The FIA Girls on Track programme staged its second event of the season in Saudi Arabia at the Diriyah E-Prix supported by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF).
Aimed at inspiring and educating girls around the world on the different roles open to them within motor sport, the programme contributes to the FIA’s aim to increase gender equality and doubled participation worldwide.
In Diriyah, 120 girls aged 12-18 had a unique opportunity to be immersed in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The participants took part in engaging and educational activities aimed at providing an overview of possible careers in motor sport, both on and off the track. The programme included activities such as Hankook and ABB workshops, behind-the-scenes experiences, with a focus on education and career pathways.
From broadcasting, health and safety, driving and media roles, the attendees were given the exclusive opportunity to visit the race control and hear from female leaders across motor sport such as Aseel Al-Hamad (board member of the SAMF and representative of Saudi Arabia in the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission), Ksenia Em (Sporting Coordinator, FIA), Steph Ensten (Senior Partnership Manager, NEMO McLaren), Dacey Lingley (Senior Event Manager, Formula E), Claire Morden (Medical, MDD).
H.E Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport of Saudi Arabia and Prince Khalid S.A. Al Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Motorsport & Motorcycle Federation attended the event to meet the girls and see the activities.
The FIA Girls on Track programme was launched in February 2019. More than 2,000 girls all over the world have participated in the programme in the past five seasons. For some of them, it has been the starting point for a career in motor sport.
This season, the programme has received the support of Hankook as a new supporting partner, adding its know-how to the programme and showcasing its commitment to social sustainability and gender diversity alongside the FIA and ABB.
Deborah Mayer, FIA Women in Motorsport President said: “I am delighted that the 5th season of FIA Girls on Track is off to an excellent start. Thanks to the collaboration between the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission and Formula E, thousands of young women around the world have already been able to discover motor sport and get an overview of all possible careers in its industry. Through this initiative and others to come, our Commission will continue to spread the message that opportunities exist and contribute to increasing the number of women in the paddocks in key roles.”
Aseel Al-Hamad, board member of the SAMF and representative of Saudi Arabia in the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission said: “Hosting the FIA Girls on Track initiative in Diriyah again is a proud moment. It is a new step forward for the promotion of gender equality in the Middle-East. Many young women responded to the call and their enthusiasm was a pleasure to see. Both the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission and the SAMF are committed to inspire, empower and equip girls in Saudi Arabia with the mindset and the confidence to consider a future in motor sport.”
The next FIA Girls on Track events will take place in Sao Paulo and Jakarta.
Registration HERE
Pictures of the Diriyah E-Prix HERE
