Josephine was selected to compete by the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission as part of an initiative to offer opportunities to female competitors across junior motor sport disciplines. 

Created for young drivers aged 13 to 16 who aspire to make their debut on the international Off-Road scene, or even a career in Autocross, Rallycross or Rally, the FIA Cross Car Academy Trophy was contested over five events in 2021 and brought together the other categories of the FIA European Autocross Championship.

Competitors raced in identical 75HP cross cars prepared by Life Live, a company owned by the Neuville brothers, including Thierry, five-time FIA World Rally Championship runner-up and current official Hyundai WRC driver.

At the conclusion of the Nurburgring finale, it was Latvia’s Gil Membrado who emerged as 2021 champion with Etan Pepujol of France and Norway’s Karl Peder Nordstrand completing the championship podium.

Josephine who has been competing in karting since 2019, a year in which she won the Championship of the German Motorsport Association DMV, has also competed in the ADAC Rookies Cup where her record in 2021 included wins and podium appearances. 

“I was proud to be chosen by the FIA Women In Motorsport Commission to compete in the final round of FIA Cross Car Academy Trophy in Nürburgring. This was a big step for my future,” she said. 

Next year she will turn her attention to Autocross. Longer term, her ambition is to embark on a career in rallying. “I have been inspired by my father who competed in rally events and introduced me to motor sport. I definitely want to focus on becoming a rally driver in the future.”

Michèle Mouton, President of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission said: “The FIA Cross Car Academy Trophy is another excellent means of encouraging female talent to the sport and growing their participation at the grassroots level.

“The Women in Motorsport Commission is delighted to have joined forces with our Off-Road Commission to provide this opportunity and we hope it will inspire more young women to take up the rallying discipline.”