It's About Relatable Conversations: Cristiana Oprea on Mentoring in Rally Racing

Mentor Spotlight

Through the FIA Women in Motorsport mentorship program, Cristiana takes part as a mentor.

Doubting Her Own Experience, Then Finding Value in It

Cristiana admits she did not start the program with full confidence in what she has to offer. "To be honest I was not sure I had enough experience but I always enjoy sharing my story and helping others discover motorsport."

That uncertainty gives way to a different understanding of what mentoring actually requires. "It turned out to be an amazing experience because I understood it's not so much about how many years you've been into motorsport, but about having relatable conversations and sharing ideas with like-minded people who also understand the challenges."

She also sees the relationship as part of something larger than the program itself. "I also feel that we're still not enough women in motorsport so I am sure the connections we've created will continue developing beyond this program."

A Conversation That Only Another Woman in Motorsport Could Understand

When asked about a moment that stands out, Cristiana points to a conversation about the demands of the sport on daily life. "I guess it's the moment we discussed about balancing our personal lives with the crazy motorsport schedule."

She describes why that conversation feels different from talking to people outside the sport. "It's the kind of girl talk you can only have with another woman in motorsport because from the outside it's hard for people to understand the extent of work and sacrifices we do to fully dedicate ourselves to a career in this sport."

Learning to Communicate Her Own Experience

Mentoring also sharpens a skill Cristiana already uses in her journalism and content work. "I understood how I can better refine and deliver the information I gathered during my career, making it more relevant for any audience, not just in motorsport."

Her Message to Future Mentors

Cristiana encourages anyone considering mentoring to set aside doubts about experience level. "I would say definitely do it because we are all people sharing the same dream and passion and just having the chance to exchange new ideas with somebody from motorsport is very valuable. We all have to learn from each other, no matter how many years we've been in this sport."

Why She Believes Mentorship Matters

For Cristiana, mentorship connects directly to how the sport grows. "I believe motorsport is a team sport and supporting each other is how the sport can grow and thrive."

She also ties it to the broader push for women's representation in motorsport. "I am also a keen supporter of women in motorsport and I know representation is the first mandatory step towards performance, so solidarity is key."

What She Recommends to Other Women in Motorsport

When asked for a book, tool or resource recommendation, Cristiana points to stories of other female athletes as a source of inspiration. "I often read books about female athletes (Bravey by Alexi Pappas is one of my favorites) or watch TV documentaries about sport (Break Point on Netflix is really good), they offer me an incredible amount of inspiration and I always learn new things about the mindset you need to be successful in high-pressure fields."

On the tool side, she points to something more practical. "As for a tool, I would recommend building your personal brand and being a constant presence on social media because today it matters more than you think."