Tag: Women in motorsport

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First All-Female Amateur Race Kicks Off New Women’s Day Tradition

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International Women’s Day, Monaco was celebrated at full throttle this year with the inaugural Speed Queen Kart Trophy.

The feel-good, all-female amateur race brought girls and women together on March 8 for a day of speed, sisterhood and a little friendly competition at Box 98 Monaco in Fontvieille.

Go-karters battled it out on the track between 10 am and 2 pm to secure a spot in the Grand Finale, when the fastest stars from every category went wheel-to-wheel hoping to win the coveted 2026 Speed Queen KartTrophy.

Tiffaney Perlino, President of the Women in Motorsport Commission at the Automobile Club de Monaco, and Speed Queen organiser, says, “I was delighted to see the energy and enthusiasm on the karting circuit,” Tiffaney says. ”There were drivers of all ages and many of them brought friends and family to cheer them on, making it a really friendly-family atmosphere. We saw a lot of happy faces.”

She adds, “A big thank you to the young talented female VIP drivers who were available to talk to the girls and share their passion and experience. I hope this will encourage more girls and women to seek out what this exciting sport has to offer.”

Madeline Lasalle walked away with the 2026 Speed Queen Kart Trophy, as presented by Tiffaney.

Trophies for best lap time in category went to: Camille Spallarossa (Kids), presented by Lina Salamanca, an emerging talent and winner of the prestigious Volant Jules Bianchi.

Carla Ackermann (Junior), presented by Vicky Farfus, a Monaco resident who finished P4 in the FIA World Karting Cup 2025. She became the first girl in history to finish in the top five of a FIA karting race, among nearly 90 drivers from around the world.

Madeline Lasalle (Senior), presented by Ella Häkkinen, Monaco resident and the youngest driver of the McLaren Driver Development Programme, the result of major European karting victories.

Enriqueta Casanas Ficini (Masters) presented by Celine Cottalarda, Comite droits des Femmes.

And the Team Trophy went to Martine and Carla Ackermann, presented by Charles Flaujac President of the Karting Commission ACM.

Registration for the Speed Queen Kart Trophy (€27 adult; €25 under-18) at Box 98 included 8 minutes of track time plus a light lunch spread and refreshments at the Paddock Bar courtesy of the Automobile Club de Monaco, who also supplied the magnificent trophies.

“This event is about showing that motorsport is more than just Formula 1 and Netflix,” says Tiffaney. “It’s about participation, inclusion and representation. There are countless ways to be part of the sport – whether you’re in the driver’s seat or working behind the scenes, whether you’re a boy or a girl. Motorsport belongs to everyone … and its fun!”

According to Formula One, 42% of F1 fans worldwide are women – with the fastest-growing demographic aged 18 to 24. The message is clear: women aren’t just watching from the stands, they’re ready to take the wheel.

Watch this space for the 2027 Speed Queen Kart Trophy date.

For more information, contact comfemsport@acm.mc. Article first published March 9, 2026. Photos: Copyright Nancy Heslin.

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Speed Queen Kart Trophy

Start your engines – this International Women’s Day, Monaco is celebrating girl power at full throttle.

On March 8, Box 98 Monaco at Les Terrasses de Fontvieille will host the very first Speed Queen Kart Trophy, a feel-good, all-female amateur race designed to bring women and girls – from age seven upwards – together for a day of speed, sisterhood and a little friendly competition.

In a country synonymous with the glamour of the Monaco Grand Prix, motorsport is part of the DNA. But while the drivers’ grid has historically skewed male, the fanbase is shifting fast. According to Formula One, 42% of F1 fans worldwide are women – with the fastest-growing demographic aged 18 to 24. The message is clear: women aren’t just watching from the stands, they’re ready to take the wheel.

The Speed Queen Kart Trophy taps into that momentum with a day that blends competition,  and celebration. Racers will battle it out for the fastest lap between 10 am and 2 pm followed by the Grand Final at 3 pm, when the fastest stars from every category go wheel-to-wheel hoping to win the coveted Speed Queen Trophy.

Drivers Ella Häkkinen, Vicky Farfus and Lina Salamanca will be on hand to share their passion and expertise, offering tips on kart driving technique and talking about their future projects and ambitions.

Monaco resident Ella (below) is the youngest female member of the McLaren Driver Development Programme, the result of major European karting victories.

