Marie Alessia Koua N'zi - Motorsports Commentator

In the ever-evolving world of motorsport, few individuals capture the spirit of

adaptability and determination like Marie Alessia Koua N’zi. A multilingual motorsport

commentator and IT functional analyst, Alessia has forged a unique path in a

competitive industry, combining her passion for racing with a relentless drive to learn

and grow.

Her love for motorsport started in Italy, her home country, where Sunday afternoons

revolved around MotoGP. Her father, a devoted Valentino Rossi fan, often set the

tone for family viewing. “We were really into it” Alessia recalls. “After the national

anthem on TV, we’d run to the balcony to see the three-color arrows in the sky

before returning to watch the Italian Grand Prix. It was the highlight of the day for

me.”

Growing up in Italy also meant that racing events were more than just

entertainment—they were a cultural phenomenon. Alessia reminisces about how the entire country would rally around these events. “We never missed the Italian Grand

Prix,” she says.

“You could feel the excitement everywhere. The whole of Italy

seemed to gather around the TV for these races. It was such a big moment for us.”

These formative experiences laid the foundation for her deep connection to

motorsport.

While MotoGP was the spark, Alessia’s interests quickly expanded. She explored

Formula 1, endurance racing, and NASCAR, admitting, “I properly started watching

NASCAR a couple of years ago. It’s tough to follow because they’re always racing,

but I love it.”

Alessia’s journey into motorsport commentary began modestly online. She

connected with fans on Twitter, discussing MotoGP and Formula 1. Her insights and

enthusiasm caught the attention of Females in Motorsport, where she landed a role

as a social media editor and content writer.

“I didn’t think they would reach out because they had such a huge following, but they

did!” she shares. This opportunity proved to be a pivotal step, helping Alessia build

confidence and hone her skills in content creation.

In 2023, Alessia joined Parc Fermé TV, where she initially worked as a supporting

commentator. “At first, I was the technical voice, the second commentator,” she

explains. “It was a bit cringe—I was shy—but I started improving and stepping out of

my comfort zone.”

Her dedication paid off in 2024 when she became a lead commentator. One of her

proudest moments came during the Formula 4 UAE season finale in Dubai, where

Freddie Slater clinched the championship. “That was one of the greatest moments

I’ve had in commentary,” Alessia shares.

As a woman in motorsport commentary, Alessia has faced her share of challenges.

She admits, “When I was younger, I didn’t know of any female commentators. It

wasn’t until I met Becs Williams, a lead commentator in the FIA World Rally

Championship, that I realized it was possible.” Her observation calls to attention how

important visibility is in the motorsports industry for women.

Becs Williams became a key inspiration for Alessia, showing her that women could

thrive in commentary roles. “She’s such a great professional and a kind person.

From my conversations with her, I learned that it’s possible to break into this field as

a woman” Alessia reflects.

However, breaking stereotypes hasn’t been easy. “Some team members initially

weren’t keen on me doing lead commentary because they thought males knew

better. But I was determined to prove them wrong.” Alessia says. “You need the

opportunities first; without them, it’s tough.”

Balancing her motorsport ambitions with a full-time career as an IT functional analyst

is no easy task. “I have many parts of me”. “There’s Alessia who studies, Alessia

who works, and Alessia in motorsport. Every day is different.”

A passion for languages has also shaped Alessia’s journey. Fluent in English, Italian,

Spanish, and French, she credits her linguistic skills for helping her seize

opportunities. “Learning languages helped me connect with people and access

opportunities,” she explains. “I hope to learn German next, but I don’t know if I’ll have

time!”

To further enhance her understanding of motorsport, Alessia plans to pursue studies

in engineering. “I want to bring more to the table and open new opportunities for the

future”. Her determination and grit are no doubt a key factor in her growing success

in this world.

Alessia’s ultimate dream is to work full-time in motorsport. “Many of my roles have

been volunteer-based, so I want to make motorsport my sole focus,” she shares. “I’d

love to commentate on GT and endurance racing. I’ve already done the Gulf 12

Hours and the Aurum 1006 km of Palanga, which was incredible because the track

was the intersection of two highways with a single chicane made of tires!”

Through her journey, Alessia emphasizes the importance of representation in

inspiring the next generation. “Having role models is so important,” she says.

“Seeing women like Ana Carrasco and Maria Herrera succeed shows young girls

that they can do it too.”

Marie Alessia Koua N’zi’s story is one of courage, persistence, and passion. In an

industry that is steadily becoming more inclusive, she is blazing a trail for future

generations, proving that with determination and love for the craft, anything is

possible.