Female engineers are still un-
derrepresented in motorsport. To
rectify this, AVL RACETECH has launched a Female Engineer
Program for AVL employees. The initiative puts AVL’s women in
pole position for a career in motor racing.
The program combines two objectives: supporting women in tech, and
diversity. AVL RACETECH already supports female racing drivers through
its ambassador program: Tatiana Calderón and the “Dakar Sistaz” Aliyyah
and Yasmeen Koloc, three strong women that represent the AVL colors
on the international motorsport stage. Tatiana is the woman who has pro-
gressed furthest in motorsport and currently races in Formula 2 – the sec-
ond highest class, after Formula 1. Aliyyah recently claimed the title in the
FIA Middle East Cup for Cross Country as the first women ever.
The Female Engineer Program offers participants the opportunity to re-
ceive training within AVL’s motorsport division while still working in their
departments and projects. From getting involved in various racing fields
to first-hand experience at the racetrack, over the course of the year they
gain a deep insight into the world of professional motorsport. In practi-
cal workshops on the topics of race engineering, simulation, testbeds and
driving simulators, the engineers acquire expertise to work in the industry.
The engineers also get to spend a longer duration working in racing teams,
with which AVL RACETECH maintains cooperations. In return, female
technicians from the respective teams will learn from AVL’s motorsport
expertise. The program starts in the first quarter of 2023. Initially, two
places are available for female AVL engineers. Depending on the success
of the program, it will be extended in years to come.
Ellen Lohr, Director Motorsport AVL, says: “The time is right for a pro-
gram like this, as motorsport has no longer been a male-only domain for a
while. However, we need more female role models. The more female engi-
neers play a visible role in motor racing, the more women will identify with
them, which can only be positive for the sport and also for AVL.”
AVL RACETECH
ambassador
Tatiana Calderón
Photos: © Dutch Photo Agency
AVL RACETECH champions
female talent in motorsport
Launch of a Female
Engineer Program
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