IT IS one of the last bastions of male-dominated sport - a turbo-charged world of high-powered engines, exhaust fumes and speeds of up to 185mph. But the oil-stained pit lanes, grids and hairpin bends of Formula One are also an arena for which Susie Wolff, from Oban, has been gunning ever since stepping inside her first kart at the age of eight.

Now, after being confirmed as development driver for Williams, she is on the verge of being the sport’s first female competitor for 20 years. The 29-year-old, who lives in Switzerland with her husband, Toto, a Williams director, will assist the team in testing and other technical issues, and effectively becomes their fourth driver behind two regular starters and a reserve.

Scot Susie Wolff has become the first woman to drive a Formula 1 car since Spaniard Maria de Villota lost her right eye in a testing crash in July. Wolff, 29, drove a 2011 Williams on Wednesday at Silverstone and said she had been in contact with De Villota. "She told me to drive for us both now, that I would be out there representing us both. I had Maria's star on my helmet. It's with pride I have that and without doubt I was driving for the two of us."

Wolff's test was on Silverstone's International circuit, which uses part of the grand prix track, including the pit straight, Hangar Straight and Stowe and Club corners. Wolff, who is Williams's development driver, said it was the culmination of a lifetime's ambition. "It was emotional," she said. "I've spent a long time preparing for this day, dreaming of this day, and it's finally here."