The 8 drivers selected for the TC2 of the FIA Girls On Track – Rising Stars program did their first laps on the 3,8 km track of Circuit Paul Ricard on November 3rd and 4th, for their first taste of this entry-level motorsport category after years in karts.
The female racers experienced three days of intense emotions and sensations on this first week of November. The transition from karting to Formula 4 was smooth and safe for the girls, thanks to the pedagogical supervision of the Winfield driving instructors and professional drivers. During the qualification sessions, Super Pole and race simulation, the drivers showed the maximum of their potential, with very nice progression curves. To improve their driving skills, data and video debriefing sessions were set up after each driving session.
Apart from the F4, each girl took part in several workshops set up throughout the TC2 and run by field experts: mental management, interaction with the media, physiological exercises, vehicle dynamic, etc. These on-track sessions and workshops enabled the jury to find out a little more about the abilities to adapt, learn and evolve of the 8 rising stars.
“During October and November selections, we managed all aspects from A to Z: sports, technical, organizational, etc. (…) It’s very similar to the Volant Winfield. We assess the potential of each driver. The on-track performances is not the only parameter. The general behavior, physical and mental capacities, the motivation, the engagement are also taken into consideration…” specifies Anne-Charlotte Remy, General Manager of Winfield Racing School.
Arthur Leclerc, 2018 Volant Winfield contender, reference driver and member of the jury during Training Camp 2, said: “It’s great to be here, it reminds me of some great memories when I was younger because I did the Winfield Racing School two years ago. (…) We need to see more women in motorsport because we want some change. I would be happy to see if a girl can reach the top level in Formula One, that would be great to see.”
This innovative program, run by Winfield, is proof of a general wake-up call in the automotive world. The efforts of Michèle Mouton, WRC vice-champion and former Winfield pupil, and the rest of the FIAWIM are a further step to promote the rise of women drivers in motorsport.
Training Camp 2 ended on November 4, with the announcement of the 4 drivers selected to take part in the final stage of the program at the Ferrari Driver Academy in Maranello for a training and selection week. The 4 participants are (in alphabetical order):
Julia AYOUB (BRA) – 15 years old
Antonella BASSANI (BRA) – 14 years old
Doriane PIN (FR) – 16 years old
Maya WEUG (NLD/BEL) – 16 years old
Special mention to Doriane Pin, who won the special Pirelli Award trophy for the fastest Super Pole lap.
All the girls are determined to follow their dream: achieve a one-year contract to join the Ferrari Driver Academy for a Formula 4 season in 2021. See you in Maranello!
Re-live the TC2 in video on our social media thanks to the following links:
TC2 – DAY 2 : https://bit.ly/36Bczdk
TC2 – FINAL DAY : https://bit.ly/3lvqvff
Photo Credit: © Morgan Mathurin