2022 FIA GIRLS ON TRACK – RISING STARS: KICK-OFF OF THE JUNIOR FINALE IN MARANELLO

The final four Junior drivers today embark on the decisive phase of the programme at the renowned Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) in Maranello and at the Autodromo di Franciacorta race track to compete in karting, the real grassroots level of motor sport.

Girls on Track – Rising Stars, the flagship programme of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission is about detecting and nurturing the most talented young female drivers around the world at an early age.

An international selection of experts, including members of the FDA, and the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission President, Deborah Mayer, chose the four finalists in August in Le Castellet.

The four drivers will go through a rigorous program designed by FDA experts over the course of the next four days. They will be tested over the first two days of off-track examinations, which will include mental training and media activities, while initially based at the Maranello headquarters.

After that, the drivers will fly to the Autodromo di Franciacorta for two more days of practice. They will receive priceless feedback during the debriefs in addition to the test sessions on the circuit, allowing them to show that they can learn from each session and get better.

The final four Junior drivers, (born between 31.03.2008 – 31.12.2010) are:

Lisa Billard, France

Zoe Florescu Potolea, Italy

Sara Matsui, Japan

Mathilda Paatz, Germany

The successful young driver will compete in an international karting season after this selection process, with potential financial help from the Ferrari Driver Academy.

In an effort to expand on the initial four-year program, the FIA Girls on Track - Rising Stars Junior division was introduced last year. It could potentially transition female racers between the ages of 14 and 16 from karting into single-seater competition and Formula 4 racing with the Iron Dames.

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