Female Drivers at the Bathurst 1000

Christine Gibson

The Bathurst 1000 is Australia’s premier home-grown motorsport event. It began in 1960 as the Armstrong 500, and was actually held at Phillip Island for the first three years.

In 1963, it moved to its present home, as an endurance race for production touring cars, on sale in Australia. Until the mid-1960s, awards were strictly class-based, with no overall results published. Gradually, the rules were relaxed, with foreign-model cars permitted, and overseas drivers, raising its profile within international motorsport. Its length was increased to 1000 kilometres in 1973.

For a long time, the race stuck to its production-car origins. In 1985, it switched to Group A rules, and was part of the ITC global touring car championship in 1987, then in the early 1990s, it became open to cars running to Super Touring spec. This created a rift with the growing V8 Supercar championship, who, due to a TV broadcast agreement at odds with that of the original Bathurst 1000, created their own in 1997. The Australia 1000 ran alongside the original race for three years, before becoming part of the V8 Supercar championship in 2000.

Women drivers have raced in the event almost from the start, and were particularly numerous in the 1960s and 1970s. Christine Gibson (Cole) is the most prolific female starter, with nine attempts to her name. She also shares the best finish for a female driver with Marie-Claude Beaumont: sixth. The best finish for an all-female team is eleventh, achieved by the “Castrol Cougars”, Kerryn Brewer and Melinda Price, in 1998.

Following the inclusion of the 1000 into the V8 Supercar calendar, female participation has reduced drastically. In 2015, the first female entrants for six years were Simona de Silvestro and Renee Gracie.  

Phillip Island (race length: 500 miles)

1962

Anne Bennett/Diane Leighton/Pam Murison (Simca Aronde) – 3^rd, Class C

Mount Panorama (race length: 500 miles)

1963

Lorraine Hill/Warren Blomfield (Morris Elite) – 16^th, Class B

1964

Lorraine Hill/Brian Reed (Hillman Imp) – 13^th, Class A

1967

Jane Richardson/Midge Whiteman (Morris 1100S) – 36^th

1968

Christine Cole/Midge Whiteman (Morris Mini) – 41^st

1969

Diane Dickson/Max Dickson (Ford Cortina) – 31^st

Sandra Bennett/Arthur Olsen (Morris Mini) – 36^th

Carole Corness/Ann Thompson (Morris Mini) – DNF

Christine Cole/Lynne Keefe (Fiat 125) – DNF

1970

Sandra Bennett/Christine Cole (Gibson) – (Holden LC Torana) – 13^th

Lynne Keefe/Arthur Olsen (Morris Mini Cooper S) – 36^th

Carole Corness/Gloria Taylor (Ford Escort MkI) – 42^nd

1971

Jan Holland/Pat Peck (Holden LC Torana) – 29^th

1972

Christine Gibson/Jan Holland (Holden LC Torana) – DNF

Pat Peck (Holden LC Torana) – DNF

Race length: 1000 kilometres

1973

Caroline O’Shanesy/Peter Williamson (Morris Mini Cooper S) – 26^th

Christine Gibson/Sue Ransom (Alfa Romeo GTV 2000) – DNF

Pat Peck/Darrilyn Huitt (Holden LJ Torana) – DNF

1975

Marie-Claude Beaumont/John Leffler (Alfa Romeo GTV 2000) – 6^th

Sue Ransom/Bill Brown (Ford Escort RS2000) – 11^th

Caroline O’Shanesy/David Booth (Morris Mini Cooper S) – 27^th

1976

Marie-Claude Beaumont/Christine Gibson (Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTAm) – DNF

Caroline O’Shanesy/Garry Leggatt (Fiat 128 3P) – DNF

1977

Sue Ransom/Russell Skaife (Ford Capri) – DNF

Janet Guthrie/Johnny Rutherford (Holden LX Torana) – DNF

1978

Sue Ransom/Bill Brown (Ford Capri) – DNF

Robyn Hamilton/Ralph Radburn (Holden LX Torana) – DNF

1980

Sue Ransom/Neville Bridges (Holden VB Commodore) – 22^nd

Alexandra Surplice/John Gates (Toyota Corolla) – 28^th

1981

Christine Gibson/Joe Moore (Ford XD Falcon) – 6^th

Alexandra Surplice/Doug Clark (Toyota Corolla) – DNF

1983

Christine Gibson/Bob Muir (Nissan Pulsar) – DNF

1984

Alexandra Surplice/Bob Holden (Toyota Sprinter) – 26^th

Christine Gibson/Glenn Seton (Nissan Pulsar) – DNF

1987 (ITC)

Annette Meeuvissen/Mercedes Stermitz/Roland Ratzenberger (BMW M3) – DNF

1990

Heather Spurle/Bob Jones (Holden VL Commodore) – 26^th

1994

Melinda Price/Garry Jones/Andrew Reid (Toyota Corolla) – DNF

1997

Jenni Thompson/Aaron McGill/Terry Skene (Ford Mondeo) – DNF

FAI Australia 1000 (race length: 1000km)

Melinda Price/Kerryn Brewer (Holden VS Commodore) – 12^th

The Castrol Cougars: (l-r) Melinda Price, Kim Watkins (never drove), Kerryn Brewer