Vicky (above), also a Monaco resident, is competing with Iron Dames and finished P4 in the FIA World Karting Cup 2025. She became the first girl in history to finish in the top five of a FIA karting race, among nearly 90 drivers from around the world.

Lina (below) is the winner of the prestigious Volant Jules Bianchi, an emerging talent driven by strong ambition.

The trio will also be alongside event organiser Tiffaney Perlino, president of the Women in Motorsport Commission at the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM), at the prize giving to present trophies, which are offered by the ACM.

“I have always loved motorsport and loved driving but like many women I never really had the opportunity to race,” says Tiffaney. “It wasn’t just about opportunity to be honest. It was also that I didn’t dare. It all looked so out of my comfort zone.”

That all changed for Tiffaney when years ago a girlfriend had a joint birthday party with her husband at a karting track. She decided to get behind the wheel and give it a go – and had the time of her life. “It gave me the confidence to try other motorsport activities and I haven’t looked back. I wanted the chance to give the same opportunity to other girls and women, who are hesitant, to try racing in a relaxed and friendly environment.”

Registration for the Speed Queen Kart Trophy (€27 adult; €25 under-18) at Box 98 includes 8 minutes of track time plus a light lunch and refreshments at the Paddock Bar courtesy of the ACM. Whether you sign up solo or with your daughter and her friends – or make it a family affair cheering from the sidelines at no cost – it’s a high-energy and highly memorable way to mark International Women’s Day together, swapping the usual panel discussions and ladies lunch for helmets and horsepower, and the next-generation.

“This event is about showing that motorsport is more than just Formula 1 and Netflix. It’s about participation, inclusion and representation. There are countless ways to be part of the sport – whether you’re in the driver’s seat or working behind the scenes, whether you’re a boy or a girl. Motorsport belongs to everyone … and its fun!”

For more information, contact comfemsport@acm.mc.

Article first published March 1, 2026. Photos: feature Instagram f1drivelondon. Instagram Ella Häkkinen. InstagramVicky Farfus. Instagram Lina Salamanca.

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Lina Salamanca

Lina Salamanca was only seven years old when she tried Crazy Kart. “As soon as I drove, I knew I loved it! The speed and the thrill of driving…it was a revelation,” Lina enthuses.

Like many young people, the 10-year-old Monaco student cites Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton as her inspiration but also greatly admires drivers like Doriane Pin, Maya Weug and Lola Lovinfosse who prove that girls can succeed in motorsport.

Lina also told her of her ambition to represent Monaco in motor sport one day. This exchange was a very special moment for her, a great source of motivation that gives her even more determination to move forward. She has unforgettable memories of it and is very grateful for the exchange.

Last season, Lina was part of the F1 Academy, the female-only single-seater racing championship founded by the Formula One Group in 2023 and run by Monaco resident Susie Wolff. She was selected to take part in the Champions of the Future Academy international championship. “I was lucky enough to represent the girls in the Mini category with two other drivers. It was a great experience,” shares Lina.

Obviously, getting picked for F1 Academy is one of Lina’s favourite racing memories. But there is another moment that stands out for the young driver. “When I won the Volant Jules Bianchi, which was incredible and a great source of pride for me.”

Lina says she tries to be organised and do well at school so she can continue to do karting. “When I’m driving, I feel free and happy! I love the feeling of speed. I’m fully concentrated and I enjoy every moment of it. I try to train as much as I can on the track. And when I can’t drive, I work out so that I’m fit and ready for the next race!”

She admits she makes mistakes on the tracks but “every mistake helps me to progress. So, I never give up and I always try to improve.”

That’s her advice to other girls thinking about taking up go-karting. “Never give up! It’s a great experience, because you learn a lot of things – to be patient, determined and disciplined. When you’re passionate, anything’s possible!”

When Lina met Prince Albert at the International Women’s Sports Day forum on January 24 at the Prince’s Car Collection, she presented him with a copy of her book, Le Grand Départ de Lina, to give to Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. It was an unforgettable moment for the young racer, and she told HSH about her dream of driving at Monaco Grand Prix one day.

But motorsport dreams need sponsors and that, says Lina’s mom Anaïs is tough, especially when you’re just starting out. “Go-karting is an expensive sport and it’s often difficult to raise the money needed to train and compete. You need equipment, travel, entry fees… Without sponsors or external financial support, it is very complicated to follow a full competition programme. That’s why outside support, whether from sponsors or people who believe in Lina, is essential to help her move forward.”

