VALDANI Francesca, Team Manager, Nissan Formula E Team, portrait headshots during the 2023 Valencia Pre-Season Testing prior the 2023-24 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, on the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo from October 24 to 27, 2023 in Valencia, Spain - Photo Germain Hazard / DPPI
In the eMove360° Women in Tech series, we present inspiring women who have made their mark in the automotive industry. This time, the focus is on Francesca Valdani. In the interview, we learn from the manager of the Nissan Formula E team which qualities are crucial for a successful career in motorsport, what she loves about her work and why it is so important that more women occupy important positions in motorsport.
Sabine Metzger spoke to her for the current issue of the eMove360° magazine in german language (download PDF).
What experience was decisive in your decision to pursue a career in motorsport?
Francesca Valdani: While many children don’t know what they want to be for years, I only needed one trip to a Formula 1 test race with my father. This experience convinced me that I wanted to pursue a career in motorsport. It was this early fascination that created a magic in the motorsport world that has lasted for 15 years.
What fascinated you in particular?
Valdani: It wasn’t just the exciting action on the race track that caught my interest back then. I was fascinated by the collaboration between motorsport teams. There were different people in the teams who performed very different roles – but they all had to work together harmoniously to ensure that their car crossed the finish line first.
How did you prepare for this? Briefly outline your career, please.
Valdani: Building on that childhood experience, my final thesis at university was entitled “The athletic preparation of single seat drivers” – a crucial cornerstone of my career, I think. After graduating in 2007, I held various roles in motorsport and was appointed Team Manager of Nissan’s Formula E team in November 2022.
What excites you about your work as Nissan’s Formula E team manager?
Valdani: I love the adrenaline rush that comes with this position and that no two days are the same. Traveling around the world, meeting and interacting with fans – there’s nothing better. Of course, while the results may not always live up to expectations, these moments are crucial as learning curves and it makes achieving good results even more rewarding. It’s very special to celebrate a successful result with my team where everyone has worked towards the same goal. I believe these ups and downs are also key to developing myself into a better person.
They say problem solving fuels your passion and is it a skill that is often put to the test in your current position?
Valdani: We often come across many problems that seem unsolvable, but as a team we are able to solve them. It is something I really enjoy doing; it is almost like a big puzzle that we have to solve before a race.
How do you see the issue of female representation?
Valdani: One challenge that the world of motorsport has not yet adequately addressed and that continues to prove difficult is female representation both in the pit lane and behind the wheel. However, a lot of work has been done in recent years to increase the number of women in the industry.
Based on your own experience, what advice do you have for women and girls who want to follow in your footsteps?
Valdani: Don’t be afraid of doors being closed to you, because one day the right one will open for you!
What are the most important qualities that are crucial for a successful career in motorsport?
Valdani: Commitment, strength and competence are not only essential to earning respect in the industry, but also the key to success.
What is crucial for ensuring that more women fill important positions?
Valdani: My greatest hope is that more women in the motorsport industry will have the opportunity to fill important positions. The key to this is breaking down the remaining barriers in the industry and eliminating areas that are still exclusively dominated by men, as women need role models to emulate in all areas.
Can you tell us the percentage of women in the Nissan Formula E team?
Valdani: I like Nissan’s proactive efforts in recent years to increase female representation. Currently, six women are part of the Nissan Formula E team, in various roles.
Why do you think it is important to have a higher percentage of female team members?
Valdani: I believe that women are able to contribute different perspectives and views on certain issues that men may not consider. Such contributions can be crucial in considering aspects we have never thought of before and help us gain a decisive advantage over competitors.
What makes you personally proud?
Valdani: In motorsport, you can never rest on your laurels. I pride myself on continually pushing my limits.