1998

Heidi O’Neil/Paula Elstrek/Damien Digby (Ford Mondeo) – DNF

Jenni Thompson/Mike Fitzgerald (Peugeot 405) – DNF

FAI Australia 1000

Melinda Price/Kerryn Brewer (Holden VS Commodore) – 11^th

Nicole Pretty/Nathan Pretty/Grant Johnson (Holden VS Commodore) - DNF

1999

(race length: 500 miles)

Debbie Chapman/Dennis Chapman (BMW 320i) – 10^th

Jenni Thompson/Allan Letcher (BMW 318i) – 12^th

Leanne Ferrier (Tander)/Dean Canto (Ford Mondeo) – DNF

FAI Australia 1000 (race length: 1000 miles)

Melinda Price/Dean Lindstrom (Holden VS Commodore) – 17^th

2000

Melinda Price/Dean Lindstrom (Holden VS Commodore) – 20^th

2001

Leanne Ferrier/Paul Dumbrell (Holden VX Commodore) – DNF

2009

Leanne Tander/David Wall (Ford BF Falcon) – 29^th

2015

Renee Gracie/Simona de Silvestro (Ford FG X Falcon) – 21<sup>st

2016</sup>

Renee Gracie/Simona de Silvestro (Nissan Altima) - 14th

2017
Simona de Silvestro/David Russell (Nissan Altima) - DNF

2018
Simona de Silvestro/Alex Rullo (Nissan Altima) - 14th

2019
Simona de Silvestro/Alex Rullo (Nissan Altima) - 14th

2023

Simona de Silvestro/Kai Allen (Ford Mustang S650) - 20th

(C. Gibson image copyright News Corp Australia)

Women Drivers in International Formula 3000

Giovanna Amati

Formula 3000 was the official second-level single-seater championship, below Formula One, from 1985 until 2004. For most of its history, it was considered the final stepping stone to F1.

Even fewer women drivers have raced in Formula 3000 than in Formula One. By the time F3000 was established, racing even in the lower formulae was becoming professional. Numbers of women racing single-seaters internationally were falling, although sportscar and touring car racing continued to include several female drivers.

Below is a list of the women who raced in Formula 3000, with a basic resume of their performance.

1986

Cathy Muller (Lola T86/50-Cosworth/March 86B Cosworth) – unplaced (8 races, qualified for 5)

1987

Giovanna Amati (Lola T87/50-Cosworth) – unplaced (3 races, qualified for 1)

1988

Giovanna Amati (Lola T88/50-Cosworth) – unplaced (8 races, qualified for 4)

Cathy Muller (Ralt RT20-Cosworth) – unplaced (1 race, did not qualify)

1990

Giovanna Amati (Reynard 90D-Cosworth/Mugen) – unplaced (10 races, qualified for 2)

Ellen Lohr (Lola T90/50-Cosworth) (1 race, did not qualify)

1991

Giovanna Amati (Reynard 91D-Cosworth) – unplaced (10 races, qualified for 7)

(Image copyright dpa Picture-Alliance)

Female Drivers in the Spa 24 Hours, 2001-present

A victorious Lilian Bryner and her Care Racing team-mates in 2004

After 2000, the Spa 24 Hours became a race for sports and GT cars. It was part of the FIA GT Championship from 2001 until the series' demise in 2009. After one year as part of the FIA GT2 European Cup, it was picked up by the Blancpain Endurance Series.

Women drivers have continued to play an important role, none more so than Lilian Bryner, who became the first female winner in 2004. In recent years, the number of female entrants has declined, but this may change in the future. Parts 1 and 2 of this list are here.

2001

Vanina Ickx/Xavier Pompidou/Christophe Tinseau/Tim Verbergt (Porsche 996 GT3-RS) – DNF

2002

Sylvie Delcour/Philippe Tollenaire/Loic Deman (Porsche 996 GT3-Cup) – 21^st

Fanny Duchateau/Jean-François Hemroulle/Jeffrey van Hooydonk (Vertigo Streiff) – 26^th

Vanina Ickx/Renaud Kuppens/David Saelens (Gillet Vertigo Streiff) – DNF

Lilian Bryner/Marco Zadra/Andrea Piccini/Jean-Denis Déletraz (Ferrari 550 Maranello) – disqualified

2003

Lilian Bryner/Enzo Calderari/Fabrizio Gollin/Luca Capellari (Ferrari 550 Maranello) – 2^nd (1^st in GT class)

Sylvie Delcour/Loic Deman/Peter Scharmarch/Christian Land (Porsche 996 GT3 Cup) – 12^th (1^st in Class G3)

Vanina Ickx/Jean-Luc Blanchemain/Stefano Zonca/Pertti Kuismanen (Chrysler Viper GTS-R) – DNF

Paula Cook/Jacques Laffite/Neil Cunningham (Morgan Aero 8) – DNF

2004

Lilian Bryner/Enzo Calderari/Luca Capellari/Fabrizio Gollin (Ferrari 550 Maranello) – 1^st

Vanina Ickx/ Jean-François Hemroulle/Peter Wyss (Porsche 996 GT3 Cup) – 10^th

Liz Halliday/Moreno Soli/Franco Groppi/Luigi Moccia (Porsche 996 GT3 Cup RSR) – 14^th

