Twenty-eight drivers, selected from 71 applications from 28 countries, will take the next step in the FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars programme next week, marking the start of a momentous journey that could put just two of them in a professional race seat and under the wing of the programme’s partner, the famed Ferrari Driver Academy.

In an exciting development for the second season, the programme has been further expanded and, in collaboration with the Ferrari Driver Academy and Iron Dames, will now provide a long-term development pathway for junior drivers in karting, as well as the more senior drivers qualifying to race in Formula 4. At the end of the gruelling training and selection process, the winning junior driver will participate in an international karting season with the financial support of the Ferrari Driver Academy. And, for the selected senior driver, she will potentially become the second female to have the chance to join the Ferrari Driver Academy - similar to Maya Weug, the inaugural winner - to develop a professional career in the sport and compete in Formula 4 with the FIA Girls on Track main partner, the Iron Dames project masterminded by Deborah Mayer

The 28 Junior and Senior drivers are:

Similar to last year, the FIA’s 146 worldwide national sporting authorities were invited to nominate their most talented kart racers in both the junior and senior categories. Following receipt of 71 applications from 28 countries, the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission’s Detection Cell has whittled the applications down to 28 – 14 in both categories. Those drivers will now take part in separate but simultaneous shoot-outs and training camps hosted at the Winfield Racing School, the iconic and historic racing school based at the Circuit Paul Ricard.

Having been assessed on track in identical Praga karts as well as off track in various workshops, just eight of the 14 drivers in each category will be selected to participate in the decisive Ferrari Driver Academy karting and Formula 4 Scouting Camps in November.

Note to media: Media are invited to the shoot-out and training camp, where President of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, Michèle Mouton, as well as Women in Motorsport ambassadors Deborah Mayer, Amanda Mille, Susie Wolff, Michelle Gatting, Maya Weug and Doriane Pin will be in attendance on select days. In addition FIA Formula 2 driver and jury member, Théo Pourchaire, and former Formula E driver and Deputy Team Principal at ROKiT Venturi Racing, Jérôme d’Ambrosio, will also be available for interviews.

To register, request an interview and receipt of the COVID-19 guidelines, please contact cmorard@fia.com (+33 675 947 859).