Hyundai Motorsport co-driver Enni Mälkönen was front and center as the FIA successfully held its Girls on Track initiative at Secto Rally Finland for the second year running.
Launched in 2018, Girls on Track offers girls and young women the opportunity to explore the world of motorsport, both as a hobby and as a potential career.
The program is held annually in different countries and aims to lower the barrier of entry for young women into the sport by showcasing its many pathways and opportunities.
Visiting the Rally Finland service park in Jyväskylä last week, girls aged between 12-18 were in attendance as Mälkönen – a WRC2 champion and overall stage winner in the World Rally Championship – took part in a Q&A session, explaining her career backstory.
Finnish racing driver Emma Kimiläinen – formerly a W Series competitor and now taking part in E1 Series – was also on-hand to share her experience. Participants were also able to get hands on at Printsport’s service area, looking at the various mechanical parts of the rally car and practicing tire changes.
FIA road sport director, Emilia Abel, told DirtFish: “It’s important to show anyone who has interest or initiative to join motorsport that they can do it. Girls as young as 12 years old were here today, learning about possible pathways for them.
“Finland for sure is also special in this context because from the stages to the number of scrutineers, you have a lot of women performing these roles. The gender equality in this country is very strong.
“FIA Girls on Track shows the wider perspective of motorsport; it’s not only about being a driver or a co-driver. There are plenty of positions around the team, the organization and the FIA, so all you need is to show your motivation, invest some dedication, and the doors are open to you.”
