Manuela Gostner
Sports Car racing // Bolzano, Italy
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From volleyball pro to Le Mans competitor at 29, Italian racer Manuela Gostner defies conventions with the all-female Iron Dames team, proving it’s never too late to chase dreams.
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Racing has taught me that limits exist only to be pushed. As a woman in motorsport, I’ve faced challenges, but I’ve also found strength.
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FULL BIO: Manuela Gostner
Manuela Gostner is an Italian racing driver who defied conventions by launching her motorsport career at age 29, transforming from a professional volleyball player to a respected endurance racer who has competed at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans with the all-female Iron Dames team.
EARLY YEARS
Born on May 19, 1984, in Bolzano, Italy, Manuela grew up in the picturesque town of Kaltern in South Tyrol. She was raised in a prominent family headed by her father Thomas Gostner, one of the founders of FRI-EL Green Power, Italy’s largest private renewable energy company. Before discovering her passion for racing, she achieved success as a beach volleyball player, displaying the competitive spirit that would later define her motorsport career. Manuela’s introduction to racing came almost by chance in 2013 when she accompanied her father and brother to a race, where watching her brother handle a 600-horsepower car sparked what she describes as a “love at first sight” moment with the sport.
EARLY SUCCESS
Despite her late start at age 29, Gostner quickly established herself in motorsport after her 2014 debut. Recognizing her need for expert guidance, she teamed up with coach Giorgio Sernagiotto, a partnership that proved transformative for her racing skills. Her early competitive experiences came in the Ferrari Challenge Europe – Coppa Shell category, where she demonstrated remarkable adaptability and natural talent. Within just a few years of entering the sport, Manuela had secured multiple podium finishes in this prestigious single-marque series, setting the stage for her eventual move to endurance racing with the all-female Iron Dames team at Kessel Racing. This swift progress from novice to competitive driver in high-level competition showcased her exceptional determination and ability to rapidly develop her racecraft.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2018: Secured third place overall in Ferrari Challenge Europe – Coppa Shell with six podiums and two wins.
- 2019: Finished 9th in GTE Am class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Iron Dames team.
- 2020: Repeated 9th place finish in GTE Am class at 24 Hours of Le Mans.
- 2021: Contributed to Iron Dames team finishing 7th in the World Endurance Championship.
- 2022: Finished third overall in Ferrari Challenge Europe – Coppa Shell.
- 2023: Secured second place overall in Ferrari Challenge Europe – Coppa Shell with three wins and six podiums.
REPUTATION
In the motorsport community, Manuela has earned respect for her remarkable journey from late bloomer to accomplished endurance racer. Her racing style is defined by composure under pressure, emotional intelligence during intense competition, and unwavering persistence. Competitors and teams value her ability to balance multiple demanding roles—as a mother, athlete, and entrepreneur—while consistently improving her performance on track. Gostner herself draws parallels between motherhood and racing, noting how both require “tenacity, constancy, courage, and problem-solving.” As part of the pioneering Iron Dames project, she has helped elevate the visibility of women in motorsport through performance rather than novelty, proving that female drivers can compete at elite levels in endurance racing. Her steady progression from the Ferrari Challenge to competing at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans exemplifies her dedication to continuous improvement and professional growth.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
Looking toward the future, Manuela continues to focus on advancing her career in endurance and GT racing, particularly within the 24H Series GT3 category with MP Racing. She remains committed to her partnership with Ferrari Corse Clienti, strengthening her ties with the iconic manufacturer in both customer racing programs and endurance competitions. Her aspirations center on further refining her skills at prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans while embracing a dual role as both competitor and mentor. As she progresses in her racing journey, Gostner aims to inspire greater female representation in motorsport by setting new benchmarks and challenging established norms in this traditionally male-dominated environment.
References:
Ferrari Challenge Europe Reference
Motorsport Career Profile
24H Series GT3 Competition Data
Iron Dames Team Performance Analysis
Gostner Family Background Information
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