Women and Motor Valley: the women who made history
When we talk about Motor Valley, the collective imagination conjures up images of workshops, racetracks and the big names in motorsport. Yet the history of motoring in Emilia Romagna is not just a male-dominated story.
Behind iconic brands such as Ferrari, Maserati, Ducati and Lamborghini, there have been, and still are, influential women, capable of shaping business decisions, industrial visions and sporting trajectories.
Telling the stories of the women of Motor Valley means rediscovering a lesser-known yet fundamental part of this region.
Alfieri Maserati and his sisters: the family’s quiet role
The story of Maserati’s founding is often told through the lens of the Maserati brothers. Less well known is the role played by the family environment and the women who supported the business during a complex period in history.
In family-run businesses in Emilia in the early 20th century, women managed administrative, organisational and logistical matters. This contribution is often overlooked, yet it was crucial to the company’s stability and continuity.
Motor Valley also owes its origins to these solid family structures.
Laura Ferrari: balance and continuity
One of the most significant women in the history of Motor Valley is Laura Garello Ferrari, Enzo Ferrari’s wife.
Following the death of her son Dino, Laura played a key role in the company’s financial and corporate management. Her presence proved decisive during a delicate period for Scuderia Ferrari.
In a world dominated by charismatic figures and strong personalities, her influence was less visible, but by no means insignificant.
Maria Teresa De Filippis: the first woman in Formula 1
Born in Naples but with deep ties to Maserati, Maria Teresa De Filippis was the first woman to qualify for a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 1958, driving a Maserati 250F.
Her journey is symbolic of Motor Valley: it demonstrates that talent and determination know no gender, even in an era when motorsport was almost exclusively male-dominated.
Her story remains a source of inspiration for younger generations to this day.
Women in engineering and contemporary design
Today, Motor Valley is also a cutting-edge technology hub. More and more women are taking on key roles in:
• Mechanical engineering
• Composite materials research
• Automotive design
• Industrial management
Companies such as Dallara, Pagani, Ducati and Lamborghini have technical and design teams where the number of women is steadily increasing.
These are no longer merely support roles, but professionals leading complex projects.
Ducati and women’s motorsport
In the world of motorcycling, Ducati has helped to raise the profile of women in motorsport and sports management.
More and more women are taking part in competitions, working in technical teams or holding strategic roles in marketing and communications.
Over the years, the modern Motor Valley has thus evolved into an increasingly inclusive ecosystem.
A cultural shift is underway
The history of women in Motor Valley reflects a wider shift in Italian society.
Whereas in the past women’s contributions were often hidden behind the scenes, today they are more visible and recognised. Universities and technical colleges in Emilia-Romagna are seeing a steady increase in the number of female students on STEM courses, covering mechanics, design and engineering.
Motor Valley: a story still being written
Talking about women and Motor Valley does not mean rewriting history, but expanding it. It means recognising that the success of this region has not been solely down to big male names, but also to the decisive contributions of women, who are often less celebrated.
Today, the challenge is to continue to promote talent and expertise regardless of gender.
Motor Valley began as a region of engineering and passion, but is now increasingly evolving into a region of shared innovation.
And this, too, is, after all, evolution.