Sylvie Delcour/Lino Pecoraro/Philippe Ménage/José Close (Lotus Elise) – N/C

Fanny Duchateau/Loic Deman/Marc Duez/Stéphane Lémeret (Chrysler Viper GTS-R) – DNF

2005

Lilian Bryner/Enzo Calderari/Steve Zacchia/Frédéric Bouvy (Ferrari 550 Maranello GTS) – 4^th

Vanina Ickx/ Jean-François Hemroulle/Heinz-Josef Bermes/Helmut Reis (Porsche 911 GT3) – DNF

Liz Halliday/Justin Keen/Bobby Verdon-Roe/Jens Møller (Lister Storm GT) – DNF

Sylvie Delcour/Jérôme d’Ambrosio/Renaud Kuppens/Bas Leinders (Gillet Vertigo Streiff) – DNF

2007

Sarah Bovy/Bas Leinders/Renaud Kuppens (Giller Vertigo Streiff) – DNF

2008

Catherine Dèsbrueres/Daniel Dèsbrueres/Eric Hélary/Vincent Radermecker (Ferrari F430) – DNF

2011

Claudia Hürtgen/Edward Sandström/Dirk Werner (BMW Z4 GT3) – 2^nd

2012

Michela Cerruti/Tom Coronel/Stefano Colombo/Edoardo Liberati (BMW Z4 GT3) – DNF

Sarah Bovy/Marlène Broggi/ Jérôme Thiry/Massimo Vagliani (McLaren MP4-12C) – DNF

2013

Rahel Frey/Matt Halliday/Nikolaus Mayr-Meinhof (Audi R8 LMS) – DNF

Sarah Bovy/Michael Schmetz/Pierre Grivegnée/Bert Redant (Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3) – DNF

Michela Cerruti/Stefano Comandini/Luca Rangoni (BMW Z4 GT3) – DNF

Marlène Broggi/Christophe de Fierlant/Karim Ojjeh/Laurent Pasquali (McLarenMP4-12C) – DNF

2014

Michela Cerruti/Stefano Comandini/Stefano Colombo/Eugenio Amos (BMW Z4 GT3) – 35^th

Marlène Broggi/Pierre Hirschi/Philippe Richard/Philippe Bourgeois (Ferrari 458 Italia GT3) – 39^th

2016
Michela Cerruti/Loris Spinelli/Cedric Sbirazuolli/Gilles Vannelet (Lamborghini Huracan GT3) - 28th

2017
Sarah Bovy/Giorgio Maggi/Jurgen Krebs/Clement Mateau (Lamborghini Huracan GT3) - 31st

2018
Sarah Bovy/Beniamino Caccia/Andrew Haryanto/Andres Josephsohn (Lamborghini Huracan GT3) - 47th

2019
Christina Nielsen/Richard Heistand/David Fumanelli/Jack Hawksworth (Mercedes-AMG GT3) - 32nd
Angelique Detavernier/Loic Deman/Stephane Lemeret/Marc Duez (Porsche Cup MR) - N/C

2022

Rahel Frey/Michelle Gatting/Sarah Bovy/Doriane Pin (Ferrari 488) - 18th (Gold class win)

Reema Juffali/Tim Muller/George Kurtz/Valentin Pierburg (Mercedes-AMG GT3) - 34th (Bronze class win)

Samantha Tan/Maxime Oosten/Nick Wittmer/Harry Gottsacker (BMW M4 GT3) - 36th

2023

Lilou Wadoux/Louis Machiels/Jef Machiels/Andrea Bertolini (Ferrari 488) - 26th

Reema Juffali/Ralf Aron/Yannick Mettler/Alain Valente (Mercedes-AMG GT3) - DNF

Samantha Tan/Jon Miller/Isaac Tutumlu Lopez/Leonard Weiss (Ferrari 296 GT3) - DNF

Rahel Frey/Michelle Gatting/Sarah Bovy/Doriane Pin (Lamborghini Huracan) - DNF

2024

Lilou Wadoux/Eddie Cheever III/Chris Froggatt/Jonathan Hui (Ferrari F163CE) - 16th

(Image from http://talkingxena.yuku.com/)

Women Drivers in the BTCC

Fiona Leggate as an MG driver, in 2007

The British Touring Car Championship’s present format began in 1987, as a renamed, streamlined version of the British Saloon Racing Championship. Although the previous championship (which will be covered in a future post) had attracted many female drivers over the years, the BTCC has been male-only for several seasons. The last female driver was Fiona Leggate, in 2007.

Below are the championship results of all female drivers in the BTCC.

