Ana 'Bia' Beatriz de Figueiredo

Ana 'Bia' Beatriz Caselato Gomes de Figueiredo is a Brazilian racing driver who currently competes in the Brazilian Stock Car championship under the name Bia Figueiredo.

Earlier in a career, she spent six seasons in the North American open-wheel competitions (Indy Lights and IndyCar Series) between 2008 and 2013. In that period, she competed under the name Ana Beatriz. In 2008, Ana Beatriz won Indy Lights race at Nashville Superspeedway to become the first ever female racer to win a race in the Indy Lights series.

Ana Beatriz aka Bia Figueiredo

Early years in Formula Renault and Formula 3

Born in March 1985 in Sao Paulo, the little Bia (Bianinha) started to race go-karts at the age 8. She was active in karting until 2003, making the step up into Formula Renault. She finished 11th in the points in his debut season and earned the Rookie of the Year honor.

Bia reached a peak in the Formula Renault in 2005, scoring three wins and finishing third in the points. During his years in the Formula Renault, Bio occasionally participated in Formula 3 races and then entered South American Formula 3 Championship on a full-time schedule in 2006. She scored five F3 podiums, finishing fifth in the points.

Bia Figueiredo early in a career

The first ever female race winner in the Indy Lights

In 2008, Bia started his North American adventure, joining Sam Schmidt Motorsports in the Firestone Indy Lights series. She raced under the name Ana Beatriz although many people, including Bia herself, continued to call her Bia.

In July, Ana Beatriz won a race at Nashville Superspeedway, becoming the first ever female driver to win a race in the Indy Lights. She added five more podiums to her account and finished third overall in the points and the best rookie. She was also awarded the Tony Renna Rising Star Award.

Ana Beatriz stayed for one more season with Sam Schmidt Motorsports in the Indy Lights, scoring a victory at Iowa Speedway and finishing 8th in the final standings of the 2009 season.

Ana Beatriz after Indy Lights race victory at Nashville

Four starts in the 2010 IndyCar Series

In 2010, Ana Beatriz made a deal with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing to drive in selected races of the IndyCar Series. He made a series debut at Sao Paulo Indy 300 in March, finishing 13th. The next race was the Indianapolis 500. She started 21st and finished 21st, completing 196 laps.

Later in the season, she rejoined the team in two more races at Chicagoland Speedway (24th) and Homestead-Miami Speedway (26th).

Ana Beatriz spent four seasons in the IndyCar Series

2011 – the only full season in the IndyCar Series

In the 2011 IndyCar Series season, Ana Beatriz stayed with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and became the full-time driver of the #24 Dallara IR5-Honda. She broke her wrist in the season-opening race at St. Petersburg, missing the next round at Barber Motorsports Park.

At Indianapolis, Ana-Bia started 32nd on the grid and finished 21st, completing 197 laps. Her best result during the season was the eleventh place at the streets of Toronto.

Two starts with Andretti Autosport in 2012

In 2012, Ana Beatriz recorded just two starts in the IndyCar Series with Andretti Autosport. First, she was driving the #25 Dallara DW12-Chevrolet in his hometown Sao Paulo, finishing the race in 20th place.

Then, in May, she returned to Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the #25 car, with a support of Conquest Racing. She was 13th on the starting grid, ending a race in 23rd place after she hit a wall on lap 191.

Ana 'Bia' Beatriz in 2013

Seven starts in 2013 with Dale Coyne Racing

For the 2013 IndyCar Series, Ana joined Dale Coyne Racing to drive the #18 Dallara-Honda on a part-time schedule. During the season, four more drivers competed in that car.

Ana Beatriz made seven starts in the #18 Honda, finishing best in 14th place at Long Beach. In her fourth start at Indianapolis 500, she recorded her best result in the greatest American race. After starting from 29th place, she finished 15th, completing all 200 laps.

Since 2014, Bia Figueiredo competes in the Stock Car Brasil

Stock Car championship regular since 2014

In 2014, Bia returned to Brazil and became a regular in the national Stock Car championship. In his first season, she was driving the #100 Chevrolet Sonic for ProGP team, finishing 32nd in the points. Next year, Bia joined Bassani Racing to drive the #3 Peugeot 408. This time, she was 31st in the points. Bia stayed in the #3 Peugeot in 2016, progressing to 26th place at the end of the season.

One more change of the team followed in 2017 when Bia moved to Full Time Academy to drive the #3 Chevrolet Cruze. She ended a season 29th in the points. In 2018, Bia raced with Ipiranga Racing's #3 Chevrolet.

Guest appearance at IMSA endurance races

In January 2019, Bia had a competitive comback to the US, joining all-female crew of Heinricher Racing/Meyer Shank Racing to drive the #57 Acura NSX GT3 at Daytona 24 Hours. Her teammates were Katherine Legge, Simona de Silvestro and Christina Nielsen. They finished 12th in GTD class. The second race for the crew would be Sebring 12 Hours.

Bia with her teammates at Daytona

Photos: biaracing.com, motorsport.com,