Nearly a decade ago, a young girl in Perambra, a rural area in Kozhikode, Kerala, was swayed by the world of motorsports. The thrill of speed, the precision of control, and the sheer determination of it all sparked a dream that would soon mark history. That girl, Salva Marjan, transformed her fascination into a lifelong ambition. Now, at 25, she stands on the brink of history, poised to become the first woman from Kerala to participate in the Formula 1 Academy organised by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) in January 2025.
Rising Through the Ranks: From Formula LGB to F4
Salva's journey into the world of formula racing began in India with Formula LGB, a popular entry-level racing series. Her drive and dedication quickly qualified her into the F4 Indian Championship in 2023, where she made her mark with an impressive performance. That same year, she also competed in the F4 UAE Championship, completing 150 laps, 119 of which she finished successfully. Despite her relatively late start in 2018, Salva's unyielding passion and natural talent allowed her to quickly rise to the top ranks of the F4 circuit in India.
Recognising the need for advanced training and greater opportunities, Salva recently relocated to the United Arab Emirates. Here, she is perfecting her skills and preparing rigorously for her next big challenge: the F1 Academy.
A Self-Made Racer: Overcoming Financial and Social Hurdles
Salva’s path to success has been anything but smooth. The high costs associated with F4 training posed a significant obstacle, delaying her dream for years. A graduate in business management, Salva took on multiple jobs and even ventured into entrepreneurship, all to accumulate enough savings to fund her racing aspirations While her family—father Chembra Panachingal Kunjamu, mother Subaida, and siblings Sahla, Sinan, and Sabith—remained supportive, they faced criticism from others in their community. Traditional views on gender roles led to unsolicited advice about how girls should behave and the risks they should avoid. However, Salva's parents never wavered in their support.
“They were lectured on how to bring up girls, how girls were not supposed to take up such risks or be so independent. But my parents never differentiated between us based on our gender. Neither did they set any limits for me,” Salva proudly shared with The Hindu.
In a sport traditionally dominated by men, Salva is acutely aware of the challenges women face. The physical demands are indeed exhausting, with temperatures inside a racing car often soaring to 40°C. The braking pressure required on curves can range from 60 to 100 kg, and racers can lose up to 4 kg of body weight during a race.
Salva’s journey has not been without setbacks. She has experienced crashes, spins, and disappointing performances in some races. There were moments when she considered giving up, but her passion for racing always pulled her back.
Looking Ahead: The F1 Academy and Beyond
Today, Salva Marjan is the brand ambassador for Next Level Racing, a brand that partially sponsors her training expenses. The prospect of qualifying from the F1 Academy excites her, not only for the prestige but also because it would alleviate the financial burden that has long weighed on her ambitions.
Salva’s ultimate goal is to represent India in Formula 1, breaking new ground for women in motorsport and inspiring the next generation of racers. With her determination, resilience, and unrelenting passion, Salva Marjan is not just chasing her dream—she is paving the way for future female racers from Kerala and beyond.
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