17-year-old Bianca Bustamante makes history as she is the first Filipino to qualify for the 2022 W Series; the female counterpart of the Formula One series.
Image by Bianca Bustamante via Facebook
The professional car racer shared that she started enjoying car racing back when she was very small. Her parents are car racing enthusiasts and her dad was also a car racer. At six years old, Bianca was already enjoying the speed as she competed in several car racing events.
Bianca has collected more than 100 trophies and medals for this sport. She said that car racing has been her whole life.
“Ito talaga ang naging buhay ko eh. I’ve built my life around motorsport and this is where I am now,” she shared on GMA.
Image by Bianca Bustamante via Facebook
Bianca admitted that motorsport is dominated by men but it didn’t stop her from doing her best. In fact, she revealed that it empowers her to compete against men.
“Competing against boys, minsan it just empowers me so much as a woman. Kapag natatalo ko sila, kapag nakakalaro ko sila, tapos minsan mas mabilis ako,” she added.
The inspiring teenager wanted to show other young women that their gender doesn’t make them weak. There are many times that women can be as strong or even better than men.
She said that she faced many negative comments trying to pull her down. She was told she couldn’t do it because she is a woman and they’re poor. But she proved them all wrong.
“I’m here as proof that women are as strong as men or even better at some point,” she explained.
Bianca feels honored to represent the Philippines and Asia in the upcoming W series this May 2022 in Miami, Florida. The W series is an international car racing event specifically for women. Many consider this as a stepping stone for the prestigious Formula One.
Image by Bianca Bustamante via Facebook
“Ang daming magagaling na driver and I need to improve on myself, my physical aspect,” Bianca said.
She has working out, doing a lot of neurocognitive training, and other mental and physical exercise to prepare for the event.
To watch the rest of Bianca’s story, you can view it on GMA’s Youtube channel:
April 30 update:
Her Ig post gives us an update on her racing. “USF Juniors Round 2 at Barber Motorsports Park in the books!!!
It was great to get straight back into it after last week’s race..With this week being Indycar weekend, it meant only one practice before going directly into qualifying and two races; it definitely taught me to build up pace quicker.”
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