SHE’S POLES APART!

Speed queen Martyna Ewa Al-Qassab is proving that girls are just as fast as the boys, and often in her case, even speedier!

She became the first female driver in the history of the Bahrain International Circuit’s 2000cc Challenge to make it onto the podium in her last race.

The Polish business development executive is on the fast track to further success after clinching third place in the highly-competitive championship and aims to race straight to the top to inspire other women to participate in what, until now, has been considered locally mostly a male-dominated sport.

Al-Qassab said: “Currently I am standing in fifth place in the championship table against 16 others drivers - all men. I’m extremely pleased with making it on to the podium and being the first female to do so in Bahrain in 10 years of the 2000cc Championship.

“However, third place is just a step in the right direction for me … not an end result. I have my eyes focused on getting two steps ahead!”

Al-Qassab’s time of 1:21.341 in her silver Renault Clio is what landed her a podium finish and she is planning on breaking that time in Round Four which will be held on the circuit’s 2.550km Inner Track in Sakhir on Saturday.

She is also planning on dedicating her race challenge to her son Essa who turns one that day.

She also has a four-year-old son, Talal, who attends St Christopher’s School and is often seen supporting her at the Sakhir circuit.

The mum is also quick to praise the encouragement she has received from the Circuit Racing Club, BIC executives and her husband, Ramzi, the regional director for Sabre.

Ramzi is also racing in the competition although he entered halfway through the championship as he needed more time to rebuild his racing silver Civic and test it.

She said: “My husband’s confidence, coaching and encouragement were the driving force behind me getting involved in motor sport … that, and his love for cars and bikes.

“We started participating quite regularly in Track Days as a hobby across several circuits in the region. Then we were introduced to the championship.

“As it is a Driver’s Championship, it does not mean that the fastest car and driver will end up at the top at the end of the nine-race season. It’s more about consistency, strategy and finishing each race, and yes, of course, doing it in the fastest possible way!

“However, let me stress, you do not have to be a record-breaking driver or veteran in motor sports to enter the BIC 2000cc Championship.

“It is also important to note you may not finish first, but the best part of racing in the BIC 2000cc Championship is the vast improvement you will notice in your own ability and the quicker lap times you will see as each race goes by.

“Overall, the BIC 2000cc Championship is a great opportunity to experience the energy, atmosphere and competitive on a world-renowned circuit like the BIC.

“I personally do not know anywhere-else in the world that one can experience this type of competition supported by the most professional team at BIC and CRC, from the marshals to the scrutineers, to our Coco’s garage crew and to all the fellow drivers who are involved and passionate about motor sport.

“I personally encourage more girls to join us. Let’s one day make it a historic all-female podium!”

Aside from motivating other females to get behind the wheel in a competitive atmosphere, Al-Qassab hopes her victories will raise awareness about breast cancer and encourage men and women to race to the hospitals to get checked.

She said: “In addition to working on securing future corporate sponsorship for my Championship ambitions to set new records as a female driver, I am now primarily using the opportunity to raise awareness, promote and support the breast cancer awareness campaign by racing under the ‘Think Pink Racing’ banner.”

Her giant pink ribbon which is painted on the hood of her cool Clio has attracted onlookers and captivated drivers on-and-off the track.

“The response from fellow drivers and all supporting crew for the Think Pink campaign is very encouraging,” she added. “As we all know, breast cancer does not only impact the individual but also their family members and wider circle of friends.

“Our goal is to support each other and encourage regular check-ups for our loved ones, as the benefit of early detection can save lives. That’s why I am also racing to support Think Pink.

“I hope to see more people down on race day to cheer us on and please come over and say ‘hi’ and meet my cute Clio Think Pink Racing car.”

And she has a message for any miserable males who think women are better with a washing machine than behind the wheel of a mean machine. “Those that may say some lady drivers might not be as good as men, may need to ask themselves who is the legendary Michèle Mouton,” Al-Qassab said: “And if they still don’t believe there are great women drivers, come and put your skills to the test by enrolling in the championship!”

To support Think Pink Racing and find out more, follow her on Instagram @teammarte

Editor’s note: Michèle Mouton is a French former rally driver. Competing in the World Rally Championship for the Audi factory team, she took four victories and finished runner-up in the drivers’ world championship in 1982.