Loughborough College alumna Jess Edgar made history this weekend as part of the female-only F1 Academy, becoming the first British driver to win a race.
Taking to the iconic Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, Jess’ maiden victory came in the final race of the inaugural F1 Academy season, which launched earlier this year to champion and support female racers across the world.
Jess – who graduated from the Motorsport Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) programme last year – took her first pole position in qualifying for Race 3, before cruising to victory in Texas. The last stop on the global F1 Academy season, which has seen drivers take to tracks in Austria, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, France, and the USA.
Originally from Carlisle, she credits the DiSE programme, and her time at Loughborough College with taking her to the international heights of the F1 Academy, sharing, “I’ve learnt so much on the DiSE course, about what goes in behind the scenes, and all the work I need to put in to be at the top of my game.”
Fellow DiSE learner, Chloe Grant and Loughborough College alumna and Rodin Carle teammate Abbi Pulling joined Jess on the grid, making up three of the four British drivers who took place in the F1 Academy season. Hoping to amplify female representation in motorsport, Jess added, “My ultimate goal is Formula 1, but really, I just want to be a professional driver.”
Elite Sport Deputy Manager at Loughborough College, Tom Boxall was thrilled to hear of Jess’ success, commenting, “As one of our Motorsport DiSE alumna, it has been great to see Jess go from strength to strength across this F1 Academy season.
“Topping this season off with a victory was fantastic. She has reaped the rewards for showing real dedication and commitment and will be able to use this as a platform going into the next season. Well done, Jess!”
Learn more about the Motorsport DiSE Programme at Loughborough College in partnership with Motorsport UK.
Photo credit: F1 Academy