AVL RACETECH and More than Equal partner to offer best-in-class sim training for female drivers

The program, co-founded by David Coulthard, aims to find and develop the next female Formula 1 World Champion.

AVL RACETECH, a global motorsport technology company working with over 17 race series and specializing in engineering, testing, simulation, and manufacturing, has announced a partnership with More than Equal.

More than Equal is a data-led organization dedicated to finding and developing female driving talent. AVL RACETECH will support the driver development program which they offer high potential young female drivers, with two dedicated "AVL SIM Camps".

Over the next year, More than Equal’s development drivers, made up of six highly talented girls aged 13 and 14, will receive exclusive access to a guided intensive program using the professional AVL driving simulators at the company’s headquarters in Graz, Austria. The full-motion driving simulators will allow the drivers to hone their skills in a safe but realistic environment. Under the watchful eye of AVL RACETECH engineers, they will explore the limits of their own ability, test the handling on unfamiliar tracks, and fine-tune their feel for challenging environmental and car conditions – far beyond what is possible at the racetrack, including driver evaluation with biosensors.

During the AVL SIM Camp, the young drivers will also participate in race car engineering workshops which aim to increase their understanding of the relationships required between the drivers and the engineers. The rising stars will get to know the work processes of the engineers and mechanics and develop a wider knowledge of engineering topics such as set-up and data analysis.

The AVL SIM Camps are part of detailed and systematic development program that is being delivered by More than Equal, which is aimed at preparing the participants for the competition in the Formula 4 series as a first steppingstone on their journey to F1. Starting with technical and psychological coaching, it includes visits to training races and several hands-on driving camps, as well as intensive screenings and performance reviews.

This year's More than Equal driver cohort is made up of six talented female racing drivers from all over the world, selected amongst hundreds of female applicants. Among them is Laura Bubenová from Slovakia, who is already an AVL Associated Driver. “I feel honored to have the opportunity to further develop my skills with professionals from More than Equal and AVL RACETECH,” says the 14-year-old.

Ali Donnelly, CEO at More than Equal, said: “Supporting our female drivers as they transition from karting to F4 is not just about racing; it's about empowering them with the tools, technology, and knowledge they need to excel. We are excited to partner with AVL RACETECH to offer hands-on engineering insights and personalized simulator training that will help them not only compete but thrive. We're committed to fostering a new generation of talent, where female drivers have the opportunity to reach their full potential on and off the track.”

Ellen Lohr, Director Motorsport at AVL, added: ”Our collaboration with `More than Equal` is another example of how we put our efforts for more diversity into practice. AVL RACETECH is committed to more equity in motorsport and supports young talents with its Ambassador Program.”