A STUDENT who was the driving force behind a front wheel components design for a Formula 1 team has graduated with a first class honours degree. Amy Oliver, 22, of Fairfield Park, Stotfold, was presented with her BEng in automotive engineering at the Abbe

A STUDENT who was the driving force behind a front wheel components design for a Formula 1 team has graduated with a first class honours degree.

Amy Oliver, 22, of Fairfield Park, Stotfold, was presented with her BEng in automotive engineering at the Abbey Church of St Albans by the University of Hertfordshire's vice-chancellor, Prof Tim Wilson.

She said: "I was over the moon when I found out that I had achieved first class honours, particularly as I was one of the only females on the course. I feel that I have proved what females can achieve in a male-dominated environment."

Amy chose to study automotive engineering as she wanted to combine her two favourite subjects, physics and maths.

The graduate now works at SKF in Luton where she did her work placement with the racing department. Her work with SKF and the Formula 1 team led to the invention of a new technique that allowed Formula 1 teams to accurately measure and repeat critical wheel settings.

SKF is the leading global supplier of products, customer solutions and services in the roller bearing, seals, mechatronics and lubrications systems business.