Italian-British racing driver Vittoria “Vicky” Piria is a trailblazer who became the first woman to compete in the GP3 Series, and has spent nearly two decades fighting for her place in motorsport’s boys’ club—with grit, talent, and an unshakeable refusal to give up.

EARLY YEARS

Born on November 11, 1993, in Milan, Lombardia, Piria grew up in Perugia, in Italy’s Umbria region[1]. At eight years old, she was perfectly content as an equestrian—until her father bought a go-kart for her younger brother[2]. One test drive later, the horse-riding dream was over. She began karting in 2003, racing primarily in Italy alongside her brother in what would become an early lesson in sibling rivalry and competitive fire[3]. From the start, she wasn’t just playing around—she was there to win.

OTHER INTERESTS

Before discovering racing, Piria was deeply passionate about horse riding, a pursuit she loved until karting stole her heart[4]. Beyond the track, she’s become a TV personality and public figure, appearing on various Italian motorsport programs and leveraging her platform to champion diversity and innovation in the sport[5]. She also works as a performance driving instructor for Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati, sharing her expertise with enthusiasts who dream of speed but lack the single-seater pedigree[6].

EARLY SUCCESS

In 2009, Piria graduated from karting to car racing, taking part-time seats in Italian Formula 2000 and Italian Formula Renault[7]. Her breakthrough came quickly, and by 2012, she made history as the first woman to join the GP3 Series, racing for Trident Racing[8]. Though she finished the season without scoring championship points, the significance of her presence was undeniable—she was one of only three women competing in F1 feeder series that year[9]. She followed up with the 2013 European F3 Open season, where despite struggling at times, she held on to tenth in the standings[10]. In 2014, Piria crossed the Atlantic to compete in the Pro Mazda Championship with JDC MotorSports as part of the Mazda Road to Indy, becoming one of three female drivers in the series—but budget constraints cut her season short after just four races[11].

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2012: Became the first woman to compete in the GP3 Series with Trident Racing[12].
• 2019: Finished ninth in the inaugural W Series Championship, securing an automatic qualifying spot for the following season[13].
• 2024: Claimed victory in the Italian GT Endurance Championship at Misano in the GT Cup Division-2 ProAm class with EF Racing[14].
• 2025: Returned to the top step of the Italian GT podium at Imola with a last-lap charge, and dominated the season finale at Monza with a flawless three-hour race performance[15].

INSPIRATIONS

Piria has named Ayrton Senna as her ultimate racing idol, crediting him not just for his wins, but for the way he transformed Formula 1 and elevated the entire sport[16]. “He didn’t just race and win, he changed the game,” she’s said, reflecting the same kind of determination she brings to her own career[17].

REPUTATION

Piria is recognized internationally as a champion for diversity and innovation in motorsport, particularly for women trying to break into the industry[18]. Her journey has been anything but smooth—she endured a five-year hiatus from racing due to financial challenges, a gap that would have ended most careers[19]. But when the W Series launched in 2019, it gave her a lifeline, and she’s been vocal about the importance of creating fair, meritocratic opportunities for female drivers[20]. Featured in the 2020 documentary *Beyond Driven*, her story highlights the brutal reality of funding struggles in one of the world’s most expensive sports[21]. She’s also the face of the *#LaMiaVittoria* initiative, which she launched to bring young women closer to their motorsport dreams through simulator training and mentorship[22]. As a speaker at events like the European Leadership Academy and through her work with brands like Alpine, Piria uses her platform to advocate for systemic change while staying fiercely competitive on track[23].

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

As of 2025, Piria continues to compete in the Italian GT Championship Endurance series, where she’s proven she can still fight for podiums and wins[24]. Her focus remains on driving at the highest level while expanding her advocacy work, ensuring the next generation of female racers has more doors open than she did.

REFERENCES

[1] Vicky Piria – Wikipedia
[2] A Timeout With Vicky Piria – 8JS
[3] Vicky Piria – European Leadership Academy
[4] Think You Know: Vicky Piria – YouTube
[5] Vicky Piria – Race Car Driver and TV Personality – Speakers Associates
[6] Vicky Piria – MSM Racing Driver Management
[7] Vicky Piria – W Series Wiki
[8] Vicky Piria – I Want to Enjoy Every Moment – Racers Behind the Helmet
[9] 30 Years After Giovanna Amati – Motor Sport Magazine
[10] 2013 European F3 Open Season Review – Formula Scout
[11] Vicky Piria Pro Mazda – Wikipedia
[12] Vicky Piria GP3 Debut – Racers Behind the Helmet
[13] Vicky Piria W Series 2019 – W Series Wiki
[14] Vicky Piria Italian GT Victory – Racers Behind the Helmet
[15] Vicky Piria Takes Victory at Monza – Racers Behind the Helmet
[16] Ayrton Senna Inspiration – 8JS Magazine
[17] Senna Changed the Game – 8JS Magazine
[18] Vicky Piria Speaker Profile – Speakers Associates PDF
[19] Women in Motorsport Financial Challenges – MXLink
[20] W Series Fair Opportunity – ESPN
[21] Beyond Driven Documentary – Jalopnik
[22] #LaMiaVittoria Initiative – Racers Behind the Helmet
[23] Alpine and Vicky Piria Partnership – Agenzia Spada
[24] Vicky Piria 2025 Racing – Driver Database