The FIA’s European’s Young Women Programme - The Girls on Track Karting Challenge - reaches its climax this weekend as the 27 finalists from nine countries come together for what is anticipated to be a highly competitive European Final at the famous Le Mans circuit in France (7-10 March). After three days of intense competition, both on and off the track, six aspiring young female racers will be selected to form part of a European Team that will attend Driver Training Camps and be supported by the FIA through a sporting and educational motor sport programme.

This two year Erasmus+ supported project was created by the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission to encourage more young women between 13-18 years of age to try motor sport and, in partnership with nine of the FIA’s national sporting authorities, attracted hundreds of young women to take part in urban karting slalom events, the grassroots of the sport. Having been selected as the best all-round candidates, three girls from each of the nine countries will now pit themselves against one another in the hope of securing one of the coveted places that could kick-start a career in motor sport.

“It is exciting to think we might be uncovering some real racing talent this weekend, and equally encouraging that we have connected with so many young women and put motor sport on their radar,” said Michèle Mouton, President of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission. “There has been a high level of interest and we know from the sociological survey conducted with all the participants in each country that many of them would now also encourage girl friends to give karting a try. To have been able to engage with so many young women during this programme has been fantastic and hopefully we have also inspired many to look at the exciting and challenging world of motor sport as a potential career option too.”

The European Final promises an intense three days as the aspiring racing drivers need to show their potential in a number of areas. After seat fittings in the junior specification karts and the welcome dinner on Thursday 7 March, the participants will get behind the wheel on Friday for a day dedicated to driving and coaching. Saturday’s programme includes mental, physical and interactive activities as well as a communications workshop before the final driving day on Sunday where elimination rounds will decide the outcome of the inaugural Girls on Track Karting Challenge.

The 27 finalists, representing Belgium, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Sweden and the United Kingdom are:

Belgium
Alyah Van Laer
Ine Vanderplasschen
Lyssia Baudet

Finland
Milja Kukkonen
Nora Farigu
Vilma Luukkonen

Germany
Gina Trunk
Lina Uck
Tammy Schönborn

Netherlands
Lisette Grinwis
Mijntje Koerts
Nina Pothof

Poland
Joanna Piwowarek
Michalina Sabaj
Natalia Lelek

Portugal
Carolina Trindade
Inês Moreira
Matilde Fidalgo

Slovakia
Barbora Bauerova
Bianka Sivosova
Stella Khurova

Sweden
Emma Löfquist
Anna Glaerum
Maja Hallén Fellenius 

United Kingdom
Louisa Bell
Jemima Hepworth
Ellie-Anna McFall

Learn more: https://www.fia.com/thegirlsontrack