Now Reading: Formula E targets female championship drivers within three years
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Formula E targets female championship drivers within three years
Formula E aims to have female drivers competing at championship level within the next two to three years, chief executive Jeff Dodds said on Friday. The all-electric series plans to announce a…
The Story in Brief
Formula E aims to have female drivers competing at championship level within the next two to three years, chief executive Jeff Dodds said on Friday. The all-electric series plans to announce a major expansion of its women’s programme, which has so far included a test allowing female drivers to experience current cars alongside race drivers.
Formula E has featured three female competitors since 2014, compared with two in Formula One’s 76-year history. Switzerland’s Simona de Silvestro was the most recent, racing in 2016. Dodds said teams were responding favourably to plans for greater involvement, but warned that their support and investment would be needed. The announcement comes before Formula E introduces its quicker, lighter Gen 4 car.
The Indian Opinion
The easy claim that women simply lack the ability to race at the top ignores the access gap described by Dodds. But announcing a programme is not the same as creating a championship driver. Formula E will need to show how many women receive competitive seats, testing time and development support, rather than relying on promotional tests. The clearest measure will be whether a woman joins the championship grid within the promised two to three years.
Sources (2): economictimes.indiatimes.com, sportstar.thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
