A Saudi Arabian female racing driver has completed an acceleration benchmark in a car from FIA Formula E ahead of International Women’s Day.
Reem Al Aboud reached 0-60 in 2.49 seconds, beating the previous single-seater record of 2.60 seconds, which Formula E say “cements Formula E’s position as the fastest accelerating sport on and off the track and highlights Formula E’s commitment to promoting gender equality in motorsport.”
The achievement was not only another milestone in Al Aboud’s career, but also one in her relationship with Formula E, having become the first and youngest Saudi Arabian female to drive an FE car five years ago.
In Formula E’s statement, it was added that in “a further display of empowerment, young Saudi women from local schools shared messages of inspiration for Reem, which were captured on the car’s livery, fostering an atmosphere of motivation and support.
“This initiative coincided with the expansion of the FIA Girls on Track programme, a large-scale female empowerment initiative focusing on careers and education in motorsport, underscoring Formula E’s commitment to encouraging young girls to pursue their motorsport dreams.”
The GENBETA car used is described by FE as an “unlocked” version of the current GEN3 car, “with 400kW of power and enhancements from partners: Hankook Tire, SABIC, ABB and Google Cloud”.
Al Aboud said: “Being a part of this landmark moment is a dream come true.
“It’s not just about the speed; it’s about breaking barriers and showcasing the immense potential of women in motorsports.
“Formula E has given me the platform to make a statement, and I’m honoured to be a part of this journey towards gender equality in racing.”
Formula E’s CEO Jeff Dodds said: “The benchmark achieved by Reem is a testament to what we stand for at Formula E: Innovation, equality, and competition.
“Her success is not just a win for Formula E, but a leap forward for inclusivity in racing, and we all join her in celebrating this milestone, especially ahead of International Women’s Day.”
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