Le Mans Race: Tatiana Calderon Advocates Gender Equality In Motorsports

Celebrated international racing driver Tatiana Calderon recently achieved a major feat when she completed this year's Le Mans 24 Hours, a renowned racing event. After the accomplishment, the racing star also went on to call for greater gender equality in the field of motorsports.

Le Mans 24 Hours is one of the world’s oldest sports car racing events that take place annually in the town of Le Mans in France. It has been dubbed the "Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency". This year, French authorities postponed the event from June to September because of Coronavirus restrictions. In a first, the eminent race also took place without any spectators to maintain social distancing norms.

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What You Should Know: 

• International racing driver Tatiana Calderon recently completed this year's Le Mans 24 Hours, a renowned French racing car event. 
• Consequently, the racing star went on to call for more gender equality in the field of motorsports.
• Calderon said, "I don't want to be treated differently, I just want to have the same opportunities as the guys."

Tatiana Calderon’s Pursuit Of Equality

Tatiana Calderon commented that competing at the 88th edition of the prestigious racing event was an unmatched experience. However, she expressed hope for her team's involvement to pave the way for greater gender equality in the sport. The trailblazer told CNN Sport, “Times are changing but we still need support from the male part, to believe fully and to give us the opportunity to show. That's what we are missing." Furthermore, Calderon said, "I don't want to be treated differently, I just want to have the same opportunities as the guys."

At the event, Tatiana Calderon was a part of Richard Mille’s racing team. The FIA Women in Motorsport Commission set up and currently supports the team. Notably, Richard Mille’s team was one of the two all-female teams to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2020. Presently, the 27-year-old driver is a test driver for Formula One team Alfa Romeo.

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Women In Motorsports

Over the years, women have defied sexist assumptions and cemented their place in the world of motor racing. In 2019, Aishwarya Pissay became the first Indian to acquire a world title in motorsports. She took part in the FIM Bajas World Cup and stood first in the women’s category and second in the junior’s category.

In the same year, Reema Juffali became the first Saudi woman to race in the conservative Islamic state of Saudi Arabia. She also participated in the F4 British Championship at Brands Hatch. At the time, Juffali had said, “My dream is to one day race at Le Mans — a 24-hour competition in France that is one of the world’s most prestigious and gruelling.” Read more about her here.

The motor racing event of Le Mans is a true test of endurance for racers, automobile engineers, and motor manufacturers. Toyota emerged triumphant for the third year in a row at the event held on Sunday, September 27 2020.

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Tarini Gandhiok is an intern with SheThePeople.TV