Championing Change Across Asia

Women are reshaping the motorsport landscape, both on track and behind the scenes across Asia. As we celebrate Asian heritage, here are some of the incredible women making an impact in this industry. From technical engineers to winning riders, their stories demonstrate that the sport is no longer confined to traditional boundaries. 

Midori Moriwaki 

Photo credits: MIE Racing Team 

Midori Moriwaki has carved out a remarkable career as Team Principal of PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda, leading her teams in both World Superbike (World SBK) and World Supersport (World SSP) championships. 

The granddaughter of Hideo ‘Pops’ Yoshimura, motorcycle tuner and race team owner, and daughter of racer Mamoru Moriwaki, racing has always been a central part of her life. She believes the best way to excel in this sport is to truly understand the machines yourself, which led to her studying engineering before joining her family company, Moriwaki Engineering Co. Ltd. Based in Suzuka, she successfully led racing activity for the company through FIM MotoGP World Championship, FIM Moto2 World Championship, World SBK and World SSP. 

Away from the paddock, Midori has also championed talent development through her project, the Moriwaki Junior Cup, to ensure that opportunities exist for the next generation of riders. Through her journey as owner, director and engineer, Midori has shown incredible leadership skills, leaving an impact beyond the racetrack. 

Aishwariya Pissay 

Photo credits: Getty Images 

From learning to ride a motorcycle at 18 to becoming the first Indian to win a FIM World Cup title, Aishwarya Pissay has been dominating the rally circuits. In 2019, she was the first Indian woman to dominate the Baja World Cup. From off-road rallying to circuit racing, she has had an impressive career of 11 national titles as well as three world titles. Currently in 2025, Aishwariya continues to lead the Indian National Rally Championship, showcasing her talent and consistency. Her journey is a beacon for female racers everywhere.

Bianca Bustamante 

Photo credits: Formula E

Young driver from the Philippines, Bianca Bustamante, has been rapidly ascending through the global motorsport ladder. Capturing attention not only for her speed but for breaking barriers, Bianca became the first female driver to be signed to the McLaren Development Driver programme in 2023.

With a wide ranging racing portfolio, from F1 Academy to FIA Formula E tests, this year she is one of two women racing in the GB3 championship, where she is driving on par as her male counterparts. Additionally, she has recently signed to Cupro Kiko as a development driver, further extending her racing capabilities.

Alongside her racing, she has surpassed over 3 million followers across social media platforms, making her the most followed female driver! Her large audience helps to increase visibility of female drivers and inspire young women especially across the Southeast Asia region to dream bigger than ever.

Nida Anis 

Photo credits: Nida Anis 

At just 20 years old, Thai motorsport engineer, Nida Anis, has gained hands-on experience across a diverse range of motorsport championships. Just to name a few: GB4 championship, FIA Formula 4 Indian Championship, GT World Challenge Asia and Formula Regional Middle East Championship. Alongside her freelance work on data and race strategy, she is currently pursuing a Motorsport Engineering degree at Oxford Brookes University.  

Recently, she also co-founded Asian Motorsport, a platform designed to give greater visibility to the region’s racing stories and opportunities. Nida’s unwavering commitment to motorsport is making a difference from technical to social aspects. 

Janette Tan 

Photo credits: Motorsport Network 

Meet Janette Tan, Director of Race Operations at Singapore GP Pte Ltd. As the winner of the inaugural Charlie Whiting Award, which aims to celebrate aspiring race directors, she is a shining star in motorsport who stands as an example for dedication and commitment. From joining the Singapore GP team as a Senior Manager in 2010, she has worked through the ranks to her current role as director. However, beyond this role, she wears many different hats in motorsport. She is also a member of the FIA Volunteers & Officials Commission, member of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, Deputy FIA Race Director for FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3, and also the Regional Rep for FIA WIM Asia Pacific. It is clear that her expertise in race control across a range of racing series set her apart as a role-model in this field. 

Ananya Srinidhi 

Photo credits: Ananya Srinidhi

Ananya Srinidhi is an inspiring motorsport enthusiast dedicated to bringing change in motorsport across Asia. As the co-founder of Hairpin Media, she uses her platform to showcase and celebrate the racing across the continent. From karting drivers to individuals working in Formula 1, she shines a spotlight on the people, as well as their stories, to foster support and development in the industry. She is driving diversity and inclusivity further by giving Asian motorsport the representation it deserves.

The achievements of each of these women reflect the growing momentum of change in motorsport across Asia. Each of them have challenged expectations in different ways and together are contributing to a more inclusive future for motorsport in Asia.