Alfa Romeo honors Female Race Car Drivers

Maria Antonietta d’Avanzo in an Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Super Sport at the Portello factory, before the 1929 Mille Miglia.

Alfa Romeo has a storied legacy in motorsport, and throughout its history, numerous women have played pivotal roles in shaping the brand’s racing heritage. From the early 20th century to the present day, these trailblazing female drivers have demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, often breaking barriers in a predominantly male-dominated sport.

Pioneers of the Early 20th Century

Baroness Maria Antonietta d’Avanzo
An Italian aviator, journalist, and motorsport pioneer, Baroness d’Avanzo made her mark in the early 1900s. She secured third place in the Alfa Romeo G1 at Brescia in 1921 and competed against notable drivers of the era, including a young Enzo Ferrari. Her racing career spanned various competitions worldwide until the 1940s.

Maria Antonietta d’Avanzo at the wheel of an Alfa Romeo 20-30 ES at the 1922 Targa Florio.

Hellè Nice
Born Mariette Hélène Delangle, Hellè Nice was a model, acrobat, and dancer who transitioned into racing in the late 1920s. Between 1929 and 1939, she participated in approximately 70 races, driving for Alfa Romeo and becoming one of the first drivers to display sponsor logos on her car.

Hellè Nice at the Montlhéry circuit, 1929.

Hellè Nice in front of her Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza, circa 1931.

Odette Siko
A prominent figure in the 1930s, Odette Siko achieved a remarkable fourth-place overall finish at the 1932 24 Hours of Le Mans, driving an Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS. This remains the highest placement for a female driver in the history of the race.

Alfa Romeo driver Odette Siko, circa 1932.

Odette Siko in an Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 at Le Mans, 1932.

Anna Maria Peduzzi
Known for her resilience and skill, Anna Maria Peduzzi won her class in the 1934 Mille Miglia. Despite facing challenges, including the impact of World War II, she continued to race post-war in vehicles like the Alfa Romeo 1900 Sprint and Giulietta.

Parma-Poggio di Berceto, 1933: Anna Maria Peduzzi at the wheel of an Alfa Romeo 6C 1750.

Anna Maria Peduzzi in an Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 during the 1933 Pontedecimo-Giovi.

Mid-20th Century Trailblazers

Ada Pace (“Sayonara”)
Racing under the pseudonym “Sayonara,” Ada Pace was a formidable competitor in the 1950s. She secured 11 national speed race victories and participated in events like the 1952 Targa Florio, driving high-performance vehicles such as the Ferrari 250 GT.

Tour de Corse, 1959: Ada Pace and Luisette Texier driving an Alfa Romeo Giulietta TI.

Ada Pace, 1960.

Susanna “Susy” Raganelli
In 1966, Susy Raganelli made history by becoming the only woman to win a karting world championship, clinching the 100cc Kart World Championship title. Her achievement underscored the potential of female drivers in competitive motorsport.

The 1966 World Kart Champion Susanna Raganelli in front of her Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, together with Alfa Romeo sales director Enrico Sala and Autodelta test driver Teodoro Zeccoli.

Susanna Raganelli was the first Italian owner of an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

Christine Beckers and Liane Engeman
This dynamic duo showcased their prowess by mastering the challenging Alfa Romeo GTA-SA during the late 1960s. Their ability to handle the unpredictable nature of the supercharged vehicle highlighted their exceptional driving skills.

Christine Beckers, 1969.

Christine Beckers testing the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/2 Daytona at Balocco in 1969, with a videographer from “Domenica Sportiva” in the passenger seat.

Christine Beckers (right) and Heide Utz at Balocco, standing next to a 1969 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super, recognizable from the “Biscione” emblem on the C-pillar.

Dutch driver Liane Engeman who raced with Alfa Romeo in 1971.

Liane Engeman and Toine Hezemans.

Anna Cambiaghi
1975 – no other data

Anna Cambiaghi at the 1975 Targa Florio in front of her Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV.

Modern Era Champions

Maria Grazia “Lella” Lombardi
Lella Lombardi broke new ground in the 1970s by becoming the second Italian woman to compete in Formula 1. She participated in 17 races, starting in 12, and later competed in the European Touring Car Championship with Alfa Romeo.

Lella Lombardi, the Alfa Romeo driver who raced the GTV6 in the 1984 Euroturismo.

Tamara Vidali
With a racing career spanning 13 years, Tamara Vidali achieved notable success, including winning the 1992 Italian Touring Car Championship driving an Alfa Romeo 33 1.7 Quadrifoglio Verde. She also competed in various other series, such as the German Super Touring Car Championship and the Ferrari Challenge.

Tamara Vidali at the Monza circuit with her 1994 Alfa Romeo 155 D2.

Contemporary Trailblazer

Tatiana Calderón
Hailing from Bogotá, Colombia, Tatiana Calderón has emerged as a prominent figure in modern motorsport. In 2018, she became the first Latin American woman to serve as a test driver for the Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN Formula One team. Her career includes participation in prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and roles in series such as Formula 2 and Japanese Super Formula.

Tatiana Calderon became the first Latin American woman to drive in Formula One when in 2018 she was named test driver for Alfa Romeo Racing.

Alfa Romeo’s celebration of these remarkable women underscores the brand’s recognition of their contributions to motorsport. Their stories serve as inspiration, highlighting the impact of perseverance and passion in overcoming barriers and achieving excellence on the racetrack.