Anna Korotkikh: how road racing made her one of the best pilots in Russia

Road racing is not just a sport, but a test of strength for the driver, car and team. In this world, where every hundredth of a second on a lap can decide the outcome of a race, those who combine talent, tenacity and strategic thinking stand out. Anna Korotkikh - one of those pilots who proved that motorsport has no gender boundaries. Her career began with karting, but it was road racing that brought her real fame, where she competes with men on equal terms, and often beats them.

In this article we will look at how Anna Korotkikh became one of the most prominent figures in Russian motorsport: from her first steps on the track to victories in prestigious series. You will find out what technical skills help her stay in the lead, how she chooses a racing car and what preparation secrets uses before races. And for those who dream of repeating its success, we have collected practical advice from road racing experts.

But first, why road racing? This type of motorsport requires from the pilot not only speed, but also skill read the track, adapt to changing conditions and make split-second decisions.Anna Korotkikh proved that not only physical preparation and reaction are important here, but also psychological stability - qualities that she has honed over the years.

Who is Anna Korotkikh: the path from karting to professional racing

Anna Korotkikh's career began, like many racers, with karting. At the age of 14, she got behind the wheel of a racing car for the first time, and a year later she became the winner of regional competitions. However, the real breakthrough came when she moved to road racing - a discipline that combines high speed and tactical skill.

The first serious successes came in Russian Circuit Racing Series (RCRS), where Anna played for the team TAIF-Motorsport. Experts quickly noticed her ability to maintain a trajectory and save tires. In 2018, she debuted in RTCC (Russian Touring Car Championship), where she competed with experienced pilots on SEAT León Cupra. Despite the fact that touring cars are less maneuverable than sports prototypes, Anna showed that she can compete for podium places.

• 🏆 2016 — victory in the Touring-Lite class at the RCRS stage in Nizhny Novgorod.
• 🚗 2019 - transition to Honda Civic Type R and first podium finish at RTCC.
• 🌍 2021 — participation in international races 24H Series at the Dubai Autodrome.

Interesting fact: Anna Korotkikh is one of the few female pilots in Russia who regularly competes in mixed races, where men and women compete on equal terms. This requires not only physical preparation, but also the ability to psychologically put pressure on her opponents, which she does masterfully.

Driving technique of Anna Korotkikh: what makes her unique on the track

If we analyze the racing style of Anna Korotkikh, we can highlight several key features that distinguish her from other pilots:

1. Aggressive but controlled corner entry. Anna uses technology trail-braking (steering braking), which allows herLater to attack the apex and get to the straight faster.
2. Saving rubber. In long races (e.g. 24H Series) she knows how to maintain tire grip, which gives her an advantage in the finishing laps.
3. Working with traffic. In mixed races, Anna masterfully overtakes slower opponents without losing momentum.

One of her signature moves is late braking before turns. For example, on the highway Moscow Raceway in turn No. 3 (the high-speed left), she brakes 10–15 meters later than most drivers, which allows her to gain tenths of a second on the lap. However, this maneuver requires an ideal feel for the car and trust in the braking system.

Route	Anna Korotkikh's best lap	Average lap speed	Key corner for overtaking
Moscow Raceway	1:42.857	138 km/h	Turn No. 1 (first brake complex)
Kazan Ring	1:38.211	142 km/h	Turn No. 5 (long left)
NRING (Nürburgring)	7:58.432 (turbo class)	155 km/h	Carassel (last corner before the finish line)

It is important to understand that Anna Korotkikh’s technique is the result of Years of training and telemetry analysis. She actively uses simulators (for example, Assetto Corsa Competizione) to practice routes before real races. According to her, virtual training helps to remember reference points and practice reactions to non-standard situations.

Anna Korotkikh's racing cars: from SEAT León to Honda Civic Type R

The choice of car in road racing depends on many factors: series regulations, team budget and personal preferences of the driver. During her career, Anna Korotkikh managed to work with several machines, each of which had its own characteristics.

For example, SEAT León Cupra, where she made her RTCC debut, is known for its predictable handling and good aerodynamics, but requires careful operation of the gas when exiting corners. At the same time Honda Civic Type R (modification FK8) more aggressive in acceleration thanks to the turbo engine, but its front-wheel drive layout makes high-speed cornering difficult.

• 🔧 SEAT León Cupra (2018–2019) — 350 hp, front-wheel drive, sequential gearbox.
• 🏎️ Honda Civic Type R FK8 (2020–2022) — 380 hp, front-wheel drive, intake limiter.
• 💨 Audi RS3 LMS (2023) — 400 hp, all-wheel drive, racing use 24H Series.

Interestingly, in 2023 Anna tested BMW M2 CS Racing - a car that is considered one of the most balanced in the class TCR. However, due to changes in regulations, she returned to Audi RS3 LMS, which better suited the technical requirements of the series.

Why did Anna abandon rear-wheel drive cars?

Although rear-wheel drive cars (such as the BMW M4 GT4) offer better handling at the limit, Anna prefers front- or all-wheel drive cars due to their predictability in wet conditions and on slippery surfaces. In road racing, where the weather can change several times during a race, this is critical.

