McLaren announce first female driver

McLaren has revealed Emma Gilmour as its first female driver, completing the team's line-up for its Extreme E debut in 2022.

New Zealand driver Gilmour has been unveiled as the first female driver to represent McLaren in the all-electric off-road championship.

With teams required to run a line-up of one male and one female driver, the announcement had been the topic of much anticipation before Gilmour was confirmed after the team's livery launch event hosted by HRH, The Prince of Wales.

Gilmour is the first and only female to date to have won a New Zealand Rally Championship event and also won the FIA Women in Motorsport and Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation cross-country rally selection in 2015.

“I’m incredibly honoured to be McLaren Racing’s first female driver," said Gilmour.

"Growing up in New Zealand, Bruce McLaren and McLaren Racing are seen as the pinnacles of motorsport. To be competing in Extreme E next year with McLaren is a special opportunity.

"The series is a fantastic platform that represents equality and addresses the key issues affecting our planet and society.

"I’m looking to draw on my previous experience in Extreme E alongside all my skills across rally, rallycross and cross-country rallying, that make me well-suited to the sport, to make a positive impact and inspire the next generation of female drivers and engineers. I can’t wait to get started with the team.”

Paying tribute to Gilmour, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown added: “We’re proud to join His Royal Highness to announce Emma Gilmour as the first-ever female driver for McLaren Racing.

"Emma completes our exciting and competitive driver line-up alongside Tanner Foust for our first season of Extreme E.

"She’s a race winner and has proven herself this year in Extreme E alongside a vast background in competitive off-roading in multiple racing series across the globe.

"It’s fitting that our first female driver originates from New Zealand where our founder Bruce McLaren was from."

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