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Emilie Villa made history as the first-ever recipient of the ERA Racing Pride scholarship, a groundbreaking €150,000 fund supporting LGBTQ+ drivers in motorsport. The Franco-Madagascan racer beat five other finalists to secure her spot in the 2023 ERA Championship Europe Series, proving that talent and determination speak louder than any barrier.

EARLY YEARS

At 27 years old, Villa emerged from France and Madagascar with a hunger for speed and a clear vision of where she wanted to go. Before electric racing caught her attention, she’d already cut her teeth in GT4 France, piloting an Aston Martin Vantage GT4 and testing single-seaters. Her background wasn’t flashy, but it was solid—practical experience that would later set her apart when it mattered most.

OTHER INTERESTS

Information about Villa’s interests outside of racing is not publicly available, but her commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy within motorsport speaks volumes. She’s not just driving cars; she’s helping shift culture.

EARLY SUCCESS

Villa’s resume included time in the Porsche Sprint Challenge France before she entered the conversation for the ERA Racing Pride scholarship. Her ability to adapt across different racing formats—GT4, single-seaters, and endurance—showed versatility that couldn’t be ignored. By October 2022, she was one of six finalists testing at Zolder for the scholarship, and she didn’t waste the opportunity. The test sessions weren’t just about speed; they were about proving she belonged in the future of electric racing. Villa won, and with that victory came full funding for the 2023 season and a platform to advocate for inclusivity in a sport that desperately needed it.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2022: Won the first-ever ERA Racing Pride scholarship worth approximately €150,000 after testing at Zolder[1].
• 2023: Became the first confirmed driver for the ERA Championship Europe Series[2].
• 2023: Competed in the ERA Championship with full backing from ERA and Racing Pride[3].
• Career: Raced in GT4 France, driving an Aston Martin Vantage GT4[4].
• Career: Competed in Porsche Sprint Challenge France[5].
• Career: Claimed podium in Ultimate GT Endurance as part of an all-female team[6].
• Ongoing: Serves as a Racing Pride Ambassador, promoting LGBTQ+ inclusivity in motorsport[7].

INSPIRATIONS

While specific inspirations haven’t been publicly documented, Villa’s alignment with Racing Pride—a movement co-founded by racing driver Richard Morris to promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity within motorsport—suggests she draws strength from those breaking down barriers. Her willingness to be visible in a sport that hasn’t always welcomed diversity positions her as both inspired by change and driving it forward herself.

REPUTATION

Villa is recognized as a trailblazer, not just for her driving but for what her presence represents. ERA Championship described her as bringing “immense talent and determination” to their grid, while also praising her as “a passionate voice for LGBTQ+ inclusion in motorsport.” She’s proof that representation matters—and that when given the chance, underrepresented drivers can deliver. Her role as a Racing Pride Ambassador cements her status as someone who’s not just racing for herself, but for everyone who’s been told they don’t belong in the paddock.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Specific future goals beyond her 2023 ERA Championship season have not been publicly disclosed. However, her continued involvement with Racing Pride and participation in endurance events like Ultimate GT suggest she’s committed to staying competitive while using her platform to advocate for greater inclusivity in motorsport.

REFERENCES

[1] Emilie Villa is the first ever ERA Racing Pride scholarship winner – Racers Behind the Helmet
[2] Emilie Villa Wins the First ERA Racing Pride Scholarship – ERA Racing School
[3] 2023 ERA grid grows with winners of electric racing scholarships – Formula Scout
[4] Ambassadors – Racing Pride
[5] Racing for Women: Verza, Moiret and Villa claim podium on Ultimate GT Endurance – Racers Behind the Helmet
[6] Emilie Alberny-Villa Profile – Racing Years
[7] ERA Championship wants to hold races in 2023 despite ETCR exit – e-formula.news