Atiqa Mir, the nine-year-old racing sensation from Kashmir created history at the famous and prestigious Le Mans Kart International circuit, by becoming the first female racer in the world to win a race in the Rotax Challenge International Trophy.
She achieved this by winning Race 2 in the Heats of the Micro Max Category. Atiqa, driving for the championship-winning Dan Holland Racing Team in the Lando Norris kart, was in good form throughout the week.
Despite it being her first visit to the legendary Le Mans circuit with no prior practice, Atiqa adapted quickly to the new brand of kart and set the pace in the practice sessions, consistently topping the grid.
However in times Qualifying she only managed 10th place as she didn’t get a clear lap.
In the Qualifying Heat 1 Race, Atiqa gained 4 places upto 6th till a racing incident with another driver made her drop to 9th position.
In race 2, Atiqa demonstrated top pace and maturity in the race, setting a series of fast, consistent lap times and made some great passes to secure first place to create history in the famous Le Mans Circuit. A total of 36 drivers competed in the MicroMax category in the series and a total of 318 drivers representing 40 nations across all categories participated.
This win places Atiqa among an elite list of drivers, including the current F1 champion Max Verstappen, George Russell, and Lando Norris, who have previously tasted success in the Max series en route to their careers in Formula 1.
“I’m so excited and happy to win the race. My first win in Europe, and we have all worked so hard for it. My team, DHR, has integrated me so well, my family has always been by my side, and all my supporters in India and other countries. Hopefully, I will keep this momentum and raise India’s flag even higher,” said Mir after making history.
In the final race, Atiqa unfortunately was involved in many racing incidents slowing her down and eventually finishing on 12th place, 9.497 seconds behind the leader Joshua Cooke of KR Sport who finished first. Alfie Mair finished second while Austin Oman of Sam Pollitt Racing secured third.
A win at the Le Mans has further cemented Atiqa’s position as the best female karting driver in the world in her age group. Next month, Atiqa will be driving at the world-famous Kartmasters in the UK. She is also a nominee at the Iron Dames Young Talent event in Italy later in the month, one of only 11 girls worldwide, only Asian, and the youngest amongst the shortlisted candidates.
