Racing as a lifestyle for Marija Ivanović

A girl behind the wheel and at full speed - it's not such a common occurrence in our society, even less so in Montenegrin sports, but for one girl it's a lifestyle in a way.

If you look at the family story, the pedigree, it all really makes sense - that's why Marija Ivanović entered the world of motoring. Her love for cars has existed since she was a child because it simply had to be that way.

Who is Marija Ivanović, the girl who is part of the auto-moto season in Montenegro this season, and who came in second place in the race in Kotor in early May?

Marija has been racing since she was 19, when she got her first “Yugo” car. She drove it for two years and was successful in the 1400 H class, after which she got a “Citroen Saxo 1.6 Group A”. With it, she won two titles, and was vice-champion twice, and she did all of this in the men's competition.

- I inherited my love for this sport from my father Željko Ivanović, who was involved in racing for a long time himself, and my sister also competed in karting for several years - Marija Ivanović tells "Vijesti".

Motoring is a hobby for Marija, something she enjoys, but it's far from the case that she doesn't have equally important things in life.

- In addition, I graduated from college and became a certified security manager - emphasizes 23-year-old Marija and adds:

- I train in my free time, I'm completely dedicated to it. And I'm pleased with how I opened the 2026 competitive season, because I recently came in second place in Kotor.

Hobbies and other responsibilities are not easy to balance, but...

- Since I'm currently on an internship, that doesn't slow me down. The races are mostly on weekends, so I have enough time to think only about motor racing - Marija Ivanović pointed out.

He believes that he can only progress in this sport and that there is plenty of room for that.

- I believe that I can improve at any time because from race to race I always have good results compared to the previous year. And what are the conditions for that? There are plenty of good tracks, on them everyone can show their potential and ability to be even better in this sport - believes Marija.

And what is the future?

- I see myself in motor racing because I am completely dedicated. I try to get the most out of it in every possible way and try to be better than I was. Also, in addition to hillclimbing, I want to start driving circuit races, because that would be a new great experience for me. This year I will try to be better than the previous ones, and I must mention that last year and the year before last I was the vice-champion in my class - says Marija.

She remembers her debut well, and she doesn't forget the first race she attended.

- I made my debut in May 2022. And the first race was in Podi, in Herceg Novi, I just attended and cheered on the drivers.

And a final message:

- Anyone who has the potential can engage in this sport. Although motorsports is seen as an exclusively male sport, there is room for women as well. There is no room for prejudice - concluded Marija Ivanović.