Female Focus: Telemetry Talk

As a telemetry engineer for Marelli Motorsport, Emily Andreoli spends FIA World Rallycross Championship race weekends supporting the FIA by checking that electronic sensors are correctly mounted and functioning, while downloading and analysing key data from cars to ensure they all comply with the series’ technical regulations.

The Italian began her career working for legendary car manufacturer Ferrari in its Vehicle Certification Department, but as a motorsport aficionado through-and-through, she soon found she was missing the cut-and-thrust of competition and the feeling of the sport ‘entering the bones and synchronising with your heart’.

“To work for Ferrari was a dream come true but I was dealing with road cars, missing the vibes coming from the people crowding and the smell of burnt tyres on the asphalt,” she explains. “That’s why I attended many postgraduate courses and moved to Marelli Motorsport, while working as a local scrutineer at Imola circuit in my free time. I've always been passionate about motorsport. I do what I love, and I love what I do.”

Emily describes the key qualities required in her current role as ‘clear and precise communication skills, diplomacy and tenacity’ as she liaises closely with teams, the FIA, local scrutineers and organisers. As a woman on the frontline of a major World Championship, she is a leading advocate of driving further female participation in the sport.

“Nowadays, you can find many successful women in all areas of motorsport, from drivers to engineers, mechanics, team managers, officials and media,” she says. “Motorsport is the perfect environment to share a passion for cars, improve and train different skills, meet new people and feel part of a big community. It’s important you find something you really love. It will not always be easy, but passion will give you the strength to achieve your goals.”