A great honour for Mathilda Paatz in the FIA project "Girls on Track - Rising Stars", because the automobile world federation had a special surprise in store for the eight participants: At the first elimination competition in Franciacorta, Italy, the racing drivers were allowed to test with current Formula 4 bolides of the Prema Powerteam, which has already helped greats such as Mick Schumacher or Charles Leclerc to advance to Formula 1. As in the previous year, Paatz was able to convince the jury and secure a place in the final as one of four participants.
The 15-year-old scored not only with best times on the track, but also with athletic and mental fitness. This strong overall package was the key to the final, although the competition is not to be underestimated. "This is where the best girls in the world race to fulfil their dream of racing," says Paatz. "Everyone gives it their all and even though there is a friendly atmosphere off the track, everyone wants to hold their own against the competition."
The current Formula 4 cars were all entered by the well-known Prema Powerteam this year, so the participants had identical material at their disposal. The Italian team is regarded as a talent factory in motorsport and has already helped many young racers to advance to Formula 1. "It was an honour to test together with Prema and to gain an insight into the precise work of a professional Formula team," said Paatz happily.
At the FIA project "Girls on Track", a tight programme with physical and mental tests, media activities, technical workshops and simulator training awaited the participants. It is important to those responsible that the young female racers not only shine with fast lap times, but also make a good impression off the track. Mathilda Paatz succeeded in this again this year, so that she can continue to hope for this year's overall victory.
The Girls on Track final will take place in mid-November at the Ferrari test track in Fiorano, Italy. There, Paatz has the opportunity to receive an important promotion for the 2024 season and to compete in Formula 4 next year with the support of the Iron Dames team. "I will give everything to fulfil this dream," says Paatz, who will compete against female racers from Ecuador, Australia and Denmark in the final.
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