Anais looked for an alternative that would allow her both to share Lina’s passion and to help fund her journey. “That’s how the idea for the book Le Grand Départ de Lina came about. I wanted to tell Lina’s story but write a book that was both motivating and educational, with a touch of dream and adventure.” This book in French is based on Lina and is especially for children who love sport, challenges and inspiring stories. There is also an English-language version: The Karting Lina’s Grand Start.

“Through this story, I wanted to capture that unique moment when Lina discovered her passion, but also to inspire other children to believe in their dreams. This book is a message of encouragement: it shows that anything is possible with determination and that you should never be afraid to follow your path, even in an environment that is still very male-dominated.”

“A lot of parents and young drivers see themselves in Lina’s story. The book has also been well received in the world of karting, as it helps to promote the sport to younger people.”

The feedback was so positive that Anaïs wrote a second book, Karting Heroes – Discover the World of Karting, also available in French and English, which delves into the world of karting with explanations of equipment and much more.

These books are more than just a story of a young girl’s passion, they offer a practical way of helping Lina move forward on her journey. “Each reader becomes, in their own way, a supporter so that she can continue to progress and show that girls have their place in motorsport.”

In addition to the book, Anaïs launched a brand inspired by Lina – Adrenalina Racing by Lina – with merchandise linked to go-karting. “It’s a project that allows me to pass on Lina’s passion and create a world around her. At events, I talk about Lina, her story and her commitment to go-karting.”

For Anaïs, “This adventure proves to me every day that you should never give up, and I’m grateful to those who believe in Lina and want to support her on her journey. And, as an author, knowing that this book can inspire other children and make them want to believe in themselves is an immense source of pride.”

She adds, “Lina is an incredibly passionate child, and I want to do everything I can to help her make her dreams come true. Seeing her grow through this experience is my greatest reward.”

The overall message is that no matter what age or background you come from, you have to believe in your dreams and work hard to achieve them. “Never give up. We are capable of much more than we think! Creativity, passion and perseverance drive us to find unexpected solutions. We need to explore every possible alternative, seek out local sponsors, create opportunities and, above all, tell everyone about it.

“Every meeting, every initiative can open unexpected doors. The most important thing is to believe in your child and to show that girls have their place in go-karting and motorsport.”

Follow Lina’s racing adventures on Instagram.

Article first published March 15, 2025. Photos: Ed Wright Images.

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Françoise Conconi

It’s difficult to imagine co-driver, journalist, press officer, bank manager, and author Françoise Conconi being intimidated by anything. But in 1976, seated beside driver Michèle Mouton in an Alpine 1600, she felt the pressure of competing in her first Rallye Monte-Carlo. “It was the Holy Grail for us,” Françoise says. “We were in the big league, and we were very intimidated because everything was new.”

The rally legend is one of 65 women featured in the new release 100 Years of Women: Motorsport & Monaco from Carob Tree Publishing and was at the book launch with Prince Albert (pictured above) on January 24, 2025. As the ground-breaking book reveals, co-driver Françoise would go on to compete in 150 rallies in her career, become a 4-time French and European rally champion, and 3-time winner of the Coupe des Dames at the Rallye Monte-Carlo. The Grenobloise was an original member of the all-women’s Team Aseptogyl back in the 1970s. (François is pictured below with rally driver Christine Dacremont on 2025 International Women’s Sports Day at the Prince’s Car Collection).

LISTEN HERE: 100 Years of Women: Motorsport & Monaco interview with Sarah Lycett on RIVIERA RADIO

Françoise will be attending a special screening of “Histoire du Rallye Monte-Carlo” in Beausoleil on Wednesday, April 2. The documentary is being shown at 6:30 pm at the Centre Culturel Prince Jacques (6/8 avenue du Général de Gaulle) as part of the 2025 Côte d’Azur Sport Film Festival.

Following the film, Claude Julian will moderate a discussion with Bruno Saby, drivers Françoise, Dominique de Meyer and Franck Phillips, and historic rally specialist Stephan Cannas.

Put on by the Alpes-Maritimes Departmental Olympic and Sports Committee (CDOS), this ninth edition of the sports festival runs from April 1-3. The two days of films, debates and seminars look to communicate Olympic values and spread the importance of sports practice. The last day is dedicated to awards. Contact the mairie to confirm participation – 04 93 41 71 48 or by email cabinetdumaire@villedebeausoleil.fr.

