Motul-backed Iron Dames hailed as 1st all-female team winner in 24 Hours of Spa

The Motul-supported Iron Dames has been named as the first all-female winner in 24 Hours of Spa endurance race. The racing team (which comprised of Sarah Bovy, Michelle Gatting, Rahel Frey, and Doriane Pin) achieved victory in the Gold Cup GT class where they battled with 235 drivers and 66 cars.

“We’re very happy to have Motul onboard. For us, it’s just amazing to have good brands on the cars and that’s what’s important,” said Gatting, speaking on the importance of Iron Dames' partnership with the French automotive lubricant company.

“One little mistake or technical issue can cost a lot of time and potentially a very good result. We are really happy and appreciative that we can count on reliable long-term partnerships. Knowing each other definitely helps a lot,” Frey added.

Iron Dames’ #83 car started from the grid and carved through the field with 18-year-old Pin helping build an impressive lead during the first-ever night stint of her racing career. Meanwhile, the experience of Bovy, Gatting, and Frey, managed to gain 32 places overall and win dominantly.

The Dames finished the last three laps of the 24-hour race ahead of their nearest rival, which now places them ahead of the championship class.

 

“This is a historic moment for the Iron Dames. They have achieved yet another milestone for women in motorsport and this is something I am very happy about. This unprecedented victory shows the evolution and development of the project. We race to inspire and demonstrate further that hard work allows you to achieve your dreams. Dedication, professionalism, an amazing team, and a lot of passion are the key ingredients to success. I would like to thank the drivers and the whole team for this extraordinary achievement,” commented Iron Dames project founder, Deborah Mayer.

Iron Lynx Team Principal, Andrea Piccini, added, “it is a very important day for women in motorsport. Everyone here at the team we are so proud of the Iron Dames and what they have achieved. Scoring their first victory as a team at 24 Hours of Spa, they made history and can now push on and progress even further. The girls drove very well without making mistakes and always had a great race pace. In particular, we were surprised by Doriane, who at her first experience in a 24h race managed the pressure well, even at night. The engineers and mechanics didn't miss a beat during the race and made all the right choices in terms of strategy and executing a series of exceptional pit stops.”

The GT World Challenge Endurance Cup continues at the 3 Hours of Hockenheim on September 4, 2022.

Photos from Motul

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