What’s it like for a female race car driver in a traditionally male-dominated sport? Hungary’s Edina Bús is one of five females competing this year in the Seat Leon Eurocup, in a race category with the highest number of female competitors.

“When I’m competing on the track, there is no man-woman discussion. I’m just another racer,” says Edina with determination.

She operates in a male-dominated sport, although women are increasingly making their presence felt. She confesses that even today, her own father still asks if she’s sure she wants to pursue this. But Edina doesn’t falter, even though she remembers how tough the beginnings were, when she was the only female in the pit lane and focussed on “getting everything right”. She now contends “there is no disadvantage” to being a woman.

During her training sessions or actual races, the first thing she does when arriving at the boxes is to greet her men-only team. “All my engineers and mechanics are behind me, and that’s the most important thing”, without overlooking the fact that “they’re very strict with me because this isn’t a game – it’s a lot of hard work”.

Suited up in her race gear, she looks no different than her rivals. “I feel powerful behind the wheel, free and highly motivated. If female race car drivers get the chance, we’re just as able to compete effectively and take over the podium”, Edina concludes.