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France - Earlier in December, the FIA appointed Renault F1 development driver, Carmen Jorda, to head its Woman in Motorsport Commission.
Jean Todt, President of the FIA added: "The FIA’s membership around the world comprises men and women; each has an identical part to play in sport. Like many international federations, we will support, promote and help advance the participation of women in motor sport to ensure equal opportunities at all levels."
Social media attention
Since then, her appointment has come under fire from fellow female competitors in the motorsport industry, most notably Indy500 racer Pippa Mann.
Mann took to Twitter to voice her opinion that she is disappointed as an Indy500 qualifier.
What do you think of the Woman in Motorsport Commission? Do you agree with Jorda's appointment? Email us
Jorda began her career in karting and progressed to the Master Junior Formula as a teen before competing in the Spanish Formula 3. During the 2007 Spanish Formula 3 campaign, Jorda finished 4th.
Mann qualified for the Indy500 series in 2011 though has not won a race since her debut. Her best showing came at the 2015 IndyCar Series when she finished 27th overall.
Le Mans winner speaks out
Leena Gade, a three time Le Mans winning race engineer, replied to Mann's tweet, saying that women in the sport want to compete with both males and females.
The FIA says that the commission is needed to "To show that they are recognised by the highest body in charge of motorsport – to show that the door is open to women in all aspects of motorsport, including among drivers, officials, positions in the federation etc. To support and accompany current female drivers; to encourage the participation of new young drivers and officials; to promote the involvement of women at all levels of motorsport and to highlight where women are successful thus strengthening their participation."