Article first published March 31, 2025. Article photos: Françoise Conconi Facebook. Feature photo: Maurice Lauche/100 Years of Women: Motorsport & Monaco.

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Angelica Fuentes Garcia 

Angelica Fuentes Garcia had a very happy childhood growing up in Mexico. Along with her three siblings, she was always encouraged to follow her passion. “The smell of petrol has been around since birth,” Angelica expresses. “My grandfather raced, and my father raced rally cars back in the Sixties.

WATCH VIDEO above with Angelica talking about the Monte 100 Touristique. (Apologies for the sound issues.)

She is the second of four children following in their paternal footsteps (at one point, three of them were rallying). “When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a chef. I am still passionate about cooking but my passion for cars was greater and I started navigating for my father at age 13 and drove my first rally that same year.”

Angelica and her two sisters were “fortunate enough” to attend the Maddox Academy, one of the best girls’ schools in Mexico, where she had a bilingual education in English and Spanish from the age of four. A “generally sporty” kid, she played on the basketball and volleyball teams at school.

As a co-driver, Angelica was the first woman to win the Mexican Rally Championship in 2002, as well as having several successful seasons of rallying in England, where she ended up living. “Marriage was the reason I went to London in 2003 after I met my Scottish husband on my favourite motorsport events, La Carrera Panamericana in Mexico, which I’ve competed in 29 times.”

Having started driving in rallies more than 40 years ago, Angelica has competed in over 300 national and international events, including 13 times in the Chihuahua Express in Mexico, four times at the American rally Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado, the Modena Cento Ore in Italy, which includes a leg in Florence, and Australia’s Targa Tasmania.

VIDEO: Angelica and Keith arrive in Monaco as part of the Monte 100 Touristique.

The 54-year-old has done the Rallye Monte Carlo Historique four times. This year she is here for the Monte 100 Touristique.

The Monte 100 Touristique marks the 100th anniversary of the first Glasgow Start of the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique. Cars left from Blythswood Square on Wednesday, January 31, and took in many of the famous Cols and Passes in the French Alps before reaching Monte Carlo on February 3 at 3 pm.

Angelica arrived with her husband, Keith Mainland (WATCH VIDEO above). It was the longest rally they have driven in a rally together. “In my experience, as a co-driver having done four historic Monte Carlo rallies, there is a lot of preparation before and during the race. Team work and concentration are crucial to have a successful event as maintaining the speed and not getting lost on the regularity section is so important. With the added atmosphere of competing at night, it is a unique event.”

For Angelica, there is more to a rally than cars and competition. She uses motorsport to help raise awareness and money for Lyme disease (see box below). “I was diagnosed in 2016 after seven months of struggling, not knowing what was wrong with me but watching my health deteriorate. It has taken 22 doctors in two different continents to get a proper diagnosis.”

Eight years into her battle against Lyme disease Angelica points out, “The main impact for many people with Lyme disease, including myself, is that because there is no cure we have to learn how to live with symptoms and still function at the same time.”

The illness has quality-of-life impairing symptoms, which can leave sufferers with chronic fatigue and a diminished ability to concentrate. For Angelica, this means getting proper rest before events like the Monte-Carlo Historic Rally.

“Motorsport has been my biggest anchor to fight back and, at the same time, to raise awareness for this horrible illness to help others get a diagnosis. The disease is under the radar for doctors, yet more and more people suffer from it around the world.”

Angelica Fuentes Garcia and Keith Mainland.

Article first published February 3, 2024.

Do You Have Lyme Disease?
Many of the celebrities diagnosed with Lyme disease – Alec Baldwin, Justin Bieber, Ben Stiller, Shania Twain, Bella Hadid and Amy Schumer – have been outspoken about the debilitating symptoms suffered from the tick-borne zoonotic disease.

According to a study published in 2022 by BMJ Global Health, nearly 14.5% of the world’s population “probably has, or has had, tick-borne Lyme disease, as indicated by the presence of antibodies in the blood.”

Early symptoms of Lyme disease, typically appearing within 3 to 30 days after a tick bite, can include a skin rash, fever, headache, and fatigue. Long-term chronic Lyme disease can lead to damage to the joints, nervous system and heart.

