Driving change: FIA join DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit

Four FIA leaders have joined the line up for the DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit in May. 

Emilia Abel (FIA Junior Road Sport Director), Erin Bourke (FIA Project Leader, United Against Online Abuse), Marina Duñach (FIA Rally Category Manager) and Pernilla Solberg (WRC Commission President) will take part in the fourth annual DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit at LeMay – America’s Car Museum (Tacoma, Washington) on Saturday May 24. 

The Women in Motorsport Summit is an annual event which brings together inspiring female leaders from across the motorsport community. This year’s event will also welcome former Williams F1 Team Principal, Claire Williams, European Rally Championship Driver Aoife Raftery, ARA Champion Lia Block, and Trans-Am Racing driver Michele Abbate. 

DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit coordinator Josie Rimmer said: “To work alongside world motorsport’s governing body, to bring these four women to the Summit, it’s a demonstration of what we’ve achieved since we started on this road in 2022.  

“It’s an absolute honour to have Emilia, Erin, Marina and, of course, our great friend Pernilla with us this year. Together, these four have some of the most powerful voices in world motorsport and their message is going to come through loud and clear on May 24.” 

As Junior Road Sport Director, Emilia leads on rallying, rallycross and cross-country at the FIA. During the event, she will share her thoughts on the future of the World Rally Championship and explain more about her route to the top of the sport.   

Emilia said: “Motorsport should be inclusive, and supporting women in the sport helps bring fresh perspectives and talent. It’s about breaking down barriers and ensuring everyone has the chance to succeed, regardless of gender.  

“The Summit offers a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to furthering diversity and inclusion in the sport. I’m looking forward to the discussions and the chance to share insights with others who are passionate about the future of motorsport.” 

Erin leads on the FIA’s groundbreaking United Against Online Abuse campaign. UAOA aims to improve awareness around  the scale and impact of online abuse in sport. Erin will explore the campaign’s research, and its vision for the future, during her talk at the event.  

Erin said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit. Events like this provide an essential platform to connect, share experiences, celebrate successes and empower more women to thrive in motorsport at every level and in every competition.” 

Meanwhile, Marina will take the opportunity to delve into some of the opportunities and challenges in rally during her contributions at the Women in Motorsport Summit.  

Marina said: “There are so many brilliant women in rally, but we still have a way to go before we achieve parity with men in our sport. It’s vital that we keep this conversation live by coming together, sharing our stories, learning from each other and inspiring women to join and stay in our sport. 

“I am delighted to have been invited to speak at the DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit. I’ve followed this event since it launched, so it’s exciting to join the 2025 line-up, and be a part of the conversations changing the face of our sport.”  

Pernilla Solberg is now in her second year as WRC Commission president. She is looking forward to making her return to the DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit – where she will continue to highlight the importance of building opportunities for women across the sporting ecosystem.  

“I am super-excited to be back at the DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit,” Pernilla said. “This is my third time and I am so proud of Josie [Rimmer] and what she has accomplished. Her passion, dedication and determination to make a difference for women in motorsport is why I want to come back, her initiative is just amazing.  

“The Summit is a great opportunity to hear from different voices in motorsport, to network and to meet new people. I look forward to seeing you out there!”