15th Dec 2008 – Sepang Circuit Malaysia – Fabienne Lanz, the female karting phenomenon from South Africa, has made her first step into the major league by testing in a Formula BMW.
Fabienne, who is better known in the Karting community as one of the fastest ladies on four wheels, is planning her next big move into mainstream motorsports. On a recent trip with her team to Sepang circuit in Malaysia, she had the chance to put the open wheel single seater through its paces.
“It’s a fantastic circuit here and I’m so thrilled to be given a chance to test in one of these open wheel cars” commented an elated Fabienne.
“To come straight from karting into the Formula BMW championship will be a very good move for me and I have already proven some really good testing times, enough to be competitive and give me the confidence. The cars aerodynamics are completely different to what I’m used to and having a sequential gearbox made it a bit of a challenge”, continued Fabienne.
Fabienne also took the opportunity to visit her sponsors in person, Sabah Minister for Culture, Tourism and Environment, Datuk Masidi Manjun and Zachary Aman from PowersportsEvents, Sabah, Malaysia. Both were excited by the promise she has shown and have pledged support for her in the coming season. The tourism region of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo aims to generate an interest in motorsports for the youth culture and hopes that young people will model themselves on Fabienne Lanz in future years.
Not one to shy away from an invitation for more speed, Fabienne, as a guest of one of her sponsors, PowersportEvents, at a recent F2 World Powerboating championship, took up the challenge to experience high speed on a different level, at sea. Sitting in the passenger seat next to a multiple World Powerboat Champion, Fabienne was amazed to experience high performance on water.
“With 5g gravity pull in the corners it’s the fastest machine I’ve ever been in and it felt a bit scary not being in the driver seat, I think ill stick to dry land for now”, said Fabienne.
As the new racing season starts, Fabienne has her work cut out to meet potential sponsors and is busy fundraising.