FIA wants more women in racing

The FIA’s Women and Motor Sport Commission met for the first time yesterday and set itself the target of “facilitating the full participation of women in all aspects of motor sport."

Like many branches of motor sport, few women have made a mark in F1 as drivers. The last woman to compete in F1 was Giovanna Amati 18 years ago.

However there are several women working for teams in both technical and non-technical roles, such as Sauber’s managing director Monisha Kaltenborn.

Jean Todt set up the commission shortly after becoming FIA president. He said:

"The FIA’s membership around the world comprises men and women; each has an identical part to play in sport. Like many international federations, we will support, promote and help advance the participation of women in motor sport to ensure equal opportunities at all levels."

The president of the WMC is former rally driver Michele Mouton, the only woman to win a round of the World Rally Championship. She said:

"Women already have their place in motor sport; they have proved it. But for many years people have asked me why there have been no women following in my footsteps. I really hope the Commission can help answer that question and that we can attract and support women in all areas of our sport."