FIA Girls On Track – Rising Stars: Four junior finalists chosen

Following three days of action during the FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars programme at the Franciacorta Karting Track in the North of Italy, the junior’s selection has come to an end. Four talented young drivers have been chosen to progress to the final stage of the programme – at the Ferrari Driver Academy in Maranello for the FIA-FDA Karting Scouting Camp. The senior category continues until the end of Thursday.

The juniors were put through their paces in practice sessions, qualifying and super pole sessions, before the final race simulation which provided thrilling action as the talented youngsters battled for supremacy. On the final day, the girls focused on-track action during the morning, behind the wheel of go-karts supplied by Tony Kart.

As well as the on-track competition, the juniors took part in off-track workshops and tests focused on mental and physical activities delivered by 3,2,1 Perform. The programme also included an Online Abuse seminar and training workshop under the watchful eye of Deborah Mayer, President of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission.

Following these activities, programme judges Cathy Muller, former French racer and Iron Dames detection Manager, Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA), the Driving School of the Italian Federation, and 3,2,1 Perform representatives, meet to deliberate and select the junior finalists.

The decision was extremely close between great competitors the four juniors  selected to go forward to the Ferrari Driver Academy in November for the FIA-FDA Karting Scouting Camp are:

Eva Dorrestijn, Netherland

Annabella Fairclough, United Kingdom

Bianca Nagy, Hungary

Vanesa Silkunaite, Lithuania

For the eight senior drivers, the programme continues Wednesday and Thursday, with the activity focused on experiencing single-seater racing at the wheel of Formula 4 cars. The pressure will be on as they adapt to the FIA’s entry-level single-seater category and demonstrate their speed and ability to improve across the week.

Programme partner Pirelli will deliver a workshop focused on tyre management and the role tyres play in on-track success. The Italian tyre company has a long tradition of success in motor sport and in supporting, encouraging, and helping to develop young talent both on and off the track.

At the end of this selection process, the winning junior driver will participate in an International Karting season with the support of the Ferrari Driver Academy. For the selected senior driver, she will potentially become the fourth female in history to have the chance to join the Ferrari Driver Academy for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop a professional career in the sport and compete in a Formula 4 Championship with the FIA Girls on Track main partner, the Iron Dames project.

Deborah Mayer, President of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, said: “It was a great pleasure to be present in Franciacorta for the junior selection of the FIA Girls on Track Rising Stars Program. I salute the great spirit and determination of each of the participants. They showed just how strong their passion for motorsport and dreams are. Congratulations and good luck for the final to Vanesa, Bianca, Annabella & Eva who came on top of the junior category. To the others, it’s only the beginning of the journey. They must not give up on their passion and their dream and continue to work hard and progress as they have done this week. I’d like to warmly thank ACI Scuola Federale for organising the event to such of high standard. All my best and heartfelt thanks to all our partners - Ferrari Driver Academy, Iron Dames, 3,2,1 Perform, Pirelli, OMP for their contribution, assistance and dedication. We look forward to welcoming the 4 finalists in Franciacorta in November for the Final.”