Words by Jacki Warnock

Photographs by Paolo Pellegrini & Helen Arnot

Tatiana Calderón

Simona de Silvestro

“THEY TAKE US BEHIND THE SCENES, TO DISCOVER THE REAL SACRIFICES WHICH HAVE TO BE MADE, AND THE ADVICE THEY HAVE FOR ANYONE WISHING TO FOLLOW IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS.”

There is no doubt some counties are more motorsport-centric than others, but the passion of the fans and participants, remains the same no matter where you find them. Because it can be classified as a niche interest, people who wish to work in the industry usually move, or travel extensively, to be able to take part and make their dreams come true.

For those in more traditional occupations, moving to the other side of the world, or travelling long-haul every other week may seem unusual, extravagant, or a mere pipe dream. In motorsport, it is something that must be done. The great majority of open wheel teams are based in the United Kingdom and Europe, with the biggest touring car and GT categories also there, along with Australia and the United States, so having a passport and leaving behind your hometown is more common than not.

Recently we were able to catch up with two racers, Tatiana Calderón and Simona de Silvestro, who have both had to leave their home countries to compete at top level motorsport, in male dominated categories. They take us behind the scenes, to discover the real sacrifices which have to be made, and the advice they have for anyone wishing to follow in their footsteps.