1988

Barbara Cowell (Ford Escort RS1600/Toyota Corolla) – 19^th

1989

Louise Aitken-Walker (Vauxhall Astra GTE 16V) – 5^th

Nettan Lindgren (BMW M3) – 26^th

Barbara Cowell (Toyota Corolla) – unplaced

1990

Nettan Lindgren (BMW M3) – 10^th

1991

Nettan Lindgren (BMW M3) – 22^nd

1998

Paula Cook (Honda Accord) – unplaced

1999

Paula Cook (Honda Accord) – 19^th

2001 (Production Class)

Annie Templeton (Peugeot 306 GTi) – 19^th

Joanna Clarke (Honda Integra Type R) – 26^th

2002 (Production Class)

Annie Templeton (Peugeot 306 GTi) – 13^th

2005

Fiona Leggate (Vauxhall Astra Coupe) – 16^th

2006

Fiona Leggate (Vauxhall Astra Coupe) – 21^st

2007

Fiona Leggate (MG ZS) – unplaced

2020

Jade Edwards (Vauxhall Astra) - unplaced

Jess Hawkins (Vauxhall Astra) - unplaced

2021

Jade Edwards (Honda Civic Type R) - 26th

Jess Hawkins (Ford Focus ST) - 29th

2022 

Jade Edwards (Honda Civic Type R) - 27th

2023

Jade Edwards (Honda Civic Type R/Cupra Leon) - 31st

(Image copyright Simon Murphy)

Female Drivers at the Bathurst 12 Hours: the results

Rahel Frey in the Audi pits in 2014

Despite its relatively short history, the Bathurst 12 Hours is one of Australia’s biggest motorsport events. It began in 1991 as an endurance race for touring cars, in the spirit of the original Bathurst 1000 races, which had, by then, become far more specialised. The race has had several incarnations, with different rules and classes. One year, 1995, it moved to Eastern Creek Raceway. In 2002, it was relaunched, after a hiatus, as a 24-hour race, but this proved unpopular, and it returned in its original format in 2007. Since then, it has incorporated classes for production saloons, touring cars and GT and sportscars.

Female drivers have been involved in the race almost from the start, and have scored several top-ten finishes. Some of Australia’s most accomplished women drivers have done well. In recent years, female participation has declined, but this may reverse in due course.

Here are the results of all female drivers in the Bathurst 12 Hours. As ever, in the case of a mixed team, the woman’s name comes first, for clarity. For profiles of some of the drivers involved, please click here.

1992

Melinda Price/Tracey Taylor/Michelle Callaghan (Nissan Pulsar SSS) – 17^th

Jane Taylor/Alf Grant/Peter Brierley (Holden VN Commodore S) – DNF

1993

Jane Taylor/Chris Wiles/Chris Clearihan (Citroen BX16) – DNF

1994

Michelle Callaghan/Brian Callaghan/Chris Symmonds (Toyota Corolla GTi) – 23^rd

Heather Baillie/Gwenda Searle (Toyota Celica ZR) – DNF

1995 (Eastern Creek 12 Hour)

Liz Hurst/Greg Hurst/Andrew Leithead (Subaru Impreza WRX) – 6^th

2002 (Bathurst 24 Hours)

Melinda Price/Herman Tilke/Peter Hansen (Honda S2000) – 14^th

Debbie Chapman/Dennis Chapman/Scott O’Donnell/Lindsay O’Donnell (BMW 318i) – DNF

2003 (Bathurst 24 Hours)

Heather Spurle/Martin Short/Patrick Pearce/Charles Lamb (Mosler MT900R) – 5^th

Liz Halliday/Andrew Donaldson/Ian Donaldson/Peter Floyd (Porsche 996 GT3-RS) – 7th

Melinda Price/Hermann Tilke/Tim Harvey/Jonathon Rowland (Porsche 996 GT3-RS) – DNF

2007

Amber Anderson/Danielle Argiro/Helen Stig (Toyota Celica SX) – 21^st

Leanne Tander/Lauren Gray/Christina Orr/Samantha Reid (Holden Astra CDTi Turbo) – DNF

2009

Leanne Tander/Lee Burges/Terry Conroy (Honda Integra Type S) – 13^th

Lauren Gray/Rob Thomson/John de Veth (BMW 130i) – 26^th

Christina Orr/Heather Spurle/Molly Taylor (Subaru Impreza) – 27^th

2010

Leanne Tander/Terry Conroy/Gerry Burgess (Honda Integra Type S) – 13^th

Lauren Gray/Michael Gray/Tony Head (Toyota Corolla Sportivo) – 19^th

2012

Sarah Harley/Robert Thomson/Christian Klien (Lotus Exige) – 9^th

2014

Rahel Frey/René Rast/Laurens Vanthoor (Audi R8 LMS Ultra) – 5^th

2017
Leanne Tander/Nick Rowe/Gerard McLeod/Tim Leahey (MARC Mazda 3) - 30th

2018
Caitlin Wood/Justin McMillan/David Crampton/Tim Macrow (KTM X-Bow) - DNF

2019
Christina Nielsen/Yelmer Buurman/Mark Griffith (Mercedes-AMG GT3) - 13th
Caitlin Wood/Tim Macrow/Trent Harrison/David Crampton (KTM X-Bow GT4) - DNF

(Image from http://www.iolandeskinner.com/at-work/)

Female Drivers in the 2011 Wales Rally GB

Becky Kirvan in action

The finale of this year's World Rally Championship concluded on Sunday, and was won by Finland's Jari-Matti Latvala in a Ford Fiesta.

A couple of Speedqueens took part in the rally this year: Australian Molly Taylor, driving a Ford Fiesta with Seb Marshall, dropped out on Stage 17, which gifted the Ladies' Cup to Becky Kirvan, who was 39th.

Despite Molly's non-finish, she was still able to claim fifth in the WRC Academy class, after winning one stage.

Becky was co-driven by Will Rogers, and was also driving a Ford Fiesta.

