Sunday June 27, saw the second race meeting of the UK's first all-woman race series the Privilege Insurance Formula Woman Championship. The 16 female contestants battled for a podium position at Knockhill race circuit in Scotland driving in identical race-prepared Mazda RX-8 sports coupes, showing off their increasing driving ability and confidence coupled with the car's sporty handling and performance in front of the TV cameras.

TV coverage of Formula Women starts on July 11 on ITV1's Speed Sunday motorsport programme alongside the British Grand Prix. Scotland's Margo Gardner from Stirling showed her increased proficiency behind the wheel of the Mazda RX-8 with two sensational drives to claim back-to-back wins on home turf.

The exciting close-fought race action demonstrated the Mazda RX8's attributes at their best, with the unique rotary engine providing plenty of power and torque from the low speeds round tricky corners through to the top speeds required on the longer straights of the 1.3-mile track. The newly developed chassis system, double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, give the Mazda RX-8 excellent handling characteristics ensuring the female drivers can have every confidence in their vehicle and concentrate on race-craft and winning.

Mazda has worked closely with Formula Woman to appoint a team of experienced motorsport technicians to look after the 16 race cars alongside Mazda Motors UK technical department to oversee the preparation of the cars. Before and after each round the Mazda RX-8s undergo a rigourous inspection as well as the safety checks required for scrutineering.