Passion Moto, when enthusiasm and commitment go far beyond gender issues

What is the role of women in the context of competitive motor sports?

Arthur. In our sport, women are playing an increasingly important role. We're seeing more and more girls riding motorcycles and competing with the men. When you put on your helmet, whether you're a girl or a boy, you become a rider—there's no difference.
In 2023, I shared my first podium with a female rider, who won the race.

Clara. 95% of my experiences have been positive in motorcycling. Very few men have ever stood in my way or put me down simply because I am a woman. I have met some wonderful men who are happy to see me progressing alongside them or even better than them, and who don't hesitate to come and help, congratulate, encourage, give advice, etc... Whether they were professional riders, amateurs, beginners, or even companions.
Of course, there are always one or two who, lacking in ego, take it badly when a woman overtakes them, but that's their problem.

This is a very personal experience, and I know that unfortunately many women in this world face men who refuse to see women riding or succeeding on motorcycles. Hiding behind their phones on social media, or worse, it's simply unacceptable to still be at this stage.
I have only one thing to say to these people and situations: whether you're a woman or a man, everyone has their place. You just have to take it and know how to keep it by never letting anyone walk all over you. I am all for fairness and respect!
Women are increasingly daring to take their place. In 2024, the very first women's world championship was created! I hope this will inspire the next generation to compete in motorcycling!
 

Clara, what stereotypes would you like to break down with your story?

Through my testimony, I want above all to inspire!
To inspire women and young women to dare to do what they love. Even if it's a manual, technical, or scientific profession. Even if it's a "man's world." Even if they are discouraged by being told to do something "more suitable" or "easier." Even if at times it is more difficult physically or mentally.

Always do what you enjoy and what makes you feel free!
With my studies in mechanics, my professional ambition to join a precision machining company, and my passion for competitive motorcycling, I believe I can prove that it is possible! If you are happy in what you do, then you will always find the strength to take your place!
 

"In 2024, I put competition aside because I was in prep school, but now I'm back for another round! Today, I need visibility, but above all, I want to surround myself with strong partners like my new school. It's important for me to be an active participant in tomorrow's world." Clara

Clara Corale

How does this sport transform you? 

Clara. I learn a lot from motorcycling and especially from competition.
On a professional level: I manage my budget for the year. I have created communication materials that I use to approach companies. I have to be my own salesperson, presenting my project to them, the advantages of becoming a sponsor, etc. Following that, I have to manage my expenses in order to register for races, prepare my motorcycle, and train with the available budget.

I am president of my association, Pist'Adrénaline. So I have financial and accounting responsibilities to fulfill. But I also have responsibilities to my sponsors! I am committed to a two-way relationship with them, so I have to fulfill my part of the contract, which often involves advertising, events, and communication...

On the organizational side. I have to juggle several lives: student, work-study program participant, athlete. This requires organization and method. I also understand the importance of delegating certain tasks, such as sports. So I hire a coach! Race weekends also require organization: preparing the motorcycle in advance, checking all the equipment, making hotel reservations, getting ready... It's a sport!

On a personal/human level. It's a real encounter with yourself. You're constantly pushing your limits on the bike. I've discovered that I'm very competitive, combative, and determined. This experience is also teaching me to manage my emotions and stress. Plus, I'm meeting some extraordinary people! Passionate, kind people from all over France.

Arthur. It made me mature quite quickly because we do things that aren't "normal" for 20-year-olds. When all my friends are out having fun, I sometimes have to be away preparing for my races and pursuing my dream. It has taught me to talk to others, adapt to the person I'm talking to, organize myself, and manage my time better. It's all been positive for my future, both personally and professionally.

What motivates you, and what qualities are required to practice your sport?

Arthur. Having a competitive spirit and always wanting to give your best.
Having good interpersonal skills to approach companies with a view to forming partnerships. You need determination, courage, willpower, and humility in this environment.

Clara. Speed motorcycling is a demanding sport.
You have to be precise. Ride on a precise trajectory, getting as close to it as possible. Create reference points so that you can, for example, brake at exactly the same place every time. Achieve identical lap times, down to the hundredth of a second, lap after lap. There are so many factors to take into account! That's what makes the quest for precision so rewarding!

You also have to love the thrills and adrenaline. There's no better feeling than when you're leaning into a turn, knee on the ground, or flying down a straight at over 120 mph!
Our sport is dangerous. We know that. But it's important not to be afraid of crashing, because otherwise it's impossible to ride that fast.

Arthur Marchal on the trail

How can you combine studies and high-level sports?

Clara. You have to be determined, disciplined, hardworking, and practice over and over again... It can be difficult to be a student, a work-study participant, and an athlete all at the same time, but it's a great learning experience.
Organization and discipline are essential for success. My goals and achieving them are what motivate me. I know that when I feel demotivated at school, I remind myself that my training is bringing me closer to my career goals while also pushing me to practice my sport!

Arthur. You need discipline and the ability to get down to work when you need to. I have a family and a team that support me. Without them, I couldn't do what I do.

How did Arts et Métiers help Arts et Métiers achieve your goals?

Clara. Arts et métiers actively supports Arts et métiers in my career as a student athlete. My schedule is adjusted so that I can go to training, as was the case in early January. I went to Spain to train with GMT94! It will be the same for my race weekends. All this is possible thanks to the support of my company, Magellan Aerospace Provence, which has agreed to support me in my sporting challenges.

Arthur. Arts et Métiers also Arts et Métiers my schedule for the weeks when I have races. And today, an article to talk about that.

How did motorcycles become your passion?

Clara. My father always drove us to school on his motorcycle. I live in a small village where there are no buses. To have more freedom, I chose to get a motorcycle to get around. That's when my passion was born!

