‘Girls On Track – Dare To Be Different’ arrives in Saudi Arabia ahead of the 2019 SAUDIA Diriyah E-Prix, making history as the first event of its kind in the Middle East.
Following successful events at the Mexico City and Berlin E-Prix earlier this year, the event is set to continue at the Diriyah E-Prix on the 21st and 22nd November, in what will be the first event promoting gender equality in motorsport in the Middle East.
Launched in February 2019 at the Mexico City E-Prix, the FIA Girls On Track initiative aims to impact the FIA’s goal of gender equality and increased participation in motorsport. It offers a unique opportunity to inspire and encourage girls between the ages of 8-18 to get involved in a number of innovative activities aimed at boosting the girls' confidence and creating exciting new career opportunities.
Those taking part will learn directly from motorsport journalists how to report from a race meeting and prepare a news story, as well as presenting a piece to camera. They will also get involved in technical workshop to develop their Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) skills while being encouraged to be creative and work as a team.
Also on site is an educational challenge focused on the effects of climate change, split into three activities aimed at helping them lead a more sustainable lifestyle. Alongside this, a doctor will host a health workshop teaching the participants the basics of first aid, encouraging them to act with confidence in a stressful situation.
Finally, girls will get stuck into a driving activity with a competitive element. After being guided by an instructor on a simulator about where to brake, how to steer through curves and when to accelerate, they will get out on track for a practice lap and two timed laps - an opportunity to kick-start a karting career.
“We are delighted to be hosting the FIA Girls on Track initiative in Diriyah and hope that we will inspire, empower and equip girls in Saudi Arabia with both the skills and the mindset to consider a future in motorsport,” said Aseel Al Hamad, Saudi Arabian Motor Federation (SAMF) and and Saudi Arabian representative on the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission.
At the event, Rokit Venturi Racing Team Principal Susie Wolff and Jaguar Racing’s Reema Juffali led the way, inspiring the next generation of women and girls in motorsport in Diriyah. “As we look to further promoting the development of women in motorsport, the FIA Girls on Track activations showcase the opportunities available to girls and women around the world," said Michele Mouton, President of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission.
"Hosting this event in Saudi Arabia alongside the high-profile Diriyah E-Prix is a big step towards promoting gender equality in our industry and one we hope will be adopted by ASNs in the region.”
For more information and to register participation of girls between the ages of 8-18 click here.