Mazda RX-8 Makes Motorsport History At Oulton Park
Published: 15th June 2004
Mazda RX-8
First Ever All-Woman Race Series Formula Woman Championship
The revolutionary Mazda RX-8 made motorsport history at Oulton Park this weekend with the first two rounds of the first ever all-woman race series – the Privilege Formula Woman Championship on Saturday, (12 June 2004). Natasha Firman, sister to former Jordan F1 driver Ralph, won both rounds, seemingly in a class of her own.The series sees 16 women from all walks of life, (including a police officer, RAF Pilot, make-up artist and a silk painter), compete in a seven-race Championship driving Mazda’s unique rotary-engined sports coupé, the Mazda RX-8. The race series will be aired on ITV1 from Sunday 11 July in the channel’s new Speed Sunday slot.
Avid fans
The local Mazda dealer to each of the 16 drivers has supported her bid to become a racing driver throughout the build-up to the race series. Each Mazda dealer provided test drives of the Mazda RX-8, product knowledge on the workings of the unique rotary engine and general encouragement by spreading the word that a local woman is about to become a racing driver and thus building the driver’s own avid fan base in their local area.
See local press for details of local events featuring the Formula Woman drivers in your area.
Each dealer will be supporting their local contestants by attending the remaining seven rounds at Knockhill (27 June), Cadwell Park (4 July) and Brands Hatch (25 July).
Race Results
The first two rounds were keenly fought from start to finish, with the 16 amateur racers demonstrating impressive mastery of their Mazda RX-8 sports coupés as they battled for the initial championship points. Qualifying for the first round was dominated by Natasha Firman in the Halfords-sponsored Mazda RX-8, securing pole with a blistering lap time of 2.09 minutes.
Mazda RX-8
Our Mazda RX-8 Guide lists the full specification of the current UK RX-8 range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price : £24,995
Body Style:
Fuel:
Model in the range: 1
We have road tested the Mazda RX-8, to read our in-depth car reviews:
Mazda RX-8 Review - Feb 2005
Mazda RX-8 Review - May 2007
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 21st Sep 2008
