Linda Hanini Makes History for Tunisia and the Arab World
Linda Hanini, 11 years old, has marked a historic milestone for Tunisia and the Arab world by being selected as a finalist in the FIA Girls on Track - Rising Stars Junior 2025 program, an international initiative dedicated to detecting and developing young female talents in motorsport.
About the FIA Girls on Track Program
Launched by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) in collaboration with its Women in Motorsport commission, this program aims to provide young drivers with a platform for training, evaluation, and support. After a pause in 2024, the program returns in 2025, attracting over 82 applications from young girls mainly between 11 and 14 years old from the five FIA regions.
The Selection Process
Following several selection stages, only nine drivers were retained to participate in the final evaluation camp, an intensive process combining driving tests, technical understanding, physical preparation, and personal development. Among this elite group, Linda Hanini stood out as a representative of Tunisia and one of the few Arab finalists, licensed by the National Automobile Club of Tunisia (NACT), a member of the FIA.
Linda Hanini's Career
Linda's career began at the age of eight when she first tasted karting. She quickly integrated into regular competitions from early 2025, participating in events under the aegis of the French Karting School and the ASK Villars in France. Her achievements for this year alone include two regional race victories, a female victory in a national race in the EFK category, and a 3rd place in the Micro Max category at the FIA MENA Nations Cup 2025 in Qatar.
Training and Development
In addition to her racing performances, Linda also participated in complete training sessions in Italy, where she followed practical and theoretical training under the supervision of FIA experts as part of the Rising Stars program. This intensive experience allowed her to strengthen her skills on the track and immerse herself in the technical understanding of the discipline.
The Future of Women in Motorsport
Although the 2025 competition designated a single official winner - Alana Gurney, representing Australia - all finalists, including Linda, continue to benefit from support to progress in their respective careers. Linda Hanini's success not only illustrates the rise of Tunisian motorsport on the international scene but also the growing impact of initiatives promoting the participation of young women in historically male-dominated fields. Her journey is already inspiring a new generation of female drivers in Africa and beyond.
Conclusion
Linda Hanini's achievement is a testament to her dedication and talent, and her participation in the FIA Girls on Track program is a significant step towards promoting women's participation in motorsport. As the sport continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize and support young female drivers like Linda, who are paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse motorsport community.