I tried speed riding during a training course with legendary rider Serge Nuques. My passion grew! I did several training courses and rides, renting motorcycles before getting my own in 2021. I'm lucky to be able to share my passion with my close friends and family!

Arthur. From the age of 8, I watched all the MotoGP races on TV with my father. I would go and watch him ride on the circuits during free practice. I had only one desire: to get on a motorcycle and ride. Unfortunately, like many people, I think, my mother was worried about me having a motorcycle. I only started riding motorcycles at the age of 18, paying for one with money I earned from summer jobs.
And since that day, it's been a long dream that began with the support of my whole family.

Your first successes

Arthur. I trained with the goal of doing my first race, then a full championship: the French Promosport 400 championship with a Kawasaki, where I finished 6th overall in my first year.
With the perfect support of my loved ones, I wanted to aim even higher. In 2023, I will be competing in France's elite championship: the French Superbike championship. I achieved my first podium finish and ended the season in 8th place.

Today, I upgraded to a new engine size (400cc to 600cc). My goal is to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans one day.

Arthur Marchal in a blue jumpsuit

Clara. In 2022, I took part in a round of the women's speed championship, the "Women's Cup." At the time, I just wanted to discover the world of motorcycle racing and gauge my level. In the end... First race, first podium in my category! It was amazing! It was incredibly emotional, but above all a wonderful surprise, because I had only had my motorcycle for a year, so I had very little experience.

In 2023, I entered the full Women's Cup championship, with a real competitive approach: training twice a month on the bike, coaching in physical preparation and nutrition, and mental preparation.
Out of the eight races in the championship, I was lucky enough to finish on the podium seven times, including twice in first place and four times in second!
After a magnificent season, I finished as French Vice-Champion in 2023! I am very proud and happy with my achievements! It has given me so much. I have decided to continue competing in championships and have created an association called Pist'Adrénaline, with my partner Benoit Barthélémy, in order to seek out sponsors to help me finance my future seasons.

Clara Corale at the center of the podium

What is the most important competition you have participated in?

Arthur. I took part in the French Superbike Championship, France's most prestigious national motorcycle racing competition. Organized by the French Motorcycling Federation (FFM), it pits the best French and international riders against each other on 1000cc (Superbike) and 600cc (Supersport, my category) motorcycles, as well as in other related categories. Spread over several rounds held on iconic French circuits (Le Mans, Magny-Cours, etc.), the championship showcases the performance of the machines and the talent of the riders. It also serves as a springboard to international competitions such as World Superbike and MotoGP.

Clara. During a training session, I met Lucas Mahias from the GMT94 team (Yamaha), a committed and successful world championship rider. I took part in a round of the mixed championship, the "R7 CUP," with a new motorcycle, the R7. It was the first time that all my competitors were male. It was a difficult race, in the rain, but I learned a lot from it. I finished first among the women and 16th overall. The most important thing to note is that, with a bike I barely knew, by the end of the race I was close to the 10th place time. That's very encouraging!

In 2025, I plan to compete in the FSBK, France's top-level championship, in the R7 category (mixed races) with the support of GMT94, as well as in a single round of the women's world championship.
I am very happy to be competing at this level! I am currently looking for sponsors to help me finance my season, but also because I want to represent companies in the industrial sector at national and global level! It is important for me to represent companies that dare to get involved in women's sports and women's motorcycling.

What are your academic backgrounds? 

Clara. After obtaining a high school diploma in economics and social studies, I followed a traditional path: I enrolled at the University of Economics and Management in Aix-en-Provence. I quickly felt the need to move toward a more practical field. I wanted a technical job that would allow me to apply my theoretical, economic, and managerial knowledge.
I decided to study for a technical degree in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Automation in Aix-en-Provence. It was very difficult because I had no technical or scientific knowledge! I continued my studies and moved on to a professional bachelor's degree in Production Management in Sophia Antipolis, working part-time at my father's machining company. It was a real revelation and I was now 100% sure that I wanted to work in industry!
I then took an ATS prep course to improve my scientific skills and hopefully get into an engineering school.
Now here I am at Arts et Métiers I'm in the mechanical engineering program, working part-time at an aerospace subcontracting company, Magellan Aerospace Provence, based in Marignane.

Arthur. I have a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from IUT Lyon 1, specializing in Public Works.
At the start of the 2024 academic year, I enrolled in the first year of the specialized Engineering Program.

What are your career plans?

Clara. I have a clear career plan: I want to join my father's precision engineering company, Corale Industrie, in Napollon, near Aubagne.
Corale Industrie is currently a Tier 1 subcontractor for Airbus Helicopters and operates in the energy sector. With a team of 25 people working in a new workshop with the latest machinery, we carry out turning and milling operations on 3-, 4-, and 5-axis digital centers that can be equipped with robots, as well as the assembly of mechanical combustion units (ATEX). The company is ISO9001 and EN9100 certified and is leading an environmental project (on which I have worked) with the aim of achieving ISO14001 certification by 2027.

Corale Industrie is now more than a century old, having been founded in 1920 by my great-grandfather. It was taken over by my grandfather after he obtained his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, then again by my father after he obtained a BTS in industrial engineering and a DUT in GEA. The company has evolved under the leadership of its various managers. You will therefore understand my decision to attend engineering school. I want to get a higher level of education so I can help the company grow even more. Arts et Métiers gives Arts et Métiers the chance to learn about different trades, which will open doors to new sectors. It also gives me the opportunity to do a work-study program at a company other than Corale Industrie so I can get more varied experience.

Arthur. My career goal is to continue combining my passion with my work, to continue learning at Arts et Métiers in my company. My company, Coiro TP, is where I see myself in the future and where I hope to climb the ladder, especially since it also sponsors me.