They are pilots, mechanic, engineers, team managers … We find them in almost all trades in motorsport. In recent years, the media and the general public has been able to rub shoulders with them in the stands, the factories …
Many articles or publications have recently been written on them, as if their presence was something new. And yet, they have always been present. In the years 1920-1930, many women wrote history books. Between XXL performances on the Monte-Carlo rally or the creation of around twenty world records in Montlhéry … Regularly, they made the headlines of the period.
Some have now disappeared from collective memories, because of the false controversies which concerned them or a rather controversial end of life. How not to mention Violette Morris, a big champion in many sports, who collaborated with Nazi Germany during the Second World War …
The amateur and professional world
Whether at the 24 Hours of Le Mans or in Formula 1, there has always been a female presence. 50 years ago, almost to the day, Lella Lombardi became the first woman to integrate the point area in the world championship. Christine Beckers won the classic Mancelle in her category … In short, it was not only in the years 2010 and 2020 that women shone.
They also stand out in paddocks. Chemist engineers, strategy managers, mechanic … There too, they excel.
Through their book, the two journalists and the photographer want to pay tribute to them. “We want to highlight their work. And prove to the public that, yes, women are present in motorsport. And that they have their place as much as men ”confirm the authors.
For almost a year, they have traveled a large part of the circuits in France and in Europe to go to meet them: Monza, Magny-Cours, Portimao, Le Castellet … Professional as Amateur will be highlighted in the 240 pages provided by the trio.
“The amateur world is extremely important, it is the front door to go further. Certain courses on a regional or national scale are magical. This also shows the commitment and determination of some to succeed in this environment. »»
Between the many female testimonies, some men were also interviewed. Some have offered these women, some have accompanied them, or quite simply, they were their opponents. “Richard Mille did a superb project with his LMP2 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2020 and 2021. He had entrusted the prototype to Sophia Flörsch, Beitske Visser and Tatiana Calderón”recall the authors.
The book should be finalized in early July for an expected release in September. But to do this, they launched a crowdfunding campaign on Ulule to finance it. The publishing house from time to time, based in Roanne in the Loire, accompanies them in this project.
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