Atiqa Mir Becomes First Female to Win Race at Rotax Challenge International Trophy

Nine-year-old racing prodigy from India, Atiqa Mir has created history at the prestigious Le Mans Kart International circuit. Atiqa won Race 2 in the Heats of the Micro Max Category. This made her the world’s first female racer to triumph in a race in the Rotax Challenge International Trophy.

Atiqa was driving for the Dan Holland Racing Team in the Lando Norris kart. Despite it being her first visit to the circuit, she was in good form all across the week.

She qualified in the 10th place as she didn’t get a clear lap. When it came to the qualifying Heat 1 Race, the Kashmiri racer picked pace, but a racing incident with another driver brought her down to the 9th position.

During race 2, Atiqa showcased unmatched pace. She achieved some fast, consistent lap times and made some great passes to clinch the first place, thus creating history in the famous Le Mans Circuit.

With this win, Atiqa is now among an elite list of drivers, including the current F1 champion Max Verstappen, George Russell, and Lando Norris, who have earlier won races in the Max series en route to their careers in Formula 1.

Expressing her pleasure at the win, Atiqa said, “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.”

In the final race, unfortunately Atiqa was involved in several racing incidents in the final race. This slowed her down and she finished at the 12th spot.

Post her historic win at the Le Mans, Atiqa has cemented her spot as the best female karting driver in the world in her age group. In the upcoming month, she will be driving at the Kartmasters in the UK. Atiqa has also been nominated at the Iron Dames Young Talent event in Italy. She is one of only 11 girls worldwide, only Asian, and the youngest one out of all the shortlisted candidates.