Ferrari extends 'Girls On Track' detection scheme with FIA

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Ferrari announced on Wednesday that it has extended its 'Girls On Track' scheme with the FIA until the end 2023 and formed a partnership with Deborah Mayer's Iron Dames.

Last year, the FIA collaborated with Ferrari for its 'Girls On Track-Rising Stars' talent detection program that saw 16-year-old Maya Weug become the first ever woman to join the prestigious Ferrari Driver Academy.

This year's renewed partnership between the governing body's Women in Motorsport Commission and the Scuderia will double to four the number of prospects that will potentially be admitted into the FDA.

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Furthermore, Weug will make her single-seater racing debut in the Italian Formula 4 championship in May in an Iron Dames car.

"Further value to this renewed partnership comes courtesy of a collaboration with the Iron Dames project, led by Deborah Mayer, who for many years has been at the forefront of promoting motorsport for women at the wheel of Prancing Horse cars," explained Ferrari.

"The French driver, who has competed in the Ferrari Challenge and GT races, as well as taking part in Ferrari Corse Clienti’s XX Programmes, is determined that her project will be a success.

"For this reason, she has decided to support the “Girls On Track – Rising Stars” initiative by making a car available from her own Iron Lynx racing team, for the FDA young women to race under the Iron Dames banner."

"Over the past few months, after the conclusion of the first edition of the 'FIA Girls On Track – Rising Stars' programme in Maranello, we have received a tremendous amount of support from all over the world," added Ferrari racing director Laurent Mekies.

"It is fantastic to see the positive energy that this programme has generated, and we are aware of our responsibilities, together with the FIA, to continue to ensure its growth and to always increase the opportunities for women around the world to engage with motor racing.

"In this context it is with great pleasure that we welcome Iron Dames and Deborah Mayer as a long-term partner of the Ferrari Driver Academy for the FIA's “Girls On Track - Rising Stars" programme.

"We will be aiming to best support Maya in this first year of racing with Deborah's team in the Italian F4 Championship certified by FIA."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.