"Karting helps to build character" - Michelle Gatting
| from CIK-FIA | 25 February 2016 |
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A karting driver noticed and appreciated for her character and her speed, the Dane Michelle Gatting, moved to cars in 2011. For her debut in single-seaters, she finished 3rd in her national championship in Formula Ford, the first girl to win the rookie ranking. A winner of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission selection, she then spent two seasons in Germany in the Scirocco R Cup with a 5th position in 2013. She tried her luck in the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany the following year.
This year she has been is searching for a budget and sponsors to be able to bounce back in 2016 in GT Masters, Blancpain Series or GT3. A meeting at Kristianstad during the 2015 CIK-FIA European Championship allowed her to review the progress.
pic - CIK/FIA
Michelle, do you simply enjoy the karting atmosphere?
Yes and no! It is a pleasure to see all the people I know in the community and to see that they have not forgotten me. But as I am not driving this year it is also frustrating! More seriously, the atmosphere is always fantastic in a kart paddock. I confess that I miss it. The racing is intense, everyone is together for several days and together we share the pleasure of the racing. I'm sure I would be able to still do beautiful things in karting!
How was your time in motorsport?
After a car season in Denmark, I was supported by the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission for two seasons with VW Motorsport. Cathy Muller and Michèle Mouton helped me a lot and I thank them. Then it became more difficult to find a drive. In cars, talent is not enough, we need to find a large budget. Contrary to what one might think, being a woman is not particularly helpful. I am not complaining, I want to be recognised primarily as a Driver, but the hunt for sponsors is difficult for everyone in an unfavourable economic environment. The other point is that you cannot drive a lot in cars. The test sessions are very expensive, so you have to be competitive as soon as you get in the car. It's very different from karting where it there is a lot of training, testing and heats before reaching the Final.
What has your career in karting given you?
Karting can help you grow a driver and also as an individual. This gives you a taste for effort and self-improvement. When you are motivated, it is easy to learn from other Drivers and mechanics who have a lot of experience. We give ourselves a bit of pain, but it's a very good education. It is also very pleasant!
What advice would you give to a young person who wishes to progress in motorsport?
I think first to take advantage of their years in karting, otherwise they might regret it. Enjoying this means appreciating the opportunity that we have and the pleasure there is. It also means take every opportunity to learn from all these great people that we meet, learn sportsmanship, respect and motivation. One last detail to remember when you want to race in cars: be in an impeccable physical condition!
