Cristiana Pace

Read about Christina Pace a Race Engineer

Qualifications:

MEng Universita’ degli studi di Bologna, Italy

MSc Motorsport Management and Engineering Cranfield University 2002/2003

Job Title/Company:

Race Engineer, Head of FIA Project Department, EM Motorsport Ltd

Responsibilities/what does your job involve?

I report directly to our Technical Director. My main responsibilities are:

Managing the projects that EM Motorsport has developed for the FIA
Managing track support crew involved in the FIA projects (logistics, who does what, training, etc)
Diagnosing, and reporting to our Technical Director and the manufacturing company any failures or technical updates
Maintaining and updating our devices during race and test meetings
Liaising between EM Motorsport and FIA
Drafting the initial specifications for possible R&D within my area of expertise

What steps did you take to get into your current role?

I studied at Bologna University because it has a good reputation for engineering. In my first year I joined the University Motorsport Club as a secretary and social event organiser. Club members were asked by people in the ‘Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari’ in Imola, to help with the national series during our spare time. After a couple of years I took an exam to become a technical scrutineer for the CSAI (the Italian equivalent of the FIA) and after that I dedicated all my spare time to race meetings.

I was appointed Technical Assistant for the Italian3000 Championship, a national series, and then the following year for the Euro 3000 championship. Obviously I had to improve my knowledge of the English language and due to the nationality of some of the teams, I had to learn Portuguese and French.

Thanks to the University and to my own networking I spent short training periods with Minardi, Verlicchi (the factory that produces chassis for Ducati) and Oral Engineering (Mauro Forghieri’s factory). My final placement was with Lola Cars International Ltd in the UK.

After completing my degree it was suggested that I should consider an MSc in Motorsport Management and Engineering, at Cranfield University - I applied and was selected. Whilest studying at Cranfield I worked in a freelance capacity as a Junior Race Engineer and Data Acquisition Engineer, I looked after three cars in the British F Renault Championship. I also did the 24 hours Le Mans with Durango Team, ran a Ferrari 360 in the NGT and a Ferrari 550 in the FIA GT with a french Team, JMB, and finally did the 1000Km of Le Mans in November as strategist and data analyst for a Scottish Team (Scuderia Ecosse). Every weekend was busy!

I started working for EM Motorsport in November 2003. They contacted me before the end of the my studies to offer me the position of Race Engineer. Over time my job has become more varied - I now look after the devices themselves as well as the overall processes behind them. This includes supervising manufacturing and quality, scheduling delivery time and servicing, dealing with the Teams directly and dealing with the FIA technical requests.

Two years ago I became involved in R&D as well, mainly for another FIA project, the Formula One Marshalling System. This device will be compulsory in every F1 car from the 2007 season. My involvement has mainly been in drafting and discussing the specification of this product and last year I co-ordinated the development phases at the circuits.

Details of any major obstacles faced and how these were overcome?

As a young woman in a male-orientated environment, my main obstacle was convincing people that I was the right person for the job and gaining respect from the Teams. To do this I think I had to work harder than my male colleagues. When I started in F1 I had the same problem. I always like to remember my first test - I walked into the garage with an FIA uniform and the chief mechanic of the Team came up to me and said ‘The press department is that way’. I replied ‘Actually I’m an engineer and am here to carry out a software update, thank you very much…’.

What do you like best about your job?

I enjoy the technical side of my job, the ongoing learning process, for which I have to thank the FIA data analysis and electronics department as well as my Technical Director. They have taught me a lot and continue to do so. I also enjoy the multicultural environment that I work in.

Are there any disadvantages?

The main disadvantage of working in Motorsport is that you don’t have much time for yourself or for your partner and friends, especially at the beginning of your career. When I first started, much of my spare time was taking up working with Teams and trying to acquire as much experience as possible. Another disadvantage is that young women lack credibility within the industry - you have to work hard to build a good reputation. It’s also a real nightmare trying to plan your wedding around the race meetings schedule!

When you first became interested in the industry - personally and professionally (if different) and why?

I have always been interested in motorbikes and Motocross but I wasn’t interested in Motorsport until I got to University. I certainly never thought it would become my career.

I became interested in Motorsport in a professional capacity during my placement period at Lola Cars International, when I met Frank Dernie. I like challenges and he suggested that entering F1 as a female engineer would be a good one!

Advice you would give youngsters trying to get into Motorsport

First of all, be patient. The Motorsport Industry is very competitive and it will take time and perseverance to get your foot in the door. If you want to work in Motorsport for the glamour or for the money, don’t bother! Motorsport is hard work, late nights and not at all what you see on TV. Networking can be a great help and you really need to sell yourself.

As we say in Italy ‘In Bocca al Lupo’ (Good Luck!).