Williams F1 test driver SUSIE WOLFF is to retire from motorsport, according to Andrew Benson of the BBC. The Scot -- "the first woman to take part in a grand prix weekend for more than 20 years" -- believes her aim of racing in Formula 1 "isn't going to happen." She said, "It was a decision I made at the end of the summer. There was very little opportunity to carry on in Formula 1. My goal was to get on to the starting grid and that didn't look achievable. So I had to call it a day." Wolff will make one more appearance as a racing driver -- in the Race of Champions in London's Olympic Stadium on Nov. 20-21, racing for Scotland alongside former F1 driver and BBC F1 co-commentator DAVID COULTHARD. She started working with Williams in '12, after racing for seven years in the German Touring Car Championship. Wolff said that she wants to "try to help the next generation of women make it in motorsport." She said, "I want to give something back. We will launch a new initiative aimed at celebrating the woman succeeding in motorsport on and off the track now, plus highlighting to the next generation that motorsport is an option for them" (BBC, 11/4). In London, Daniel Johnson reported Wolff "has spent four years in association with Williams, enjoying huge publicity in driving tests and practice sessions." Perhaps "her best opportunity might have come from embryonic plans" hatched by F1 CEO BERNIE ECCLESTONE for a women's championship in F1, but she "poured scorn on the idea when it was mooted earlier in the season." The "final nail in the coffin came in Australia earlier this year," when Williams drafted in ADRIAN SUTIL as a reserve at the last minute over Wolff after VALTTERI BOTTAS was a doubt with a back injury. Wolff: "I got so close and I fought hard. But my gut feeling tells me it is time to move on to explore new challenges. ... Do I think F1 is ready for a competitive female racing driver that can perform at the highest level? Yes. Do I think it is achievable as a woman? Most definitely. Do I think it will happen soon? Sadly, no." Williams Deputy Team Principal CLAIRE WILLIAMS said, "It has been a pleasure to work with Susie over the years and see her develop as a driver within the team. Her feedback and knowledge of the car has been an important part of our recent development and we will be sorry to see her go" (TELEGRAPH, 11/4).