See the Lyme Disease Symptoms Checklist or click here to donate.

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Hannah McKillop Davison

Photo: Manuel Vitali/Communication Department

Monte Carlo Rally co-driver Hannah McKillop Davison grew up in Northern Ireland. The 29-year-old (who turns 30 on March 23) wouldn’t describe herself as a particularly sporty child but says she always went to rally events with her dad. “I attended my first rally at just two weeks old with my dad. He is a mechanic and I spent my childhood in the garage with him watching and learning – in between ballet lessons! I have always loved the sport and have become more involved in it over the years, from the organisation to competing.”

The Scotland-based driver admits she had always wanted to compete in motorsport but only started after she met Josh, her now husband, 10 years ago at the age of 19. “Josh is also a co-driver and taught me a lot from his experience. It helped me to get started.”

Hannah typically competes in around 20 events a year, from small national races to European level. She co-pilots with both her husband and father-in-law Michael Davison. “The two dynamics are interesting!” she laughs. “Josh and I have attempted some small navigational events together but maybe two co-drivers in one car doesn’t work so well. I have also competed with Josh’s dad and really enjoyed that, it’s always a lot of fun.”

For the 92nd Monte Carlo Rally, put on by the Automobile Club de Monaco, Hannah is teaming up with Monaco resident Chris Ingram, the first British Rally Driver in 52 years to become an FIA European Rally Champion in 2019. It is her first World Rally Championship (WRC) and she follows in the footsteps of legends like Michele Mouton, the first and only woman to ever win a round of the WRC who began her career at the first ever WRC event, the 1973 Monte Carlo Rally, as a co-driver for Jean Taibi. Hannah admits, “Of course, there is always pressure with such a prestigious event and with such a competitive driver but I try to turn that feeling of pressure to focusing on the goal. I have worked hard to be here and it’s important to also enjoy the experience.”

Hannah and Chris are driving car No. 26, a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 sponsored by Suisscourtage, which was unveiled with Prince Albert on January 21 at Port Hercules. “The Skoda is a fantastic car,” Hannah describes. “It’s stable and balanced, everything in the car is purposeful and thought about for the job it needs to do. It’s a pleasure to be in, and we are thrilled to have Suisscourtage onboard. They are enthusiastic about our journey and it’s great to have a Monaco-based company backing us.”

The Rallye Monte-Carlo, which was inaugurated in 1911 by Prince Albert I, officially kicks off Thursday, January 25. “I’m most excited for the iconic stages, like the Col de Turini. As someone who grew up watching this event on television every year, it is very special to be here experiencing it as a competitor. The biggest challenge is the length of the event but we have worked very hard on our pre-event preparations and we both feel confident and determined ahead of the race.”

Hannah says her key word is “organised”! “I work with teams in the UK on their pre-event organisation and logistics which I really enjoy. I also manage a rally experience centre in Scotland called The Forest Experience where anyone can come and have a go at rally driving on gravel in the forest. I am very lucky to both work and compete in something I love and enjoy so much.”

When it comes to support women in motorsport, Hannah says optimistically, “I definitely see massive progress. It’s great to see so many female co-drivers in Europe and more and more in the UK. I think it’s really important and I hope it continues to grow for both drivers and co-drivers.”

For this rally race year, she adds, “One of my goals for 2024 is to compete in a team where my dad is the mechanic.”

The Rallye Monte-Carlo has 17 stages over four days and will finish back at Place du Casino for the prize giving Sunday, January 29 at 4:15 pm. Follow live Team #26 Hannah Davison and Chris Ingram.

2024 Rallye Monte-Carlo official start FOR CAR 26 at Place du Casino.

Article first published January 25, 2024. Feature image Instagram Hannah McKillop Davison. Video: Martine Ackermann.

Did You Know?
In France, International Women’s Sports Day is held on January 24. Created in 2014 by the French CSA Audiovisual High Council, the aim of the Journée Internationale du Sport Féminin is to provide more visibility and equal representation for women’s sports in the media.

The French Broadcasting Council collaborated with the French National Olympic and Sports Committee and originally called the day 24h for Women’s Sport. The name has since changed to Sport Féminin Toujours, with the focus remaining on the advancement of women’s sport.

A nod to Scotland-based Hannah Davison, the first women’s golf club was formed at St. Andrew’s in 1867.