Jure Portelli, 15, is an Australian racing protege who was selected as a Girls On Track Rising Star participant earlier this year.
In August 2023, Jure headed to Italy to take part in a variety of activities, but what she hadn’t known was that she would be getting behind the wheel of a Formula 4 car test with Prema.
Jure began Karting just two years ago and has already made excellent progress in her short time with the sport.
‘Not a lot of experience, it’s a big journey but fun’
Jure Portelli on her Karting career so far.
Her passion and determination is clear as day for all who get the chat to chat with the young Australian; her face lights up at the mere topic of motorsport and her aspirations for the future.
When asked what it was like driving a Formula 4 car, Jure smiled brightly. It was her very first experience in a Formula car, going at least 200km/h once she was used to the gears and clutch.
‘It felt like you’re driving a big go kart’
Jure Portelli on how driving the Prema F4 car felt.
‘I felt unprepared. It was crazy as all the gear was on for a seat fitting; felt surreal’
Jure Portelli
She insists being chosen for FIA Girls On Track has been her goal since she started karting and believes it will present her more opportunities.
The moment Jure walked in and saw her name and national flag on the car was a surreal realisation; her goal had been achieved.
Only ever driving on a skid pan in Townsville or kart track’s around Australia, Jure went into the experience with little to no expectations on what it would be like.
Europe was a huge eye opener for the young female athlete, showing her sponsorship and financial strength was a major necessity to further develop in the sport.
‘I only spoke to one person on the radio, but many were coming through’
Jure Portelli on testing experience.
Whilst overseas on the ultimate motorsport adventure, Jure got the chance to meet Mark Webber (47) and his wife Ann in the hotel lobby of her accomodation.
Ann Webber later introduced Jure to McLaren Formula 1 drivers, Oscar Piastri (22) and Lando Norris (23), at the Franciacorta Kart Track for the WSK European Championship.
The Prema mechanics working with her and a handful of other young female athletes at the Porsche Experience Center Franciacorta in Italy were friendly, encouraging, and supportive.
‘The mechanic at Prema joked with me, telling me not to crash the car because they had to race it at Monza!’
Jure Portelli on Prema experience.
Taking after her idol in Karting, Alice Buckley, who was selected as a Rising Star the year prior, Jure understood her new set of goals for the future.
In 2023, Jure Portelli was one of two young female Australian’s chosen for the programme. The experience of meeting like-minded young female athletes, and running into Australian Karters all the way overseas was incredible, she said.
Most people are content with Karting, and although Jure adores the grassroots aspect of Karting, the idea of progressing forward is exciting as she looks towards the future.
‘Taking it as it comes and taking every opportunity’
Jure Portelli on what is next to come.
She has already succeeded one goal; getting selected as a FIA Girls On Track Rising Star. So, when asked what’s next, she was happy with any step that came next.
Now with F1 Academy’s new pathway from Karting to feed young women through the sport, all the way to Formula 1, it is highly possible young Jure Portelli’s future is extremely bright.
‘F1 Academy is great! Sort of doesn’t matter if I’m racing against boys or girls. Racing against the boys would be more of achievement though.’
Jure Portelli when asked if she’s aiming for F1 Academy.
Jure is a positive, determined, hard-working athlete. Her passion is clear, and the best part? She is not scared to get out on the track amongst the boys.
An Australian motorsport star in the making; follow Jure Portelli on social media and support her journey as she progresses further in the future.
‘Anything is possible’
Jure Portelli on the future.
A big thank you to Jure for taking the time to have an interview with Tayla Talks! All pictures were sourced from her – credit to photographer(s).
Make sure to follow her on social media platforms, show her support, and watch her as she pushes all boundaries to become a successful female racing driver.
Until next time,
Tayla Talks ❤
Tayla Talks 
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