Sara Price takes double Stage wins in Rally du Maroc in T4 category AND showdown looms in Final Round of F1 Academy in Austin, Texas this coming weekend. Such milestones achieved by these women competing in their respective categories leaves no doubt that female empowerment has the capabilities to move racing careers in upward trajectory.
With Price recording astounding result in debut entry of the World Rally Championship, the American has proved winning remains top of the agenda supported by co-driver Jeremy Gray. As Sara states, winning Road to Dakar card post victory in 2023 Baja 500 was the final piece of what has been a grueling amount of hard work, determination, and strong sense of self-belief to not only race in preparation for Dakar Rally, but compete in the iconic 14 day event, in January 2024.
Posting a winning time in Stage 3 in Rally du Maroc of 3.48:26, a mere 24 seconds ahead of team-driver’s Joao Ferreira and Palmeiro the South Racing Can Am duo will leave nothing on the sand and rocky terrain of the Rally heading into the final Stages 4 and 5.
Equally impressive in T3 category is Spanish sensation Cristina Gutierrez gaining P3 in Stage 3 with co-driver Pablo Moreno Haute. Known for her die-hard work ethic to maximize car performance, whether racing the all-electric Extreme E Series, Dakar Rally, or the preparatory Rally du Maroc, Gutierrez pushes her capabilities to the limits against competitive rivals on track.
Saudi driver Dania Akeel has embraced the challenge of cementing her place amongst top tier of T3 female driver’s, posting P9 in Stage 3 for P8 overall, with 2 Stages remaining. Akeel has surely confirmed her deft hand behind the wheel, finishing P28 in 2023 Dakar Rally, with eyes firmly fixed on re-setting her results for Dakar ‘024.
The Final Round of F1 Academy looks set to be a doozer. In what has been a plethora of sleeps between Round 6 at Le Castellet on July 29 – 30 to the Final Round at Austin, Texas, a huge 12 weeks later and the stage is set for all 5 Teams with accompanying 15 driver’s to line-up and race 3x as support category in Formula One United States Grand Prix on October 20 – 22.
Leading the F1 Academy Championship table is Spanish driver Marta Garcia, Prema Racing. Posting 6 wins with last victories at Round 6 in Monza in R2 and 3, Garcia will surely be geared to cement her standing top of the podium.
Nearest rival for the debut F1 Academy Title is Lena Buhler, ART Grand Prix standing on 187 points to Marta’s 235, with Hamda Al Qubaisi MP Motorsport on P3 overall, with 179 points. With a total of 7 different driver’s taking wins from the Opening Round in Spielberg, to the track infamously known as the Temple of Speed, Races 1 -3 will command great focus, even greater aptitude on track as each driver makes the most of the opportunity to race within the prestige and status of F1.
And, the success of F1 Academy gaining entry to race within the programme of Formula One Lenova United States Grand Prix has to be the highest level of exposure women have reached in single-seater racing. For the first time this season, racing will be televised live across 18 broadcasters, as precursor for what is in store for the all-female F1 Academy Championship heading into 2024.
For 15 driver’s, F1 Academy confirms 10 F1 Teams will nominate one driver and have their livery on one car within F1 Academy in 2024. The remaining 5 driver’s – all yet to be confirmed – will be supported by partners across 5 Teams: ART Grand Prix, Campos Racing, MP Motorsport, PREMA Racing, and Rodin-Carlin. Each Team has 3 cars, 3 driver’s, and as announced 10 driver’s will have a door opened into F1 Team Branding.
This is a huge step forward. Never before have women gained entry into F1 Team association, and never before have women racing single-seater had the opportunity to advance their learning, experience, knowledge, and race-craft directly under the watchful eyes of Formula One Teams, fans, and followers. Hence, F1 Academy Final Round at Austin, Texas, will be climatic for 18 women lined up on the track.
Rally du Maroc Stages 4 and 5 October 17 – 18. F1 Academy Round 7, Austin, Texas, October 20 – 22.
Header photo: Sara Price competing in Rally du Maroc 2023 Image: South Racing Can-Am.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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