Laura Camps is set to make her car racing debut in the Indian Racing League, as the Spaniard joins Hyderabad Blackbirds for the upcoming campaign.
Former Ferrari Driver Academy driver Laura Camps is set to make her racing debut in cars at this weekend's Indian Racing League season opener at Madras International Circuit, Chennai. The 18 year old will be joining the ranks of Hyderabad Blackbirds, replacing Lola Lovinfosse.
Born in 2005 in Calella, Spain, Camps won the second edition of the prestigious FIA Girls On Track - Rising Stars programme, securing a spot in the Ferrari Driver Academy for the 2022 season together with Maya Weug – the inaugural winner of the selection aimed at the most promising female racing drivers globally between the ages of 12 and 16.
In 2022, Laura completed a testing program in Formula 4 machinery with Iron Lynx – but she parted ways with Ferrari at the end of the season, ultimately missing the opportunity to make her racing debut in F4.
In 2022, Camps continued to race in karting as well, contesting top international competitions such as the WSK Super Masters Series. In 2023, she returned to the Spanish Karting Championship (CEK), while she continued to explore opportunities in race cars.
At the end of the year, Camps was signed to Hyderabad Blackbirds for the second edition of the Indian Racing League – a series that has put India back on the international motorsport map thanks to its innovative format. The six teams will in fact feature a mix of international and local talents, as well as at least one female driver per line up. The concept is designed to develop India's growing motorsport scene, alongside world renowned drivers.
Hyderabad Blackbirds secured last year's driver's championship with Akhil Rabindra, who raced alongside Le Mans star Neel Jani. Replacing Lola Lovinfosse, Laura Camps joins Rabdindra, Jani – who will alternate behind the wheel with Alvaro Parente – and Anindith Reddy.
The other female drivers involved in the series are Fabienne Wohlwend, Sarah Moore, Nicole Havrda, Gabriela Jilkova, and, from the second round onwards, Chloe Chong.
Initially scheduled at the Hyderabad Street Circuit, the first round of the IRL 2023 season will be held at Madras International Circuit on 4-5 November. Each weekend features practice sessions, two 10 minute qualifyings and two races – one for each driver sharing the car.