The motorsport world is abuzz with the announcement that Jessica Hawkins, an ambassador for Aston Martin F1, will grace the tracks of the GT World Challenge Europe series in 2025. Hawkins, a former luminary of the W Series, has since extended her influence in the Aston Martin family, stepping up as the head of F1 Academy, a series dedicated to nurturing female racing talent.
The news broke on Monday, confirming that Hawkins will be behind the wheel of an Aston Martin Vantage GT3, racing for the esteemed Comtoyou Racing team in the GTWC category. This remarkable transition for Hawkins has been powered by the backing of two Aston Martin F1 sponsors. Valvoline, the renowned lubricants provider, and tech giant Arm, have both played pivotal roles in materializing the deal.
Speaking on her forthcoming debut in the GT World Challenge Europe, Hawkins expressed her excitement. She drew attention to her previous experience with the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 from her tenure in British GT and expressed hope that her association with a seasoned team like Comtoyou would prove beneficial for her inaugural season.
She also extended her gratitude towards Arm and Valvoline for their instrumental support in her ascent to the GTWC. This milestone, she mentioned, was a significant stride in her racing career and would inch her closer to her ultimate aspiration – competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Hawkins is keenly anticipating the upcoming challenges and is eager to begin racing at circuits both new and familiar.
Adam Carter, Aston Martin’s head of endurance motorsport, shared the team’s thrill at Jessica’s progression to the GT World Challenge Europe. He acknowledged the crucial support from Arm and Valvoline as part of a grander vision – to equip Jessica with the platform and experience necessary for her to potentially fulfill her Le Mans dream one day. The team is excited for Jessica’s first race in April, back in the GT3 Vantage.
Dipti Vachani, senior vice president and general manager of Automotive Line of Business Arm, also voiced her support. She stressed Arm’s commitment to inspire and empower the next generation of STEM professionals and racing drivers. Collaborating with Jessica, a beacon for women in motorsport, aligns with their mission to create new avenues for rising talent. Vachani expressed her anticipation to see how Jessica and Comtoyou Racing perform throughout the season.
In other related news, Abbi Pulling, the 2024 F1 Academy champion, recently revealed her decision to part ways with the Alpine F1 team prior to the F1 2025 season. Pulling, who reigned supreme in the all-female series last season with nine victories and 14 podium finishes, has secured a fully funded drive with Rodin Motorsport in the GB3 category in 2025. This turn of events serves as an exciting backdrop for a riveting 2025 racing season.
