OBAN'S SUSIE STODDART ON RENAULT PODIUM

August  2003

Oban's Susie Stoddart showed the boys how to do it by finishing third and on the podium in her Formula Renault race at Snetterton, Norfolk this afternoon.

In 30 degree heat and at speeds reaching 150mph, Susie kept cool to take the best result of her career so far and underline her status as Britain's leading female racing driver.

She was beaten only by the McLaren-Mercedes Formula One team's protege Lewis  Hamilton and James Rossiter who are leading the championship.

The result marked a terrific comeback for Susie, 20, who just a month ago escaped an inferno at Snetterton when her car was wrecked in a fireball.

Behind in today's race followed 28 male drivers. One of them, Tom Sisley, had held third for the first few corners, but Susie overtook him in the move of the race with a gutsy dive down the inside exiting the Bombhole - one of Britain's most feared corners.

Susie's message on the podium was clear: "This shows that women are as fast as the men. And I think there's more on the way - we've made a big step forward with our car," she said.

"I don't usually drink but I'll admit I couldn't resist a sip of champagne on the podium. It tastes fantastic! I might even allow myself a wee dram tonight!"

Susie's result puts her ninth in the championship - past fellow Scottish racer Paul di Resta, the cousin of Dario Franchitti, and Fabian Coulthard, the nephew of David Coulthard!