In a breakthrough moment for her career, F1 Academy inaugural champion Marta García has joined the Iron Dames programme, becoming the 12th supported female racing driver by the ground-breaking project.
In a breakthrough moment for her career, 2023 F1 Academy champion Marta García has announced she will join the Iron Dames program, becoming the 12th female driver in the project roster - and 20th athlete after the expansion beyond motor racing.
García, 23, secured the crown in the inaugural season of F1 Academy with two races to spare, following a highly competitive and consistent season with Prema Racing, which saw the Spaniard taking seven wins, 12 podiums, 6 pole positions and 7 fastest laps over the seven triple headers. This accomplishment resulted in F1 Academy announcing a progression path for its inaugural champion, who received a fully-funded opportunity to step up to Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine - again with Prema Racing.
García will in fact graduate to FRECA in 2024 and will continue on the single seater ladder.
Her deal with Iron Dames represents a further significant moment for her career, as the project founded by Deborah Mayer continues to expand across motorsport.
"I am delighted to become an Iron Dame," Marta commented. "It's a great opportunity for me, for my present and future. I'm aware of how much the Iron Dames programme has done for women in motorsport and I'm incredibly proud to join the squad."
Starting from an all female crew in endurance racing, Iron Dames now have a consistent presence at top level of sports cars, in series like FIA WEC, IMSA, European Le Mans Series, Michelin Le Mans Cup, F1 Academy, rallying as well as international karting.
While Rahel Frey, Michelle Gatting and Sarah Bovy continue to be pillars of the project in GT racing - with Doriane Pin combining GT and single seater competitions from 2024 - new recruits include Karen Gaillard and Célia Martin, Sarah Rumeau, Julie Amblard, Natalia Granada, Victoria Farfus and Mia Oger.
Iron Dames therefore remain committed to pave the way for talented female drivers, providing a platform for development and unwavering support and professionalism.
The signing of Marta García is also testament of the Iron Dames' renewed commitment in single seaters after Doriane Pin's formula debut in 2024.
"Marta brings a wealth of talent and experience to our family and we are confident that she will make a significant impact on and off the track", said Deborah Mayer. "Her arrival marks another exciting chapter in the Iron Dames journey. As we continue to grow, we remain true to our commitment to provide a supportive environment for female athletes to flourish and excel in competitive racing, and in doing so inspire others."
Born in 2000, García's career started aged 10 and soon became one of the most promising karting talents in the world, with prestigious titles including the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy and the Trofeo delle Industrie in 2015. The Valencian then stepped up to single seaters in 2016 in the Spanish F4 championship, but budget constraints slowed down her progress until she was picked up by W Series in 2019. In the all female series García collected one victory and four podiums across three seasons.
"I'm looking forward to working together this year and I hope to really get the best out of every chance we will have this season", García concluded. Currently in pre-season testing, her FRECA season will get underway on 11-12 May at Hockenheimring, Germany, for the first of ten double headers.