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Swiss racing driver Laura Villars, 28, has announced her intention to run for the presidency of the FIA - but has faced backlash over her efforts.
If she submits her application before to October 24 deadline, she will be the first woman to run for the position, looking to overthrow current chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Ben Sulayem had been preparing for another term in post having been unopposed until July, but American motorsport official Tim Mayer, 59, launched his bid in the summer, and Villars is now looking to run too.
Villars, in her press release, references her intentions to introduce a 'FIA Eco-Performance' and 'enhance the Women in Motorsport program (Girls on Track, mentoring) and establish a FIA Young Leaders Academy'.
She said: 'The FIA must once again be the federation of clubs and license holders. My ambition is a governance that is more democratic, more transparent, more responsible, and open to women and new generations. I strongly believe that motorsport needs diversity and innovation to keep inspiring younger generations worldwide.'
Now, via, BILD, she has further opened up on her bid and spoken out on challenging men in the industry ands he looks to break the barrier of running for the post.
Formula One's first female president hopeful, 28, has opened up on facing men for the role
Swiss racing driver Laura Villars will be the first-ever female candidate if she submits her application in time
She has responded to suggestions that she is only running to boost her Instagram profile
Villars has also said she wants to 'overcome barriers' and 'not be shy as a woman'
'I think now is the right time to not be shy as a woman and to overcome barriers,' she said. 'I've been preparing my candidacy with a large team over the past few months. I enjoy competition, and when I set my mind to something, I see it through to the end.
'[My passion comes] from my father. He was passionate about motorsports and took me to races as a child. I watched all the Formula One races.
'My time with Michael Schumacher inspired me. At 14, I was allowed to test a Formula Four car for the first time.'
It was put to Villars that her bid could be a PR stunt looked at boosting her Instagram following. She has more than 110,000 followers on her profile, and has at times made headlines for sharing bikini pictures and other snaps of her travels.
'Do these people also have these doubts about my competitors?' she asked. 'No. I don't want to comment further.
'Why should it [Impact my bid? I am who I am. And I'm competing with a strong program. That's what should count.'
Bids must include a Presidential List and be submitted between October 3 and October 24.
