Riccardo Paterni represents AWA and RPM grit and planning in action in the context of Minardi Day 2024
25 August 2024

Last August 24th and 25th, on the occasion of the eighth edition of Minardi Day at the Imola Autodrome. The Automotive Women Association (a non-profit formally established in Modena a few months ago with the aim of stimulating and concretely supporting the professional presence of women in the automotive and motorsport sector in various technical, management and operational roles) was present and active in the paddock of the event with a truly unique event. 

With the collaboration of: Racing Bulls (who supplied a 2021 Alpha Tauri F1); Dino Paoli Srl (which supplied the technology of the screwdrivers which are present in all the already important motorsport series at an international level); RPM (Rete Professionisti Motorsport - of which both AWA and Dino Paoli Srl are members) and the Ferrari Club of Imola, AWA coordinated the implementation of F1 pitstops for the public with fundraising to support the non-profit projects of its mission.

The activity involved dozens of enthusiasts over the course of two days who, despite the heat, enjoyed experiencing firsthand the intensity of a now fundamental F1 operation complete with timing and results for tire changes made by individuals, in pairs or three people (just like in real F1 pit stops). People of all ages participated, from 8 year old children to mature people who, in complete safety, were able to deepen this experience first thanks to the training received from specialized technicians and then the practical action carried out in the name of professionalism and fun.

There were numerous visits to the AWA stand which attracted various new registrations with women passionate about automotive and motorsport, also professionally involved in these sectors, who signed up personally coming from various parts of the world, including from Australia. 

AWA also held a press conference in the media room of the racetrack. in which he recalled the roots of the project linked to the friendship and precise will of the two founders: Monica Zanetti (known as Lady F40, the first female mechanic involved in the Ferrari bodywork department at the time of the Ferrari F40 and with decades of experience in the world of motorsport and high performance automotive) and Laura Tancredi (many years of organizational management experience in the world of high performance cars). The recently strengthened steering committee was presented, with the presence also of Francesca Paoli CEO of Dino Paoli Srl and Vice President of RPM, Riccardo Paterni Co-founder, Vice President and manager of RPM and Anna Mangione (founding journalist of the Wheels community on Heels). 

During the press conference, projects in which AWA is currently active were highlighted, in particular the course for supercar test drivers whose registrations close by September and which will take place during the month of November under the expert care of of an international reference on the topic, the test driver Loris Bicocchi. The course will allow the most deserving career development opportunities with manufacturers.

A special thank you to the Minardi family and Racing Bull for making the PitStop F1 event possible, giving concrete support to the spirit of sharing, inclusion and teamwork that characterizes the AWA mission and projects.

(photos about the event at this link)