The FIA has announced a new EU-supported scheme called the 'European Young Women Programme' that will help aid the careers of girls between the age of 13 and 18 in go-karting.

'The Girls On Track – Karting Challenge' is funded by the European Commission and Japanese tyre company Yokohama, and will look to "promote and develop the presence of young women in motorsport at grassroots level using karting slalom, a cost-effective and easy to set up format."

The project is planned for the next two years starting in March 2018 following its implementation of the FIA Women In Motorsport Commission as it looks to "create a motorsport culture which facilitates and values the full participation of women in all aspects of motorsport."

"During the first year, the karting slalom events set up in central urban locations, will be promoted to young females between 13 and 18 years old at a national level within eight European ASN (National Sporting Authorities) partner countries (Belgium, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Sweden). This phase is expected to reach more than 3000 girls," a statement confirms.

"In March 2019, the three selected girls from each country’s events will then pit themselves against each other at the European Final in Le Mans for the chance to be among the six drivers selected for the European Team. The six winners will attend the FIA Driver Training Camps, where they will be supported by the FIA through a sporting and educational programme. The programme will end with a closing event in Brussels in fall 2019."

"We are very proud to be launching this ambitious European competition among a young and feminine audience," FIA president Jean Todt said.

"I am delighted the European Commission, through its funding, has recognised our strong commitment to the further development of women in motorsport. On its side, the FIA will keep actively promoting an equal space for men and women in motorsport for years.”

Michele Mouton, president of the Women In Motorsport Commission, added: "This project is a huge challenge, although essential to raise awareness about motorsport among young girls and detect the female champions of tomorrow.

"With The Girls On Track programme, we have a great opportunity to open up the world of motorsport to a new generation."