Latest news with #femaleDriver
Reuters
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Reuters
Formula E rookie test pits women alongside the men in Berlin
July 14 (Reuters) - Formula E would love to have a female driver back on the starting grid but, on times alone, the all-electric series' rookie test in Berlin on Monday suggested that it remained some way off. Four women took part in the test after weekend races at Tempelhof but the highest in the overall classification was Abbi Pulling, last year's F1 Academy champion and current GB3 competitor, in 17th with the Nissan team. Fellow-Briton Ella Lloyd, who competes in British F4 and F1 Academy, was 18th for McLaren and Jamie Chadwick, three-times winner of the now-defunct W Series and a Williams F1 development driver now racing in European Le Mans, was 19th for Jaguar. Bianca Bustamante of the Philippines, a GB3 racer with 1.7 million followers on Instagram, was 22nd and last for the Cupra Kiro team although the entire grid was separated by just 1.550 seconds. Italian Gabriele Mini was overall fastest for Nissan in a field that included former F1 racer Daniil Kvyat, Charles Leclerc's younger brother Arthur and leading Formula Two drivers. Formula E chief executive Jeff Dodds told Reuters ahead of the test that he was optimistic a woman would make it back onto the grid before too long. "We went from no women testing really, to 20 women in the official women's test last year and off the back of that we've actually got four women testing in the actual rookie test now in Berlin," he said. "So that's a big jump, we've made progress. "In the end the teams will make a choice based on what their objectives are in terms of building a fan base, promoting themselves as a team, bringing on sponsors and partners and being as successful as they can be. "It may not be next year but I would love over the next couple of years to see women back racing on that grid." Three women have raced in the series, which is now in its 11th season -- Britain's Katherine Legge twice in 2014, Switzerland's Simona de Silvestro started 12 times in 2015-16 and Michela Cerruti four times in 2014-15. De Silvestro is the only one to have scored points. Unlike Formula E, Formula One has not had a woman start a race since Lella Lombardi in 1976. Pulling, who was top in last year's all-female test, told Reuters recently she saw Formula E as "a really viable career path in the future". "For now I'm going to keep going up the ladder as far as possible and see where things take me," she said. "I don't have the finances to plan massively in advance so it all depends on how I perform this year."
CNA
5 days ago
- Automotive
- CNA
Formula E rookie test pits women alongside the men in Berlin
Formula E would love to have a female driver back on the starting grid but, on times alone, the all-electric series' rookie test in Berlin on Monday suggested that it remained some way off. Four women took part in the test after weekend races at Tempelhof but the highest in the overall classification was Abbi Pulling, last year's F1 Academy champion and current GB3 competitor, in 17th with the Nissan team. Fellow-Briton Ella Lloyd, who competes in British F4 and F1 Academy, was 18th for McLaren and Jamie Chadwick, three-times winner of the now-defunct W Series and a Williams F1 development driver now racing in European Le Mans, was 19th for Jaguar. Bianca Bustamante of the Philippines, a GB3 racer with 1.7 million followers on Instagram, was 22nd and last for the Cupra Kiro team although the entire grid was separated by just 1.550 seconds. Italian Gabriele Mini was overall fastest for Nissan in a field that included former F1 racer Daniil Kvyat, Charles Leclerc's younger brother Arthur and leading Formula Two drivers. Formula E chief executive Jeff Dodds told Reuters ahead of the test that he was optimistic a woman would make it back onto the grid before too long. "We went from no women testing really, to 20 women in the official women's test last year and off the back of that we've actually got four women testing in the actual rookie test now in Berlin," he said. "So that's a big jump, we've made progress. "In the end the teams will make a choice based on what their objectives are in terms of building a fan base, promoting themselves as a team, bringing on sponsors and partners and being as successful as they can be. "It may not be next year but I would love over the next couple of years to see women back racing on that grid." Three women have raced in the series, which is now in its 11th season - Britain's Katherine Legge twice in 2014, Switzerland's Simona de Silvestro started 12 times in 2015-16 and Michela Cerruti four times in 2014-15. De Silvestro is the only one to have scored points. Unlike Formula E, Formula One has not had a woman start a race since Lella Lombardi in 1976. Pulling, who was top in last year's all-female test, told Reuters recently she saw Formula E as "a really viable career path in the future". "For now I'm going to keep going up the ladder as far as possible and see where things take me," she said. "I don't have the finances to plan massively in advance so it all depends on how I perform this year."
