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11.07.2022
The Iron Dames, the all-female team shaking up the world of motorsport, have become the first women-only driver team to clinch a podium in the FIA’s World Endurance Championship (WEC). Part of the Italian racing team Iron Lynx, and backed by Motul, the Iron Dames finished in second place at last weekend’s 6 Hours of Monza endurance race.
The team also made history before the race when Sarah Bovy clinched pole position in qualifying, the first woman to ever do so in the 10 years the WEC has been running.
Driving the #85 Ferrari 488 GTE, Belgian racer Sarah Bovy led from the start of the race and battled hard to maintain position during the opening stints, which were full of incident. The pace continued in the hands of Michelle Gatting, as the Danish racer looked to consolidate the leading fight before handing over to Rahel Frey.
The Swiss driver continued to push hard in the latter stages as the Iron Dames Ferrari fought for overall victory. Michelle resumed racing duties for the final stages of the race, and ultimately brought the car home in a sensational second place, finishing the weekend in style and recording the team’s best ever result in the series.
“This weekend has been one that the team will never forget. Aside from both cars finishing in the top four in today’s race, the Iron Dames have made history not once but twice – something we are very proud of.
“Scoring the team’s historic pole position yesterday, there is no doubt that Sarah, Michelle, and Rahel showed enough speed to win today. The car led most of the race, and all three drivers showed experience and great car management to bring the team an excellent second-place finish.”
Speaking about the importance of quality lubricants to see you to the end of an endurance race, Rahel Frey, said: “It’s very important. One little mistake or technical issue can cost a lot of time and potentially a very good result. In WEC, we only have five race weekends a year, so even one little issue could cost us the championship immediately. We are really happy and appreciative that we can count on reliable long-term partnerships. Knowing each other definitely helps a lot. So, thank you very much to Motul.”
“ The whole team and I are so proud of the history that we created this past weekend at Monza, scoring the first female pole position in the FIA WEC qualifying, and then following it up with the first all-female line up on the podium during Sunday’s race. There are so many factors involved in our success and I’d like to thank everyone who contributed... We must also thank our partners that make all this possible, such as Motul, who provide our engines with the best lubricants that keep our cars performing at the highest level in the heat of battle."
The 2022 FIA World Endurance Championship continues at the 6 Hours of Fuji in Japan on the 11th of September, when we hope to see the Iron Dames build on their incredible achievement at Monza.
