A YOUNG motorsport fanatic has been tipped to be among the next generation of top female racing drivers.

Jessica Edgar, 15, of Cleator has been selected for the FIA Girls on Track Rising Stars project.

The project, established by the FIA in association with Scuderia Ferrari, aims to identify the best young female racing drivers, supporting them in becoming the next top professionals.

Speaking of being picked, Jessica said: “I’m honoured and excited to have been selected to be a part of the FIA Girls on Track Rising Stars programme.”

The young karting star will be one of 19 girls aged 12 to 16, all vying for a place on a four-year programme, the end goal being a spot at Ferrari for an FIA Formula 4 Championship season. There are only two places up for grabs and if Jessica makes it she will be asked to take part in Ferrari’s prestigious driver training programme in Italy.

That training will provide all the tools Edgar needs to succeed in professional motorsports including workshops on technique, communication and sporting knowledge.

She said: “Having been given this opportunity, I will do my very best to progress through the programme.

“I’d like to thank Motorsport UK for nominating me and giving me this amazing opportunity to develop my ability and fulfil my dream of a career in motorsport.”

Edgar has already seen success, being selected for Motorsport UK’s academy programme and she represented the UK in the FIA Motorsport Games 2019 in Rome.

Hugh Chambers, chief executive officer of Motorsport UK, said: “We believe that ours is one of the only sports where male and females can compete on an even playing field. That is why we have aimed to be at the forefront of driving female talent and we actively encourage female participation in any capacity.”