Valentina Pertegarini
Rally racing // Córdoba, Argentina
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Valentina Pertegarini went from motorsports newbie in 2017 to history-maker in 2023, becoming the first woman to win a World Rally-Raid Championship title as co-driver.
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I had never stepped inside a racing car before we started competing. I always enjoyed helping with the assistance and organization part, but being in the race car is a whole different experience
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FULL BIO: Valentina Pertegarini
Valentina Pertegarini made motorsports history in 2023 when she became the first woman ever to win a World Rally-Raid Championship title, claiming the FIA Rally Raid Challenger Co-Drivers’ Championship alongside her husband and racing partner Nicolás Cavigliasso.
EARLY YEARS
Born in Córdoba, Argentina around the 1990s, Valentina had zero connection to motorsports before 2017. She had never even stepped inside a racing car when she first became involved with her husband’s racing career, initially helping with organizational tasks and road-book preparation rather than competing herself.
OTHER INTERESTS
No information available about Valentina’s interests outside of motorsports.
EARLY SUCCESS
Valentina’s transition from support crew to competitor happened remarkably quickly. After spending several years helping Nicolás with logistics and preparation, she made the leap to co-driver in 2021 for the Argentinean rally-raid championship. By 2022, she was competing internationally, and within just two years of her competitive debut, she was standing atop the world championship podium.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2017: Began involvement in motorsports as part of Nicolás Cavigliasso’s support team.
- 2021: Made competitive debut as co-driver in Argentinean rally-raid championship.
- 2022: Advanced to international rally-raid competition.
- 2023: Won FIA Rally Raid Challenger Co-Drivers’ Championship, becoming the first woman to win a World Rally-Raid Championship title.
- 2023: Competed in Dakar Rally with BBR Motorsport, finishing 9th in Challenger category despite mechanical setbacks.
INSPIRATIONS
Valentina credits her husband Nicolás Cavigliasso as her primary mentor and influence, noting that he trusted her abilities as a navigator and helped guide her transition from support role to championship-winning co-driver.
REPUTATION
Pertegarini is recognized as a trailblazer in rally-raid navigation, praised for her trustworthiness and navigation skills that have proven essential to her team’s success. Media coverage emphasizes her professionalism and historic achievement, while the motorsports community celebrates her barrier-breaking championship win. Her rapid rise from complete novice to world champion has earned respect throughout the rally-raid community.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
No specific information available about Valentina’s plans for 2025 and beyond, though she continues her partnership with Nicolás Cavigliasso and BBR Motorsport.
References:
Buenos Aires Herald – First Female World Rally-Raid Champion
Dakar.com – Competitor Profile
Nipost – W2RC Challenger Championship Report
World Rally Raid Championship Official Profile
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