Accelerating into a New Era: Francesca Valdani’s Perception-Smashing Career in Motorsport

While many children may struggle for years to find inspiration for a dream career, for Francesca Valdani, all it took was a childhood trip to a Formula One testing session with her father. This experience convinced her that a career in motorsports was what she wanted. It was this early fascination that triggered a fifteen-year spell across the motorsport landscape, with her impressive career eventually leading her to Team Nissan and the prestigious world of Formula E, where she is currently Team Manager.

During this formative experience that shaped her motorsport aspirations, it wasn't just the thrilling action on the circuit that drew her interest, but also the close teamwork and communication in the pit lanes. She highlights: "I was fascinated by how the motorsport teams worked together. The teams had many individuals performing very different roles, but they all had to work harmoniously together to make sure their car crossed the chequered flag first".

Building on this childhood inspiration during her education, her university degree's final exam piece, titled "The Athletic Preparation of Single-Seat Drivers", was key in laying the groundwork for her career. Following her graduation in 2007, she embarked on various roles in motorsport, culminating in her appointment as Team Manager of Nissan's Formula E team in November 2022.

Francesca's current role is one she cherishes: "I love the adrenaline rush that comes with the role, as well as the variety of each day. Travelling around the world, meeting and interacting with fans from across the globe, there is nothing better!" Francesca is also clear that, although results can't always meet expectations, "these moments are crucial as learning curves, and make achieving good results even more rewarding! Celebrating a successful finish with your team, who have all been working toward the same goal, is very special.  I believe these ups and downs are key to making me a better person too".

Problem-solving fuels Francesca's passion, and is a skill frequently tested in her current position. "We often encounter many problems that may appear unsolvable, but as a team, we are able to solve them. It is something I love doing; it is almost like a big puzzle that we need to solve ahead of a race".

One challenge that the motorsport world has yet to adequately address is the issue of female representation, which remains tough to break into both in the pit lane and behind the wheel. Francesca is clear, however, that "a lot of work has been done in the last few years to boost female representation". Her main hope for women in the sector is that more are able to reach key positions – such as hers – in motorsport. She believes this is crucial for ensuring "the remaining barriers in the industry are broken, and there are no areas left that still remain exclusively male-dominated, as women need role models to aspire to in all areas".

Francesca notes the six women already part of the Nissan Formula E team, highlighting their diverse roles and Nissan's proactive efforts to bolster female representation in recent years, while admitting the job is far from done. Increasing Nissan's female contingent is something that Francesca believes has turbocharged the Nissan team spirit as well: "I think women are able to bring different perspectives and viewpoints on certain issues that men may not consider. Such views can be crucial in us considering points that haven't been thought of before and help us to gain that critical edge over competitors".

Based on her own experiences, what does Francesca recommend to women and girls looking to follow in her footsteps? "Do not be afraid – never fear of doors being closed, as there will be a day when the right one will open for you!" She also stresses the key traits crucial to forging a successful career in motorsport: "Dedication, strength and competence are key to not only earning respect in the sector, but also success".

Ultimately, while Nissan's Formula E team has enjoyed some encouraging results so far this year, Francesca is well aware that standing still in motorsport is never an option. Constantly going that extra mile to improve not only yourself but also your teammates is something she prides herself on. As Nissan Formula E powers forward to her home Italian race in Misano, here's hoping her drive and determination will accelerate Nissan to an unforgettable race weekend!

Interested in a Formula E career at Nissan? Click here to begin your own journey!