Probably the only Muslim female racing driver in the world, 31 year old Laleh Seddigh has over recent years become a popular icon across amongst Muslim women “petrolheads”, particularly in the middle east. The recent documentary aired on BBC2 has only served to re-inforce her popularity, despite the recent ban placed against her following allegations of engine tampering. She denied this of course saying she believed the allegations were a conspiracy to prevent women from racing in Iran. She pointed out two other male drivers who adjusted their cars in the same race with no repercussions.

The allegations did not dishearten Laleh and in the face of such opposition she continued to smile cheekily, as she is known for carrying out some harmless “underhanded” tactics herself. For instance three years ago when she was crowned champion of the 1600 GT class, Iranian state television said it was not allowed to show her on the podium. Despite this, her fellow racers complained that she was grabbing all the press and media attention and so she was forced to retire from the race and it was cancelled. After the race was called off, because the cameras were all focused on her, a huge article appeared in the national newspaper – ghosted by herself, causing an outcry. In the most recent allegation of engine tampering, what really happened was she was caught respraying another more powerful car!

As a result she has been banned for a year, and although some say she deserves it, you have to admire her attitude. Laleh admires the Formula One star Michael Schumacher, in fact she is also nicknamed by many as “Little Schumacher” but maintains and respects the Islamic dress code when competing. “I love to race, I love to compete... I think it’s sort of a responsibility for me because I am inviting other female drivers to join to the race... and hopefully I can teach to the other females to just believe in themselves,” she says. “Persian females are really strong.” “Resistance from men does not bother me, once I get on the track I like to use my technical skills, take control and dominate the other drivers.” Laleh is the oldest of four children. When she was 13, her father taught her to drive on weekends in a park on the outskirts of Tehran.

At 23, she began racing miniature race cars that had more in common with go-carts. She also entered three-day cross-country car rallies, in which she had to change her own tyres and make her own repairs. “I had to do everything by myself,” she said, “because my navigator was a girl as well.” “My real hero is my father. I’ve always wanted to be like him,” she said. “Basically, he’s my trainer in everything.” With her father’s encouragement, she has devoted her academic career to preparing to succeed him in the family business. She received a bachelor’s degree in industrial management and a master’s in production engineering, and is now working on her Ph.D. in industrial management and production, all at Tehran University. She enjoys her studies, but said driving is her fi rst love. “I want to show my father that I can do anything,” she said

Laleh is a lively, energetic symbol of a whole generation of young Iranians who are increasingly testing social boundaries. Seventy percent of Iranians are under 35, and they have gently pushed for, and received, freedoms unimaginable even a few years ago. Laleh has vowed to fi ght to clear her name and continue racing at competitve levels internationally with the dream of becoming a champion at the highest level of motorsport in the Middle East.

“I’m not a feminist,” she said. “But why should women be lazy and weak? If you’re determined, you’ve got to push.” “There has been a lot of jealous grumbling from many of the male drivers.”

But others, like Saeed Arabian, Iran’s previous national champion and now her driving coach, are proud of what she has achieved. “She is brave in asking for her rights,” Mr. Arabian said. “She will have a great future.” We wish her success in her racing career, and no doubt will be hearing a lot more about her achievements in the future.