©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

Horner in Jerez: Surprise MotoGP visit sparks ownership visit

The asphalt at Jerez was already sizzling on Saturday, but the temperature in the MotoGP…

14 hours ago

Michele Alboreto: Ferrari's last Italian winner

On this day in 2001, the world of motorsport mourned the loss of Michele Alboreto,…

16 hours ago

Ouch! Alesi spins vintage F1 Ferrari into Monaco barrier

Former Grand Prix driver Jean Alesi, who famously wore his heart on his sleeve during…

17 hours ago

Montoya’s shock call: Ban Verstappen from GT3 racing!

Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has called out Red Bull for letting Max Verstappen…

18 hours ago

‘Starting to pay off’: Sainz encouraged by positive step for Williams

While the start of the 2026 season has been a heavy lift for Williams –…

20 hours ago

Brown: Cozy team alliances a risk for F1’s ‘sporting fairness’

Zak Brown has once again lit the fuse on one of the sport’s most controversial…

21 hours ago