The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, showcased its leadership at the Dirtfish Women in Motorsport Summit in Seattle over the weekend.

350 attendees gathered at Le May, America’s Car Museum, for the event – with almost 400,000 dialling into the live steam. Road Sport Director Emilia Abel, Rally Category Manager Marina Duñach, United Against Online Abuse Programme Lead Erin Bourke, and FIA WRC Commission President Pernilla Solberg represented the FIA at the industry-leading conference focused on widening opportunities for women in motor sport.

Discussing their journeys into the world of motor sport, Emilia and Marina recounted their first entry into the industry as volunteers. “It's a great route into the industry, offering first-hand experience of life in motor sport,” said Emilia. “I know what it is like to be a steward and to have every decision intensely scrutinised, and what it’s like to stand in the cold from 4am as a marshal. It’s hard work but it helps you to understand what the whole ecosystem looks like, why each of these roles is so important, and what the needs of the organiser and the team are.”

Marina added, “You can find all kinds of jobs across the sport – there are so many different skillsets involved. From technical roles through to coordinators and engineers – it is truly interdisciplinary.” She encouraged young women not to be put off by a lack of previous experience or exposure to the sport, saying “I had no connection to motor sport. When I started volunteering, I was surprised by my immediate love for it. I realised very quickly this is where I want to be.”

Responding to a question from a member of the audience on her advice for young women pursuing a career in the sector, Emilia said: “Follow your passion – don't hide it. People will listen, so don’t be afraid. The barriers are coming down – the industry is not what it used to be.”

Pernilla Solberg expanded on her role as FIA WRC Commission President: “I've learnt so much from the teams and all our stakeholders – it's been a busy and fun year! I love what I’m doing.” She added, “It’s fantastic to see young talent coming up through our Rally Star Programme, both girls and boys”. FIA Rally Star was launched in 2021 as the first global talent programme designed to detect, train and develop drivers to become the future stars of the World Rally Championship.

Before joining the FIA, Pernilla was a Team Principal for PRSX Team (2013-2016) and PRSX Volkswagen, and manager for her son WRC driver Oliver Solberg (2009-2020).

Finally, Erin Bourke, Project Lead for the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse campaign, discussed the importance of empowering athletes to take action against hate speech. “The campaign aims to provide the tools for athletes to look after themselves – and to ensure that they feel supported,” she commented. “It’s important for us as a society to recognise what abuse can look like, and we do a lot of digital literacy education with young girls on track.”

The world-leading UAOA campaign brings together national governments, sport federations, and NGOs to combat online abuse and hate speech in sports.

Other panellists at the Summit included professional racing driver Michele Abbate, Williams Racing Driver Academy and ARA Champion Lia Block, professional rally driver Aoife Raftery and former Team Principal for Williams Racing, Claire Williams.

Emilia went on to comment after the event: “DirtFish is so much more than just a rally school - it’s a platform for empowerment, education, and change. Contributing to the Women in Motorsport Summit reflects our deep commitment to creating space, opportunity, and visibility for women across every level of motor sport.”

DirtFish Women in Motorsport Coordinator, Josie Rimmer, said: “It was an absolute honour to work with the FIA and to stand alongside Emilia Abel, Erin Bourke, Marina Duñach and Pernilla Solberg at this year's DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit. Each one of these women is leading and shaping the motor sport industry to a more equitable, accessible, and opportunity-rich future."

“In sharing stories, ideas, and dreams, we left each conversation feeling driven, determined and with no doubt that, with these women at the helm, the FIA and DirtFish can shape a very powerful future together.”

The FIA remains committed to creating opportunities for women at every level within the motor sport community. It recently expanded its Girls on Track programme in collaboration with the World Rally Championship, the World Endurance Championship, FIA KUMHO TCR, and Formula SAE. Its adjacent CareerShift programme is aimed at 16–24-year-olds interested in pursuing a range of careers within the world of motor sport.

Find the full DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit replay here.