Junior karting sensation Alana Gurney has been named one of nine drivers to feature among the FIA’s Girls on Track Rising Stars for 2025.
Selected from around the world, Gurney and eight other participants aged between 12 and 16 years of age, will take part in a camp in Italy this week to showcase their skills and passion to become the next Rising Star.
It has been a strong year for Gurney, selected to be part of the Formula One Australian Grand Prix ‘Team of Tomorrow’ and winning the 2025 Ladies Trophy for scoring the most points among female karting competitors.
A 2023 and 2024 Victorian Karter of the Year, an Oakleigh Club Champion, a fourth-placed finisher out of 76 drivers in the Cadet 12 category of the Karting Australia Championships, and Summer Series winner, Gurney is widely regarded as one of the nation’s leading junior female motorsport talents.
Upon meeting fellow camp participants, Gurney said she was excited for the opportunity in front of her.
“I’m looking forward to pushing myself in a new environment,” Gurney said.
“It’s a different class to what I compete in Australia so I’ll be in a bigger go-kart with a bigger engine, a different tyre and a track I’ve never been to, so it will definitely push my limits, but I’m up for the challenge.
“I will soak up as much information as I can to learn from the experience moving forward. I can’t wait.”
The pool of candidates will now undergo the dedicated training and development camp designed to fast-track their skills and prepare them for the next steps in their karting careers.
The 2025 edition of the program identifies the most promising drivers at the grassroots level, and supports their progression within the FIA’s development pathway.
Gurney said she was in disbelief when her parents broke the news to her that she had been named a Rising Star.
Gurney also stated she is sure what she learns from the camp will help her in many different ways as her career develops.
“I’d watched the girls that have done the camp before me and it’s something I always wanted to do,” Gurney added.
“It’s an amazing opportunity, I’m so happy I get to experience it and receive support from people who believe in my ability. I’m very grateful.”
