Young Female Karter Wins Funded Drive

Lucile Cypriano said: “I am obviously delighted to have won this selection. I have learnt many things and being able to receive the advice of Cathy and Yvan Muller was a privilege. They are so experienced with karts and cars; they are enthusiasts and enjoy sharing their knowledge. I wish to thank the Women & Motor Sport Commission and the CIK-FIA for having implemented this selection and for enabling me to compete this season in the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy. I look forward to starting!”
 
Working in association with the FIA’s National Sporting Authorities around the globe, nine aspiring female kart racers were invited to attend a two-day assessment process in Geneva, Switzerland. The youngsters, all 15 years of age or younger, were put through their paces both physically and mentally, taking part in activities designed to assess their movement, agility and reflexes, the reaction of their bodies to stress, as well as their knowledge of karting history and sporting regulations. The second day the young karters took to the wheel at the Scientrier circuit to demonstrate their speed and racing ability.
 
The jury - which among others included Commission President and former vice FIA World Rally Champion Michèle Mouton, 1986 Karting Champion of Europe and double World Champion in the FIA World Touring Car Championship Yvan Muller, and former European Kart Champion Cathy Muller - unanimously selected Lucile as the winner of the 2011 CIK-FIA shoot-out. Lucile had the honour of receiving her award from FIA President Jean Todt.
 
Michèle Mouton said: “Lucile displayed a high level of perseverance, agility and speed of reaction, as well as a great capacity for adaptation, concentration and stress management. She was also fastest on the track and we feel her potential for progression is considerable. The level of competition was high and we wish all these young karters success for the future.”
 
The 2011 CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy takes place over three races, in addition to the official pre-season test session in June. Following the success of the series, the entry has been increased from 34 to 51 karts this season, and each of the other 50 competitors will represent a different country, providing a truly international competition. All competitors will compete on equal terms in Parolin-FIM-LeCont karts provided by the official equipment supplier.