A Dream Ignited in Rural Kerala Salva Marjan Poised to Become First Female FIA Formula Racer

By Subitha

20 SEP 2024

Formula racing is much more than just high-speed thrills. It’s an unforgiving test of precision, courage, and raw talent, where only the best rise to the top. While the sport has long been dominated by men, with only five women ever qualifying for a Grand Prix, the landscape may soon change. In the heart of Kerala, where tradition meets modernity, a young woman from Perambra, Kozhikode, is on the cusp of making history.

Salva Marjan, a 25-year-old motorsports enthusiast, is set to become the first woman from Kerala to participate in the prestigious Formula 1 Academy in January 2025. Organized by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), this academy is a stepping stone to the elite levels of motorsport. To hone her skills, Salva recently relocated to the United Arab Emirates, where she is undergoing rigorous training and preparing for her next big challenge.


Despite her small-town roots, Salva’s ambitions were always far-reaching. Born on July 24, 1999, into a supportive family, her journey has not been without obstacles. Financial constraints and societal expectations often stood in her way. However, her parents, who never imposed gender-based limitations, remained unwavering in their support, empowering her to pursue her passion for racing.


Qualifying for the F1 Academy would open doors to greater opportunities, giving Salva the exposure, resources, and support necessary to advance to higher levels in motorsport, including Formula 3, Formula 2, and potentially even Formula 1. Her mantra, "dream the impossible," fuels her ambition to break barriers and reach new heights.

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Salva’s motorsport journey began in 2018 with Formula LGB, and she has since excelled in both the F4 Indian and UAE championships, winning an impressive 119 out of 150 laps. Now based in the UAE for advanced training, she is fully focused on competing at the F1 Academy championship in 2025.


Her determination to explore new opportunities has brought her closer to earning the qualifications necessary for the FIA Formula 4 International Championship. Salva Marjan is not just racing against the clock; she’s racing towards history.