The FIA has announced the new 'Girls On Track – Karting Challenge' programme in order to help young female racers get into motorsport at the grassroots level.
At the Geneva International Motorshow, the FIA unveiled its new 'European Young Women Programme' with President Jean Todt, Women in Motorsport Commission President Michele Mouton, as well as Dare to Be Different founder Susie Wolff and Sauber test driver Tatiana Calderon all present.
The 'Girls On Track – Karting Challenge' programme has been set up to help promote motorsport among girls between the ages of 13 & 18 and will run over the course of the next two years.
“We are very proud to be launching this ambitious European competition among a young and feminine audience," said Todt.
"I am delighted the European Commission, through its funding, has recognised our strong commitment to the further development of women in motorsport. On its side, the FIA will keep actively promoting an equal space for men and women in motorsport for years."
Over the course of its first year, karting events will be set up in urban locations around Europe with eight national sporting authorities including Belgium, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Sweden, with the aim of reaching over 3000 girls between the ages of 13 and 18.
In March 2019, three selected girls from each of the country's events, will pit themselves against each other in a European final in Le Mans for the chance to be among the six drivers selected for the European team.Those six winners will be put into FIA driving camps and supported through sporting and educational programmes. The 'Girls On Track' programme will come to an end with a final event in Brussels in the autumn of 2019.
“This project is a huge challenge," added Mouton.
"Although essential to raise awareness about motorsport among young girls and detect the female champions of tomorrow. With The Girls On Track programme, we have a great opportunity to open up the world of motorsport to a new generation."