In the National B event, the fastest female driver was Sara Williams, who was 17th overall. She was driving a Subaru Impreza, with Patrick Walsh.

(Picture from http://www.beckykirvan.co.uk/)

Women in Formula One - the results

Maria Teresa de Filippis

This post gives a complete set of results for female drivers in the Formula One World Championship.

1958

Monaco

Maria Teresa de Filippis (Maserati 250F) - DNQ

Belgium

Maria Teresa de Filippis (Maserati 250F) - 10th

Portugal

Maria Teresa de Filippis (Maserati 250F) - DNF

Italy

Maria Teresa de Filippis (Maserati 250F) - DNF

1959

Monaco

Maria Teresa de Filippis (Behra Porsche F2) - DNQ

1974

Great Britain

Lella Lombardi (Brabham BT42) - DNQ

1975

South Africa

Lella Lombardi (March 741) - DNF

Spain

Lella Lombardi (March 751) - 6th

Monaco

Lella Lombardi (March 751) - DNQ

Belgium

Lella Lombardi (March 751) - DNF

Sweden

Lella Lombardi (March 751) - DNF

The Netherlands

Lella Lombardi (March 751) - 14th

France

Lella Lombardi (March 751) - 18th

Great Britain

Lella Lombardi (March 751) - DNF

Germany

Lella Lombardi (March 751) - 7th

Austria

Lella Lombardi (March 751) - 17th

Italy

Lella Lombardi (March 751) - DNF

United States

Lella Lombardi (Williams FW04) - qualified, but not allowed to start.

1976

Brazil

Lella Lombardi (March 761) - 14th

Great Britain

Lella Lombardi (Brabham BT44B) - DNQ

Divina Galica (Surtees TS16) - DNQ

Germany

Lella Lombardi (Brabham BT44B) - DNQ

Austria

Lella Lombardi (Brabham BT44B) - DNQ

1978

Argentina

Divina Galica (Hesketh 308E) - DNQ

Brazil

Divina Galica (Hesketh 308E) - DNQ

1980

Great Britain

Desiré Wilson (Williams FW07) - DNQ

1992

South Africa

Giovanna Amati (Brabham BT60B) - DNQ

Mexico

Giovanna Amati (Brabham BT60B) - DNQ

Brazil

Giovanna Amati (Brabham BT60B) - DNQ

(Image copyright Hulton/Getty Images)

Women in the Indianapolis 500

(L-R: Milka Duno, Sarah Fisher, Lyn St.James, Billie Jean King, Danica Patrick)

The first running of the Indianapolis 500, at the Brickyard circuit, happened in 1911. However, it remained a firmly male-only bastion until the 1970s. It was not until the start of the decade that women were permitted into the pitlane as journalists or team staff, partly due to the persistence of women journalists such as Denise McCluggage.

Although female drivers had made specially-sanctioned promotional appearances at the Brickyard as early as 1935, it was not until 1976 that they were allowed to participate in its blue riband event. Janet Guthrie was the first woman driver to pass her rookie test.

In more recent history, the Indianapolis 500 has been one of the few elite motorsport events routinely entered by multiple women racers. Simona de Silvestro was run by Paretta Motorsport in 2021; the team is owned by Beth Paretta and has a majority female crew. Paretta is the first female-run team to enter. 

Below is a list of all the appearances by female drivers in the Indy 500.

