MOVE over Schumacher, make way Montoya because a Redditch woman is vying to become a member of the driving elite in the Formula Woman championship.

Natalie Nokes, of Webheath, is hoping to gain a place in the Formula Woman 2004 Mazda RX-8 championship.

The 22-year-old has just graduated from Bristol University and is looking to race professionally gaining race experience through the Formula Woman championship.

Formula Woman, launched earlier this year, is an opportunity for female novice drivers to be trained and obtain a motorsport association licence to compete in a female-only final to be shown on TV next year.

Nearly 2,500 successful applicants will be invited to a driving assessment at a racing circuit where they will have to pass driving, fitness, written, media and reaction tests.

Progression through these could lead to a drive in one of 16 Mazda RX-8s in the 2004 championship.

Natalie's experience came from university where she was a member of the Bristol Inter-University karting team and has been competitive against much more experienced team members.

She has also participated in rallies, off-roading, skid pan driving and minimotos and in March she had a driving session at Silverstone Race School.

Natalie said: "I felt as if it was the first hurdle to overcome, they would tell me if I was any good.

"I was delighted when the chief instructor was so positive, he strongly recommended that I applied for formula woman."

Motorsport fans may have seen Natalie recently on the first episode of 'Be A Grand Prix Driver' on Channel Five in April. Although she was not successful, it has not deterred her from pursuing her dream and her next goal is to win a race in Formula Woman.

She said: "At the moment, I need to get some more experience under my belt, and that is where I hope Formula Woman will play a part.

"To be part of Formula Woman would be a great experience, and I hope to progress to race in the championship.

"If I don't succeed, I will then gain my racing licence through the Formula Ford Race Intensive course at Silverstone and hope to show competitive form in the 2004 BRDC single seater championship."

Anyone interested in helping Natalie can contact her at natalie_nokes@hotmail.com.