Iron Dames' Historic Race Victory

Historic Win for Iron Dames

The Iron Dames, a team consisting of Sarah Bovy, Michelle Gatting, and Rahel Frey, made history by becoming the first all-female crew to win an FIA World Endurance Championship race. The team claimed pole position in the 8 Hours of Bahrain and went on to win the endurance race at the Sakhir circuit, driving their No.85 Porsche 911 RSR to victory. They beat the No.777 D'Station Racing-run Aston Martin, driven by Tomonobu Fujii, Casper Stevenson, and Liam Talbot, by a margin of five seconds.

A Vindication for Women in Motorsport

This victory is a significant milestone for women in motorsport and a vindication of the belief that men and women can compete equally in the sport. The success of the Iron Dames is a result of the collaboration between the Michéle Mouton-led FIA Women In Motorsport Commission and projects such as Richard Mille Racing and Iron Dames, which have provided women with quality equipment and equal opportunities to showcase their talent.

The Dawn of a New GTE Era

The 8 Hours of Bahrain race was the final race of the GTE era, which is one of three classes in the FIA World Endurance Championship, alongside the fastest Hypercar division and the second-tier LMP2 prototypes. The Iron Dames' victory in this highly competitive class further demonstrates their skill and determination.

Deborah Mayer: A Visionary's Take

Deborah Mayer, the founder of the Iron Dames team, expressed her joy and emotion at the historic win, stating, 

May this day inspire other women around the world to never give up on what they believe in". 

The success of the Iron Dames has already had a positive impact on the sport, with several teams announcing plans to run all-female crews in the future.

Sarah Bovy: 

This is a dream come true. I have always wanted to win an FIA World Endurance Championship race, and to do it as part of an all-female team makes it even more special. I am so grateful to Michelle, Rahel, and the entire team for their support."

Rahel Frey: 

This is an amazing achievement for the Iron Dames. We have shown that women can compete at the highest level in motorsport. I am so proud of Michelle and Sarah, and of the entire team. This is a victory for us all."

Challenges Ahead: Addressing the Gender Gap

While the Iron Dames' victory is a cause for celebration, there is still work to be done to address the gender performance gap in motorsport. A recent report by More Than Equal identified two key challenges for female drivers: the participation gap and the performance gap. To have more women competing at the top end consistently, the sport needs more women racing at grassroots levels and continuing up the ladder.

Inspiration and the Road Forward

The Iron Dames' historic win serves as inspiration for women in motorsport and a reminder of the progress that can be made when women are provided with equal opportunities and support. As the sport continues to evolve, it is crucial to foster an inclusive environment that allows all drivers to showcase their talent, regardless of gender.