1976

Janet Guthrie (Coyote-Foyt) - DNQ

1977

Janet Guthrie (Lightning-Offenhauser) - 29th

1978

Janet Guthrie (Wildcat-DGS) - 9th

1979

Janet Guthrie (Lola-Cosworth) - 34th

1980

Janet Guthrie (Lightning-Cosworth) - DNQ

1982
Desiré Wilson (Eagle-Cosworth) - DNQ (withdrawn)

1983
Desiré Wilson (March 82C-Cosworth) - DNQ

1992

Lyn St. James (Lola-Chevrolet) - 11th

1993

Lyn St.James (Lola-Cosworth) - 25th

1994

Lyn St.James (Lola-Cosworth) - 19th

1995

Lyn St.James (Lola-Cosworth) - 32nd

1996

Lyn St.James (Lola-Cosworth) - 14th

1997

Lyn St. James (Dallara-Infiniti) - 13th

1998

Lyn St. James (G Force-Infiniti) - DNQ

1999

Lyn St. James (G Force-Oldsmobile) - DNQ

2000

Sarah Fisher (Dallara-Oldsmobile) - 31st

Lyn St. James (G Force-Oldsmobile) - 32nd

2001

Sarah Fisher (Dallara-Oldsmobile) - 31st

2002

Sarah Fisher (G Force-Infiniti) - 24th

2003

Sarah Fisher (Dallara-Chevrolet) - 31st

2004

Sarah Fisher (Dallara-Toyota) - 21st

2005

Danica Patrick (Panoz-Honda) - 4th

2006

Danica Patrick (Panoz-Honda) - 8th

2007

Danica Patrick (Dallara-Honda) - 8th

Sarah Fisher (Dallara-Honda) - 18th

Milka Duno (Dallara-Honda) - 31st

2008

Milka Duno (Dallara-Honda) - 19th

Danica Patrick (Dallara-Honda) - 22nd

Sarah Fisher (Dallara-Honda) - 30th

2009

Danica Patrick (Dallara-Honda) - 3rd

Sarah Fisher (Dallara-Honda) - 17th

Milka Duno (Dallara-Honda) - 20th

2010

Danica Patrick (Dallara-Honda) - 6th

Simona de Silvestro (Dallara-Honda) - 14th

Ana Beatriz (Dallara-Honda) - 21st

Sarah Fisher (Dallara-Honda) - 26th

Milka Duno (Dallara-Honda) - DNQ

2011
Danica Patrick - 10th
Pippa Mann - 20th
Ana Beatriz - 21st
Simona de Silvestro - DNF
(all Dallara-Honda)

2012
Katherine Legge (Dallara-Chevrolet) - 22nd
Ana Beatriz (Dallara-Chevrolet) - 23rd
Simona de Silvestro (Dallara-Lotus) - DNF

2013
Ana Beatriz (Honda) - 15th
Simona de Silvestro (Chevrolet) - 17th
Katherine Legge (Honda) - 26th
Pippa Mann (Honda) - 30th/DNF

2014
Pippa Mann (Dallara) - 24th

2015
Simona de Silvestro (Honda) - 19th
Pippa Mann (Honda) - 22nd

2016
Pippa Mann (Honda) - 18th

2017
Pippa Mann (Honda) - 17th

2018
Pippa Mann (Honda) - DNQ

2019
Pippa Mann (Chevrolet) - 16th

2021

Simona de Silvestro (Chevrolet) - DNF

2023

Katherine Legge (Honda) - DNF

2024

Katherine Legge (Honda) - DNF

(Image from www.motorsport.com)

Women at Le Mans: 1980 - present day

Rahel Frey, Cyndie Allemann, and Natacha Gachnang in 2010

1980 was the last year that female drivers entered the Le Mans 24 Hours in any number, until the 2010 race. That year, representation was increased by the presence of the all-female Matech Ford team. After another fallow period, the Iron Dames and Richard Mille all-female teams have come to the fore.

1980
Marianne Hoepfner/Jean-Marie Almeyras/Patrick Perrier (Porsche 934) - DNF
Anny-Charlotte Verney/Xavier Lapeyre/Jean-Louis Trintignant (Porsche 935 K3/80) - DNF
Lella Lombardi/Mark Thatcher/Don Whittington (Osella PA8 BMW) - DNF

1981
Anny-Charlotte Verney/Ralph Kent-Cooke/Bob Garretson (Porsche 935 K3) - 6th

1982
Anny-Charlotte Verney/Ray Ratcliff/Bob Garretson (Porsche 935 K3) - 11th
Desiré Wilson/Emilio de Villota/Alain de Cadenet (Grid Plaza S1 Ford) - DNF

1983
Desiré Wilson/Axel Plankenhorn/Jürgen Lassig (Porsche 956) - 7th
Anny-Charlotte Verney/Vic Elford/Joel Gouhier (Rondeau M379C Ford) - DNF

1984
Margie Smith-Haas/David Ovey/Paul Smith (Porsche 930) - DNF

1985
Margie Smith-Haas/David Mercer/Jens Winther (URD C83 BMW) - DNF

1989
Lyn St. James/Ray Bellm/Gordon Spice (Spice SE89C Ford) - DNF

1991
Lyn St. James/Cathy Muller/Desiré Wilson (Spice SE90C Ford) - DNF

1992
Tomiko Yoshikawa/Jun Harada/Kenta Shimamura (Spice SE89C Ford) - 15th (not classified)

1993
Tomiko Yoshikawa/Alessandro Gini/Yojiro Temada (Courage C30LM Porsche) - DNF
Lilian Bryner/Enzo Calderari/Luigino Pagotto (Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Cup) - DNF

1994
Lilian Bryner/Enzo Calderari/Renato Mastropietro (Porsche 911 Carrera RSR) - 9th
Tomiko Yoshikawa/Jun Harada/Masahiko Kondou (Porsche 962C GTi) - 22nd (not classified)

1995
Lilian Bryner/Enzo Calderari/Andreas Fuchs (Porsche 911 GT2) - DNF

1997
Claudia Hürtgen/John Robinson/Hugh Price (Porsche 911 GT2) - 13th
Lilian Bryner/Enzo Calderari/Angelo Zadra (Porsche 911 GT2) - DNF

1998
Claudia Hürtgen/Robert Nearn/Michel Ligonnet (Porsche 911 GT2) - 17th

1999
Claudia Hürtgen/Vincent Vosse/André Ahrle (Porsche 993 GT2) - 20th

2001
Claudia Hurtgen/Chris Gleason/Rick Fairbanks (Lola B2K/40 Nissan) - DNF
Vanina Ickx/Vincent Vosse/Carl Rosenblad (Chrysler Viper GTS-R) - DNF
Milka Duno/John Graham/David Murry (Reynard 01Q Judd) - DNF

2002
Milka Duno/Didier de Radrigues/John Graham (Panoz LMP07 Mugen) - DNF

2003
Vanina Ickx/Patrick Bourdais/Roland Bervillé (Porsche 996 GT3-RS) - 27th

2005
Vanina Ickx/Joao Barbosa/ Martin Short (Dallara LMP Judd) - 16th
Liz Halliday/Gregor Fisken/Sam Hancock (Lola B05/40 AER) - DNF

