Susie Wolff described her unfortunately brief moment in the Formula One spotlight as “heart-wrenchingly disappointing” but would like to believe it was also “inspirational” for women everywhere.

Wolff made F1 history yesterday when she became the first woman for 22 years to take part in a grand prix weekend, and only the sixth overall, when she drove in the first practice session for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

But in front of a 70,000-strong crowd, and with various messages of support dotted around the Northamptonshire track, Wolff’s outing was over after just 20 minutes.