CBS News
29-06-2025
- CBS News
2 people struck by driver at OpenStreetsPGH event
Two people were struck after a driver broke through a barricade at the OpenStreetsPGH event in Pittsburgh on Sunday. A female driver was reported to be driving along the car-free route around 11 a.m. when she allegedly struck an adult male cyclist with her vehicle's sideview mirror at the intersection of Hamilton Avenue at North Braddock Avenue, according to Pittsburgh police. The man refused medical evaluation, but did confirm to authorities that he was struck and knocked down by the mirror during the incident. The driver then proceeded along the course and struck a female cyclist near the intersection of Thomas Boulevard and Brushton Avenue. The female victim was evaluated at the scene by EMS personnel but was not transported to a hospital. After the second incident, the driver was apprehended by deputies from the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, who were assigned to patrol the event. "Several deputies from my office were assigned to the public safety detail for today's OpenStreetsPGH event in the eastern neighborhoods of the city. Three deputies were able to stop the movement of the vehicle. Once it stopped, the driver became verbally abusive and non-compliant with commands from the deputies, resulting in the driver's side window being broken, at which point the female was removed from the vehicle and taken into custody," Sheriff Kevin Kraus said in a statement. "I want to commend the quick action of these deputies to immediately intervene in a dangerous situation, preventing further escalation by this driver." Charges are expected to be filed against the driver.
BBC News
06-06-2025
- BBC News
Hunt for Sunderland crash driver who left scene on foot
Police are searching for a driver who reportedly left the scene of a two-vehicle crash on collision, involving a white Seat Ibiza and a grey BMW 340i, happened just after 22:30 BST on Saturday near Seat overturned in the crash on the A690 northbound, near the junction with the A19 at the Herrington Interchange, injuring the Police said the BMW driver was reported to have left the scene on foot and asked witnesses to get in touch. The female driver of the Seat was taken to hospital but has since been discharged. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Zawya
05-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Driving through barriers: Joan Kaitesi's journey on male-dominated roads
In the heart of Uganda's capital, 35-year-old Joan Kaitesi navigates the city's infamous traffic jams with calm determination. As a driver for the World Health Organization (WHO) Uganda country office, Joan's professionalism shines through the daily chaos of blaring horns and impatient road users. From a young age, Joan was captivated by vehicles. Inspired by action films and a childhood dream of driving tanks in war zones, Joan's fascination with big vehicles set her apart. While society often labelled her interests as 'masculine,' Joan remained steadfast, determined to forge a path in a field traditionally dominated by men. 'Being one of the older children at home, I had to act as a role model to my siblings in a challenging environment. This pushed me to work hard and never despise any job, including roles commonly reserved for men, which led me to join the driving discipline,' shares Joan, the second-born in a family of six (three girls and three boys). Her professional journey began in 2015 at the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), where she stood out as the only female among 15 applicants. Despite initial intimidation, Joan's skills and determination earned her the role, making her the first female driver at IDI. She later joined Chemonics International for five years, and then UN Women, where she expanded her responsibilities to include assisting expatriates with documentation and protocol duties. In October 2024, Joan joined WHO Uganda during a polio immunization campaign, becoming the second female driver at the country office. Joan's journey has not been without obstacles. She has faced gender stereotypes and skepticism from male colleagues and road users alike. Yet, she has consistently proven her capabilities through quick decision-making, time management, and a strong commitment to safety and professionalism. One of her most memorable moments came in 2021, during a circumcision campaign in Karamoja. When a nurse was suddenly unavailable due to an emergency, Joan stepped in to assist, showcasing her adaptability and dedication to service. Joan draws inspiration from trailblazing Ugandan women such as Justice Julia Sebutinde of the International Court of Justice and Jennifer Musisi, the first Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority. These role models have shown her that women can thrive in male-dominated spaces. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Transport and Logistics Management from Makerere University Business School, along with training in 4x4 defensive driving, first aid, and other relevant skills. Currently, Joan is pursuing further education in the same field, with the goal of becoming a fleet officer. She encourages young women to be resilient, professional, and open to continuous learning. Outside of work, Joan is a passionate advocate for healthy living. She works out three to four times a week and enjoys dancing, whether there's music or not. She also finds joy in gardening, often talking to her plants as she tends to them. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization - Uganda.
