For the first time in the history of the European Le Mans Series, an all-female crew will line up on the grid for the six-round 2019 season. The Kessel Racing entry for Manuela Gostner (34, Italian), Rahel Frey (32, Swiss) and Michelle Gatting (26, Danish) is fully aligned with the missions of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission which seeks to facilitate the full participation of women in motor sport.

The crew, which will compete in a 488 GTE Ferrari, teamed up for the first time at last year’s Gulf 12 Hours race in Abu Dhabi and claimed second in the GT3 Pro-Am category and sixth overall from a field of 33 cars competing at the Yas Marina circuit. Now they have a fantastic opportunity to fight for honours in a full racing season on some of the best tracks in Europe.

Michèle Mouton, President of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, said: “I was confident last year that Manuela, Rahel and Michelle would perform at a high level in Abu Dhabi and they delivered a great result, despite limited track time before the event. It goes to show what is possible when female racers are given a serious opportunity to compete in a mixed environment with top-class machinery. The season ahead is another fantastic chance for them to demonstrate they have a deserved place on the grid and can fight with the best for a top result. A really big thank you to Kessel Racing for providing this opportunity.”

This renewed participation with Kessel Racing has been possible thanks to Deborah Mayer, entrepreneur and GT driver who is driven by her passion for cars, challenges and the will to conceive something new and innovative in motor sport.