Reem Al Aboud sets motorsport benchmark in GENBETA car
Ahead of International Women’s Day last week, pioneering Saudi Arabian female racing driver Reem Al Aboud set a faster 0-60mph acceleration time than the current Formula 1 benchmark in a GENBETA electric racing car.
Al Aboud achieved a 0-60mph time of 2.49 seconds, eclipsing the 2.6-second benchmark for current single-seaters. The achievement showcased the capabilities of Formula E’s GENBETA program, which features an ‘unlocked’ GEN3 race car created by Formula E and the FIA and enhanced by championship partners.
Reem Al Aboud, said after achieving the feat:
“Being a part of this landmark moment is a dream come true. It’s not just about the speed; it’s about breaking barriers and showcasing the immense potential of women in motorsports. Formula E has given me the platform to make a statement, and I’m honoured to be a part of this journey towards gender equality in racing.”
The GENBETA car is the product of an innovation and development programme created by Formula E and the FIA using the all-electric GEN3 race car with 400kW of power charged by ABB and modifications by championship partners SABIC and Hankook.
With IWD as the backdrop, the run coincided with the expansion of the FIA Girls on Track programme, a large-scale female empowerment initiative focusing on careers and education in motorsport.
The expansion of the FIA Girls on Track programme to all 11 FE race weekends this season, will provide over 2,000 girls with the chance to engage in workshops, meet inspirational women from the Formula E paddock, and attend career talks at local universities.
As for the FE season, the next round of the championship takes place this weekend in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Featured image credit: Formula E
