Marie Robinson from Leamington Spa has become a rally driver after winning the 2007 Silverstone Rally School Lady Quest scholarship on Tuesday (27 November).

The 20-year-old, who works as a senior asset protection advisor for the National Grid, beat-off the extremely stiff competition from eight other hopefuls at the Lady Quest Grand Final held at Silverstone Rally School to be the winner of the exclusive £35,000 sponsorship prize.

Lady Quest is the ‘X-Factor’ of rallying, a talent search for the next female rally-driving star, where ladies with everyday jobs and no previous motorsport experience vie for the unique opportunity.

Robinson was handed the keys to the 1400cc MG ZR rally car by 2006 Lady Quest winner Becky Kirvan and will now go on to obtain her Motor Sports Association (MSA) competition licence and compete in up to six rallies all over the country in 2008 with full support and training from Silverstone Rally School.

“It’s indescribable that I’ve won, I didn’t expect to win,” Robinson said. “Getting through to the final was a bonus after all the fun I had on the assessment day but to win and actually be able to now rally drive is unbelievable, I just can’t believe I won.

“I’m really looking forward to starting the scholarship, I’m going to try my best and enjoy it. I’ve always had an interest in cars but I’ve only recently got into rallying, none of my family are involved in it but it’s something I’ve really wanted to do and I’m grateful to Silverstone Rally School for this opportunity.”

Robinson came out top after a day of driving challenges that also included a timed run against the clock, an interview with a panel of three including rally driver Shelly Taunt and Veronica Taunt, and other initiative tasks including a timed wheel change, car manoeuvring and a forest run at the Grand Final with the winner being announced by British Rally Masters champion Shelly Taunt.

Silverstone Rally School Director David Taunt said: “It was a closely contested final and such a difficult decision to pick the winner. The standard of all the girls was so high and the competition was so close but Marie was our winner.

“We’re now looking forward to working with Marie and to developing her skills as a rally driver over the next year.”