Vonn – a four-time World Cup champion – tested Formula Renault 2.0 and FR 3.5-litre machinery at the Austrian Grand Prix venue recently.

“It was unbelievable to drive a race car,” said Vonn, who won downhill gold in the 2010 Winter Olympics. “I haven't felt the speed since February, but that's exactly what is so much fun.

“The Red Bull Ring is one of the most beautiful playgrounds in Austria.

“In both sports you need the right timing. When to speed up, when to hit the brakes and how to find the best line.”

Vonn, 31, suffered three fractures to her knee in a skiing crash in Andorra in February, but is now “pain-free” and back in training.

She plans to keep skiing until 2019, and has vowed to race alongside men after winning 76 World Cup ski events.

“Men will always be stronger than women, but if a woman is fit enough, she should at least get the opportunity to race men,” she added.

“I won't stop the action after 2019. So you never know.”