More than Equal launches driver development programme with first female cohort

More than Equal has announced its first group of female drivers for its driver development programme.

Confirmed:

• The inaugural cohort will consist of Ivonn Simeonova, Katrina Thung, Kristýna Kalistová, Lana Flack, Laura Bubenová, and Skye Parker
• Aged between 13 and 14, the drivers will be supported by More than Equal to maximise their potential
• A further four drivers under the age of 13 have also been identified, but will be allowed to develop further before joining the full programme

Context:

More than Equal is an independent global motorsport initiative formed to find and develop the first female Formula One world champion. This programme is the first step towards achieving that goal, with the cohort selected using advanced metrics and data analysis.

The programme takes an Olympic-style approach to both early talent detection and to providing an age-appropriate high-performance environment designed to maximise the potential of the female athlete. More than Equal drivers will be supported in becoming the best prepared young female drivers ever in motorsport as they prepare to climb the ranks.

Comment:

Ali Donnelly, chief executive at More than Equal, said: “This is just the beginning of a journey for this group and for our programme, and together we want to show that with the right support early in their career, we can accelerate the development of talented female drivers so that they can have an equal opportunity to reach the top of the sport.

“Our drivers will benefit from a programme that has been designed with female athletes in mind from the very start, when too often girls have had to navigate programmes and systems in motorsport that were built entirely for boys. Our programme will be highly relevant to young female drivers with potential, applying the latest in sports science to their age and gender.”

Coming next:

As part of the programme launch, the inaugural driver cohort will travel to the world-renowned Wurz Test and Training Center in Saalfeden, Austria. The circuit will host More than Equal’s first training and assessment camp from 16th to 18th May.

Go deeper:

• ‘We are making steps, but we are not there yet’: Analysing the state of play for women in motorsport
• Claire Williams exclusive interview: Why she misses F1, watching Williams from afar, and providing opportunities for women