You were born in Brazil. Please tell us a bit about your roots…

My father is Italian and my mother is Japanese. I was born in Brazil and I grew up in Japan. I came to Japan with my family when I was 10 years old. I spent my school days in Yamanashi and then went to Tokio. I am proud to have two hometowns. I am official ambassador of the Yamanashi prefecture. I went back to Brazil recently after a long absence and there was a strong feeling of nostalgia. In the future, I would like to develop projects that connect Japan and Brazil.

You are the only female professional driver in drifting competitions in Japan? What is it that you like in drifting?

Yes, that is correct. When drifting, the driver makes the car oversteering whilst he or she maintains control at high speeds. The rear of the car moves to the exterior in the corners. I think that these techniques and experiences are very useful for me in racing. Drifting is very exciting for the spectators, and even people who do not know much about cars just enjoy it. It was born in Japan and has meanwhile become very popular all around the world.