The Grand Tour Is Doing More for Gender Equality Than The FIA
With the arrival of their new racing driver, let's take a look at what effects this will have on gender equality in motorsport.
With the removal of Mike Skinner, The American, from the show after Season 1, The Grand Tour have now given us a glimpse of their new driver. Abbie Eaton was shown driving the Mercedes-AMG GTR around the Eboladrome, and while she wasn't addressed by her name, she was credited at the end as Abbie Eaton.
While Mark Webber drove the same car in his audition, his time wasn't nearly as fast as Abbie's who celebrated a 1.18.70. You can learn more about Abbie Eaton here, but read on as to how this could effect the motor industry and the people within it.
With a woman at the helm of one of the largest motoring related shows in the world, we hope that other women interested in motorsports but deterred by the dominance of men in the field will be more inclined to step into the industry.
This is especially important now as the FIA has just named Carmen Jorda, Renault Sport Formula 1 reserve driver, as an advocate for women in racing. This came as a massive disappointment to many, as Carmen Jordan is known to believe that men and women don't compete as equals in motorsport. A strange decision from the FIA.
However you feel about the subject, we can't deny that Abbie Eaton will be an incredible role model to many, and we look forward to seeing her more on The Grand Tour.
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Comments (24)
Oh please shut it about the gender Equality bullshit. I could not care less if it's a man or a woman behind the wheel as long as it is because he / she is a damn good driver and not because of political correctness
You just defined gender equality @Ilja Antonovs
Why is this nonsense still being pushed. After this article I now think she was hired just because of political correctness just to have a woman
Yes, the new driver is a woman. But maybe they didn't chose a woman because of gender equality but because she was simply a better driver than the others.
But for the purpose of gender equality (whatever that means exactly) that’s exactly what needs to happen. She proved she could compete and beat competition on her own merit not as a cynical exercise in marketing.
The Grand Tour May receive...
Read moreYes more than likely. What this article is saying is how this will hopefully increase the chances of more women entering motoring.
I am more than happy and excited to have Abbie on the show! I think she is an excellent choice and not only the fastest driver but also damn cool!
Because new cars is so fucking easy to drive
Think some are crediting the GT guys with more time to think than probably true. I suspect the driver was good so got the job. Personally I would like a few wires on drivers views as the ones who drive different cars on same track so have perspective