Iron Dames: a project gaining momentum
As the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans approaches, significant progress has been made to promote the role of women in motorsport. The Iron Dames team (Porsche No. 85) is well on track to establish itself permanently in the motorsport scene.
Iron Dames and their trio of women are emerging as contenders for victory in the GTE-AM category for the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Since 2018, under the leadership of Déborah Mayer, the women’s structure of Iron Lynx has gained some notoriety in the endurance paddocks. Partly thanks to the drivers. What has allowed us to progress is mainly a consistent choice of our drivers, says the president of the women’s commission in motorsport. The girls who are with us have been integrated into the team for their experience and talent. And we hope to make them sources of inspiration for the next generations.
It is also worth noting that Iron Dames starts its detection program from karting. Young female talent, such as Doriane Pin, will then be more easily identified.
The Italian stable now competes in the elite of endurance racing, around the world. For Sarah Bovy, one of the three drivers, it is difficult to choose my favorite circuit! I love Fuji and the Circuit of the Americas, for example. Actually, it doesn’t matter, since the pink Porsche has already secured a pole position at Sebring this season. And it even seems that victory is not far away.
« We know that we are capable of playing pole position in most races,” analyzes the other driver, Michelle Gatting. « We have already had the immense joy of winning the 24 Hours of Spa in the Gold Cup category, and it is our biggest highlight. Obviously, we hope to do even more.
Is this a good sign for Le Mans?
This weekend, the Iron Dames will have the opportunity to compete in GTE-AM, despite missing out on the Hyperpole. Nevertheless, the various practice sessions have brought satisfaction to the N°85 team.
« Overall, our tests went well,” said Swiss driver Rahel Frey, with a big smile. « But we think our opponents are still hiding a little bit.” “» Before Michelle Gatting adds: « We also have some tricks up our sleeve.”
The other aspect that can come into play is the new organization of restarts under the Safety Car: instead of three safety cars, only one will gather everyone and line up the cars in category order. For Déborah Mayer, it remains to be seen whether it works or not and if it creates opportunities. But it’s very different from before.
And Rahel Frey concludes: « the feedback is good regarding the tests that have been conducted for this new rule. This will require us to maximize everything we can, but the effects on the race could be better than expected. »
