University of Bolton motor racing driver Anna Walewska today hit back at FI boss Bernie Ecclestone's claim that a female driver " would not be taken seriously" and has called his comments sexist.

Anna, aged 28, is currently part of a team driving in the gruelling Hankook 24 hour endurance race in Dubai.

She is part of the University of Bolton's race team and speaking from the trackside she said: "It is a totally old fashioned remark and frankly quite sexist. What a shame it would be if a talented female driver was turned down for a drive in F1 or any series for that matter because she would not be taken seriously.

" In my opinion if you are a good enough driver it doesn't matter what gender you are ".

And she was supported by former Tory party chairman Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, now University of Bolton Pro Vice Chancellor who added: "When Bernie Ecclestone makes these kinds of comments he needs to think carefully about the damaging effect they have on the aspirations of women —and not just in motor sport.

"An attitude that tells women they cannot succeed so should not aspire is both outdated and offensive. Recruiting women into motor sport is challenging enough without those at the top suggesting that it's a female no go area." "The University of Bolton's Centre for Advanced Performance Engineering is working hard to ensure that women consider motor sport both behind the scenes, and behind the wheel, as a career option.

"The University is proud of its inclusive approach and equally proud to have a female racing driver , Anna Walewska , who is currently driving in the Bolton colours at the Dubai 24 hour endurance race. I think that speaks for itself. "

Anna , who last year won the Gold Star Award in the British Women Racing Drivers Club said: " Once you are in the car with your helmet on you have a job to do and do it well.

"If you are good enough the respect automatically comes from the team. I am competing in the Dubai 24 hour race this week and qualified for today's race— we have one mission — to win the race."

Formula One boss Mr Ecclestone, aged 85, caused a storm when he was asked about the possible return of a female driver to the FI grid.

He said: " I doubt it. If there was somebody that was capable they wouldn't be taken seriously anyway so they would never have a car that is capable of competing. "

The University is currently promoting its engineering courses at the prestigious Autosport International Racing Car Show at the National Exhibition Centre , Birmingham.

The courses equip students for careers in the motorsport industry.

Prof George Holmes , university's Vice Chancellor yesterday spoke about plans for a £13m National Centre for Motor Sport Engineering to be built on the Bolton campus. Plans are still subject to final approval.