Formula 1

New major partnership confirmed by Dare To Be Different

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The Dare To Be Different project, which is headed up by former Williams Martini Racing Test Driver Susie Wolff alongside the MSA (Motor Sport Association), was set up to inspire, connect, showcase and develop female talent within male-dominated environments & professions.

The idea has received strong backing since its launch back in January 2016, with many female icons in the motorsport world getting onboard. The likes of Claire Williams, Rachel Brookes and Alice Powell have all been confirmed as ambassadors, and the project is already going full steam ahead, having just announced a major new partnership that has pledged its backing to what it considers a very worthwhile venture.

The Formula One group of companies (Formula 1® Group), Just Marketing International (JMI) and Pirelli, join Unilever’s Sure brand as supporting partners for the ground breaking project as it builds its reputation as an exciting movement to be a part of. Wolff confirmed her delight at how well the project had been received so far.

“Given that we are still in the infancy of this project, to have such influential and big-name brands as the Formula 1® Group, JMI and Pirelli pledge their support is a ringing endorsement. The fact that they and our existing partners all believe in Dare To Be Different’s vision and ethos will provide a huge boost to young girls and women contemplating a career in motor sport.  

“Dare To Be Different is all about overturning perceptions that this is a man’s sport, and about driving home the message that women can be every bit as successful as their male counterparts, whether that is behind the wheel, in front of the camera or in the engineering workshop. We are confident that the Formula 1® Group, JMI and Pirelli will help us to spread that message and make it easier for future generations of female talent to forge their own paths.”

The Dare To Be Different network plans to host headline events exclusively for its Community members, giving girls and women across the country chance to come face to face with its Ambassadors. Their inaugural event, held at Daytona Sandown Park in Surrey last month, proved extremely popular, giving 100 schoolgirls the chance to experience every element of motorsport, from driving and engineering to media skills, fitness and nutrition.

Daytona provided Honda-powered 160cc Cadet and 200cc junior karts for the event, so the girls could experience racing first hand as well as competing in a tyre-changing pit-stop challenge. A Williams F1 car was on show for technical tours and photo opportunities, and Sky F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham taught the girls techniques of interviewing. Every base was well and truly covered!

Due to the initial events popularity, four further events have now been planned and will take place at the following venues:

  • 17 May, Nutts Corner, Crumlin, Northern Ireland
  • 22 June, Daytona Milton Keynes, Milton Keynes
  • 25 August, Knockhill Circuit, Fife, Scotland
  • 15 September, Daytona Manchester, Manchester
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