Following a global search, the six talented young drivers who will fill the reserved Cross Car Mini seats at the upcoming third FIA Motorsport Games have been identified and will be heading to Valencia to represent their countries this week.

As part of the FIA’s ongoing commitment to promoting and supporting young female talent in motorsport, six seats in the Cross Car Mini category were reserved for girls aged between 8 and 12 years old who have shown exceptional talent and promise as up and coming drivers.

Representing six nations, these drivers will now race in the category in their countries colours, competing alongside other participants on Friday 25th October.

• Lena Straub, 8, Germany: has spent the last two years competing in racing series including the Southwest German Championship, and in supporting programs of Cross Car Junior and Senior competitions
• Célie Perrichot, 11, France: started driving four years ago and competing in 2024, securing strong results
• Merel Hoogstra, 8, The Netherlands: will be bringing her experience racing in the Mini Buggy category to the track
• Alisha Dos Santos Costa, 12, Mozambique: has considerable experience racing in Karting on Bambinos, Mini Max, and Mini Rok
• Ava Cabral, 12, Canada: excelled in Briggs cadet racing, winning the 2023 Canadian karting championship, and has now transitioned to Mini Rok and Mini Max
• Manuella Bernadelli, 11, Brazil: after three years on the karting track she brings strong experience and confidence after numerous race wins

The FIA is committed to encouraging diversity across the board and is working, together with the global motorsport community, to build better and more accessible pathways into motorsport, whilst using the sport as a platform to foster gender equality.

FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “There is so much incredible young talent in our sport, and it is the FIA’s role to help find and support these young drivers, ensuring equal opportunities for all.

I am dedicated to broadening the sporting demographic and making motorsport more accessible to women and girls at every level. Good luck to these talented young women and enjoy the honour of representing your countries.”

The Cross Car category was launched by the FIA in 2018 as the base of the off-road pyramid and is a key element for national competitions in many countries.

The recently launched Affordable Cross Car project has been designed to aid accessibility and lower the barrier to entry allowing National Sporting Authorities (ASNs) to build Level 2 cross cars and cross car minis using locally-sourced parts and materials, with design blueprints delivered by the Federation to the global network of ASNs.

Find out more here.