2006
Liz Halliday/Clint Field/Duncan Dayton (Lola B05/40 AER) - 19th

2007
Liz Halliday/Vitaly Petrov/Romain Iannetta (Courage LC75 AER) - DNF

2008
Vanina Ickx/Joao Barbosa/Stephane Gregoire (Pescarolo 01 Judd) - 11th
Amanda Stretton/Bob Berridge/Gareth Evans (Lola B06/10 AER) - DNF

2009
Vanina Ickx/Jamie Campbell-Walter/Romain Iannetta (Creation CA07 Judd) - 20th

2010
Vanina Ickx/Pierre Ragues/Franck Mailleux (Lola Aston Martin DBR1-2) - DNF
Natacha Gachnang/Cyndie Allemann/Rahel Frey (Ford GT) - DNF

2011
Vanina Ickx/Bas Leinders/Maxime Martin (Lola Aston Martin B09/60) - 7th
Andrea Robertson/David Robertson/David Murry (Ford GT-R Mk.VII) - 26th

2012
Keiko Ihara/Jean-Denis Deletraz/Marc Rostan - (Lola-Nissan B12/80 Coupe) - not classified

2013
Natacha Gachnang/Franck Mailleux/Olivier Lombard - (Morgan LMP2) - 11th
Keiko Ihara/Fabien Giroix/Philippe Haezebrouck - (Lola B12/80 Nissan) - DNF

2014
Keiko Ihara/Pierre Ragues/Ricky Taylor - (Morgan-Judd LMP2) - 14th

2016
Christina Nielsen/Johnny Laursen/Mikkel Mac (Ferrari 458 Italia) - 35th
Ines Taittinger/Remy Striebig/Leo Roussel (Morgan-Nissan) - DNF

2017
Christina Nielsen/Alessandro Balzan/Bret Curtis (Ferrari 488 GTE) - 45th

2018
Christina Nielsen/Fabio Babini/Erik Maris (Porsche 911 RSR) - 34th

2019
Rahel Frey/Manuela Gostner/Michelle Gatting (Ferrari 488) - 39th

2020

Tatiana Calderon/Sophia Florsch/Beitske Visser (Oreca-Gibson GK428) - 13th

Rahel Frey/Manuela Gostner/Michelle Gatting (Ferrari 488) - 34th

2021

Rahel Frey/Michelle Gatting/Sarah Bovy (Ferrari 488) - 36th

Tatiana Calderon/Sophia Florsch/Beitske Visser (Oreca-Gibson GK428) - DNF

2022

Lilou Wadoux/Sebastien Ogier/Charles Milesi (Oreca-07 Gibson GK428) - 13th

Sophia Florsch/Jack Aitken/John Falb (Oreca-07 Gibson GK428) - 25th

Rahel Frey/Michelle Gatting/Sarah Bovy (Ferrari 488 GTE) - 40th

2023

Rahel Frey/Michelle Gatting/Sarah Bovy (Porsche 911 RSR-19) - 30th

Lilou Wadoux/Alessio Rivera/Luis Perez Companc (Ferrari 488) - DNF

Doriane Pin/Daniil Kvyat/Mirko Bortolotti (Oreca-07-Gibson GK428) - DNF

2024

Rahel Frey/Michelle Gatting/Sarah Bovy (Lamborghini Huracan GT3) - 32nd

2025

Lilou Wadoux/Riccardo Agostini/Custodio Toledo (Ferrari 296 GT3) - 43rd

Sarah Bovy/Rahel Frey/Celia Martin (Porsche 911 GT3 R) - 48th

Jamie Chadwick/Mathys Joubert/Andre Lotterer (Oreca-07-Gibson GK428) - DNF

For earlier results, click here.

(Image from http://www.racedepartment.com/)

Women at Le Mans: 1950 - 1979

Yvette Fontaine, Christine Beckers and Marie Laurent in 1974

After the Second World War, it took a while for motor racing to get back to where it had been beforehand. The early 1950s was not the easiest time for female drivers, but a few managed to break through.
The biggest factor affecting women's participation at Le Mans during this period was the fallout from Annie Bousquet's fatal accident at the Reims 12 Hours in 1956. Due to the negative publicity this sad event triggered, French motorsport authorities were "reluctant" to accept entries from female drivers for a long time afterwards, meaning that none competed at all at Le Mans between 1955 and 1970.
During the 1970s, there was another boom in the number of female entrants, including Anny-Charlotte Verney and Lella Lombardi.

