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Salva Marjan: India’s Trailblazer in Formula One
In India, where it’s still rare to see women driving bikes, buses, & lorries, a young woman from Kozhikode is breaking the mold. Salva Marjan, just 25 years old and hailing from Perambra, is about to make history. She could become Kerala’s first woman Formula One racer! Exciting times are ahead as she gets ready to compete in a big Formula One race that the FIA organizes in January 2025.
From Childhood Fascination to Racing Reality
Salva’s love for racing started when she was just a little girl. She would watch Formula 1 drivers zoom past on TV and in movies. Their skill amazed her. Now, she’s on the verge of making her childhood dream come true!
Racing Journey: Overcoming Obstacles
Salva kicked off her racing journey back in 2018 with the entry-level Formula LGB series. She did so well that by 2023, she was racing in the F4 Indian Championship. That same year, she also took part in the F4 UAE Championship — finishing 119 out of 150 laps!
To chase her dreams further, Salva moved to the UAE recently for better training & opportunities. Right now, she’s all set for the upcoming F1 Academy competition.
The Road to Formula One: Facing Challenges Head-On
The path to her dream hasn’t been easy at all, especially since F4 training can cost a lot. Salva is a business management graduate and worked various jobs to help pay for her passion. Her family—dad Chembra Panachingal Kunjamu, mom Zubaidah, & her siblings Sahla, Sinan, & Sabith—have always been there for her. They’ve encouraged her even when faced with criticism from their conservative community.
She knows how tough it can be as a woman in a sport usually dominated by men. The physical strain is real! Inside the car, temperatures can hit 40 degrees Celsius! When making sharp turns, braking pressures can range between 60 to 100 kilograms! Racers can even lose up to four kilograms during just one race! Despite having crashes or challenging moments on the track, Salva keeps pushing forward.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Now, Salva Marjan is also a brand ambassador for Next Level Racing! Her biggest goal is to represent India in Formula 1. She hopes that by chasing her dreams in this challenging sport, she will encourage young women in Kerala to dive into motorsports & break down barriers along the way!
