Top female racer to serve as series coach and mentor to the young riders.

Maria Costello MBE, top female racer and FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission member, will act as series coach and mentor to the young riders taking part in this years inaugural FIM Europe 'Women's European Cup'.

The Women's Cup will run as an integral part of the PATA European Junior Cup, powered by Honda, and will see the female racers compete on identical race prepared Honda CBR 650 F machinery, racing on equal terms within the European Junior Cup whilst enjoying a unique championship of their own.

Maria has been successful both in road racing and short circuit racing, and as well as being a member of the FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission she organises specialist track day training for women. She now looks forward to her new role within the FIM Europe Women's European Cup.

Maria says: “This class is very important because of how it will help young female racers progress in the sport. I’m really pleased to be asked to be their mentor and I look forward to working with all the participants, both at the forthcoming training camp in April and throughout the season.”

Nita Korhonen, Director of FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission, adds: “When we started our Road Racing project, less than two years ago, we had no idea that so many improvements would happen for female riders so soon. The creation of FIM Europe Women's Europen Cup raises the profile of women in the sport whilst allowing the riders to compete on equal terms with the young men and that naturally is our main aim. Our commission is extremely pleased to be part of this great series.”