1950
Germaine Rouault/Regine Gordine (Simca Gordini TMM) - DNF
Yvonne Simon/Michel Casse (Ferrari 166MM) - DNF

1951
Yvonne Simon/Betty Haig (Ferrari 166 MM Berlinetta) - 15th

1954
Gilberte Thirion/André Pilette (Gordini T17S) - DNF

1971
Marie-Claude Beaumont/Henri Greder (Chevrolet Corvette) - DNF

1972
Marie-Claude Beaumont/Henri Greder (Chevrolet Corvette) - DNF

1973
Marie-Claude Beaumont/Henri Greder (Chevrolet Corvette) - 12th (class win)
Christine Beckers/Roger Dubos/Pierre Pagani (Chevron B21/23 Ford) - DNF

1974
Anny-Charlotte Verney/Martine Renier/Pierre Mauroy (Porsche Carrera RSR) - 13th
Christine Beckers/Marie Laurent/Yvette Fontaine (Chevron B23 Ford) - 17th (class win)
Marie-Claude Beaumont/Henri Greder (Chevrolet Corvette) - 18th

1975
Anny-Charlotte Verney/Corinne Tarnaud/Yvette Fontaine (Porsche Carrera RS) - 11th
Marianne Hoepfner/Michèle Mouton/Christine Dacremont (Moynet LM75 JRD) - 21st (class win)
Marie-Claude Beaumont/Lella Lombardi (Alpine-Renault A441C) - DNF

1976
Anny-Charlotte Verney/Hubert Streibig/Hugues Kirschoffer (Porsche 934) - 11th
Martine Renier/Thierry Perrier/Guy de Saint-Pierre (Porsche Carrera RSR) - 18th
Marie-Claude Beaumont/Didier Pironi/Bob Wollek (Porsche 934) - 19th
Lella Lombardi/Christine Dacremont (Lancia Stratos Turbo) - 20th
Christine Beckers/Jean Rondeau/Jean-Pierre Jaussaud (Inaltera Ford) - 21st

1977
Lella Lombardi/Christine Beckers (Inaltera Ford) - 11th
Anny-Charlotte Verney/Rene Metge/Dany Snobeck/Hubert Streibig (Porsche Carrera RSR) - 18th
Anna Cambiaghi/Raymond Touroul/Alain Cudini (Osella PA5 BMW) - DNF
Christine Dacremont/Marianne Hoepfner (Lancia Stratos Turbo) - DNF

1978
Anny-Charlotte Verney/Xavier Lapeyre/Francois Servanin (Porsche Carrera RSR) - 12th (class win)
Marianne Hoepfner/Christine Dacremont (WM P76 Peugeot) - DNF
Juliette Slaughter/Ian Harrower/Brian Joscelyne (Lola T294S Ford) - DNF

1979
Anny-Charlotte Verney/Rene Metge/Patrick Bardinon (Posche 934) - 19th

Post 1979 results here

(Image copyright Corbis Images)

Women at Le Mans: pre 1950

The MG "Dancing Daughters" team of 1935, in their Midgets

The first Le Mans 24 Hours was held in 1923, and won by Andre Lagache and Rene Leonard, driving a Chenard & Walcker. No female drivers entered until 1930, but by the end of the decade, women drivers were commonplace, even making up some of the works entries.
Below is a list of all of the female participants up to 1949, with their results. In the case of a male/female driver pairing, the woman's name is always given first.

1930
Odette Siko/Marguerite Mareuse (Bugatti T40) - 7th

1931
Odette Siko/Marguerite Mareuse (Bugatti T40) - 9th, but disqualified for refuelling too early
Joan Chetwynd/H.H. Sisted (MG C-type Midget) - DNF

1932
Odette Siko/"Jean Sabipa" (Alfa Romeo 6C) - 4th

1933
Odette Siko/"Jean Sabipa" (Alfa Romeo 6C) - DNF
Marie Desprez/Pierre Brussienne (Bugatti T50S) - DNF
Elsie Wisdom/Mortimer Morris-Goodall (Aston Martin 1 1/2) - DNF

1934
Dorothy Champney/Kay Petre (Riley Ulster Imp 9) - 13th
Anne-Cécile Rose-Itier/Charles Duruy (MG Midget PA) - 17th
Gwenda Stewart/Louis Bonne (Derby L8) - DNF

1935
Anne-Cécile Rose-Itier/Robert Jacob (Fiat 508S Balilla) - 18th
Joan Richmond/Eveline Gordon-Simpson (MG Midget PA) - 24th
Doreen Evans/Barbara Skinner (MG Midget PA) - 25th
Margaret Allan/Colleen Eaton (MG Midget PA) - 26th
Gwenda Stewart/Charles Worth (Derby) - DNF
Elsie Wisdom/Kay Petre (Riley MPH) - DNF

1937
Suzanne Largeot/Just-Emile Vernet (Simca-Fiat Balilla) - 12th (class win)
Joan Richmond/M.K.H. Bilney (Ford 10) - 14th
Dorothy Stanley-Turner/Enid Riddell (MG Midget PB) - 16th
Marjorie Eccles/Freddy Clifford (Singer Nine Le Mans Replica) - DNF
Kay Petre/G. Mangan (Austin Seven Grasshopper) - DNF
Anne-Cécile Rose-Itier/Huschke von Hanstein (Adler Trumpf Rennlimousine) - DNF

1938
Anne-Cécile Rose-Itier/Claude Bonneau (MG Midget PB Special) - 12th
Prudence Fawcett/Geoffrey White (Morgan 4/4 Coventry Climax) - 13th
Fernande Roux/Germaine Rouault (Amilcar Pegase G36) - DNF
Suzanne Largeot/Just-Emile Vernet (Simca Huit Fiat) - DNF
Elsie Wisdom/Arthur Dobson (MG Midget PB) - DNF

1949
Viviane Elder/René Camerano (Simca Huit) - DNF

(Image copyright prewarcar.com)