Alpine launches 'Rac(H)er' road map to female drivers and engineers

Alpine has announced the launch of its 'Race(H)er' programme dedicated to increasing female representation in all sectors of its company.

Alpine says the transformative programme aims to take advantage of a pool of female talent whose skills and experience are a real "performance differentiator".

And as part the Renault Group's efforts to boost diversity within its ranks, the BWT Alpine F1 Team will introduce a comprehensive programme to increase female representation, including within its driver roster.

Alpine says that at present, females make up just 12% of its workforce.

• Read also: Ocon wants to see 'lion' Alonso stay at Alpine in 2023

But thanks to its 'Rac(H)er' platform the brand aims to progressively increase that quota to 30% females over five years, thanks in part to an investment in local STEM programmes that encourage women to enter the scientific and technical fields and to pursue them in the long term.

But on the racing front, Alpine's driver academy aims to identify, from an early age, young female karters who want to enter Formula 1.

The programme will deploy "a comprehensive roadmap to set out racing plans, testing plans, physical training plans and mental training programs to support the progression of these talents".

"Our role, as a Formula 1 team and a brand of the Renault Group is to commit to making our ecosystem more inclusive and making diversity our strength," explained Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi.

"We are aware of the need for a profound transformation of both the sport and the industry so that all talents can flourish in the future.

"By launching Rac(H)er, this long-term transformation programme, we hope to be joined by all the players in the sector, because it is only by uniting that we will be able to make real progress. And that would be our real success."

Claire Mesnier, Alpine Human Resources VP added: "With Rac(H)er, we want to create a true meritocracy and not just move statistics.

"We have designed a unique, long-term programme that relies on the commitment of all Alpine employees.

"The challenge is to encourage reflection within the teams but also to put in place concrete means to move things forward both within the company.

"We commit to doing this in all areas of the company and are leading by example.

"Fifty percent of the Alpine Management Committee are now female – not because this is a quota but because they are the best in their field of expertise to lead the role and its responsibilities."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter