hours ago

Hulme's first F1 win, overshadowed by tragedy

Denny Hulme clinched his first Grand Prix win on this day at Monaco in 1967,…

21 hours ago