One of the key points in preparing the machine is suspension tuning. Anna works with engineers to achieve the optimal balance between stiffness (for precise handling) and comfort (for preserving rubber). For example, on the highway Kazan Ring it uses softer settings at the front to reduce tire wear in long corners.

Training and preparation: how Anna Korotkikh stays in shape

Motorsport is not only about the ability to drive a car, but also physical and mental preparation. Anna Korotkikh devotes no less time to training than to working on the track. Her program includes:

• 🏋️ Strength training - emphasis on the muscles of the neck, arms and core (for resistance to overloads).
• 🧠 Reaction tests — simulators to improve reaction time (important for starts and overtaking).
• 🧘 Meditation and visualization — working out the route in your mind before the race.
• 🩺 Regular medical diagnostics - control heart rate and stress levels.

Anna pays special attention cardio loads. During the race, the pilot's heart rate can reach 180 beats per minute, and the temperature in the cabin can exceed 50°C. To prepare for such conditions, she trains in thermal chambersimulating extreme racing conditions.

In addition, Anna follows strict diet, eliminating heavy meals 12 hours before the race. Her diet is dominated by proteins and complex carbohydrates, as well as electrolyte drinks to maintain water balance. It's interesting that she always eats before a race banana - this helps to avoid cramps during prolonged exercise.

⚠️ Attention! Many novice racers underestimate the importance psychological preparation.Anna Korotkikh admitted that after several accidents early in her career, she worked with a sports psychologist to overcome her fear of high-speed turns. Without this work, she would hardly have been able to return to the track and show stable results.

Tips from Anna Korotkikh for beginner racers

If you dream of repeating the success of Anna Korotkikh, here are some practical recommendations that she gives to beginners:

1. Start with karting. This is the best way to understand the basics of handling and learn to feel the car. Anna advises paying attention smoothing the trajectory - this will come in handy later in road racing.
2. Learn telemetry. Modern racing cars collect data on speed, braking, and engine speed. Analyzing this data helps you find weaknesses and improve your lap times.
3. Don't race in public.Anna emphasizes that the main thing is stability, and not ostentatious overtaking. It’s better to lap a second slower, but without mistakes, than to take the risk of crashing off the track.
4. Work with a team. In road racing, success depends not only on the driver, but also on the mechanics, engineers and strategists. Learn to trust their advice.

One of the most valuable pieces of advice from Anna is: do not compare yourself with other pilots in the early stages. Everyone has their own pace of learning and it is important to focus on your own progress. She herself spent years honing her basic skills before she began competing for prizes.

She also advises paying attention to details: for example, the correct driving position can save tenths of seconds per lap. Anna uses five point harness and adjusts the seat position so that the arms are slightly bent at the elbows when holding the steering wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock position.

The future of Anna Korotkikh: plans and prospects in motorsport

Anna Korotkikh has ambitious plans for 2026. She is considering participating in WTCR (World Touring Car Cup) - the most prestigious series in touring racing. To do this, her team will have to find sponsors and prepare a car that meets international standards.

In addition, Anna does not rule out moving to GT racing, where she could try herself behind the wheel of more powerful cars, such as Porsche 911 GT3 R or Audi R8 LMS. However, this will require adapting to a rear-wheel drive layout and dealing with more complex aerodynamics.

At the same time she is studying coaching — conducts master classes for young pilots and participates in projects to popularize motorsports among women. According to her, in Russia there is still a stereotype that racing is “not a woman’s business,” and she is striving to change this.

⚠️ Attention! If you are planning to connect your life with motorsport, be prepared for financial costs.Anna Korotkikh notes that even participation in regional series requires a budget of 3–5 million rubles per season (taking into account the preparation of the car, tires, fuel and business trips). Without the support of sponsors or personal savings, it is extremely difficult to get to a high level.

In the long term, Anna does not exclude the possibility of moving to electric racing, for example, in ETCR (Electric Touring Car Racing). She follows the development of technology and believes that the future of motorsport lies in sustainable energy sources.

How to follow Anna Korotkikh's performances

If you want to keep up with the latest news about Anna Korotkikh's career, here are several ways:

• 📺 Race broadcasts - follow the calendar RCRS and RTCC on websites rcrs.ru and rtcc.ru.
• 📱 Social networks — Anna manages accounts in Instagram (@anna_korotkikh_racing) and VK, where he publishes reports from training and racing.
• 🎙️ Interviews and podcasts — she regularly provides comments to sports publications such as Motorsport and Championat.com.
• 🏁 Offline events — Anna participates in car shows (for example, MIMS) and racing festivals, where you can communicate with her in person.

It is also worth paying attention to online simulators, where virtual races are sometimes held with the participation of professional pilots. Anna Korotkikh has taken part in such competitions more than once, for example, in RFactor 2 or iRacing.

If you plan to attend a race with her participation, remember a few nuances:

1. It is better to buy tickets in advance - on popular routes (for example, Moscow Raceway) they sell out quickly.
2. Dress for the weather - even in summer it can be windy in the stands.
3. Take it with you walkie-talkie or follow the broadcast on the big screen so you don't miss key moments.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Anna Short and road racing

How old is Anna Korotkikh and how did she get started in motorsports?

Anna Korotkikh for 2026 32 years old. She started karting at the age of 14 and switched to road racing in 2016 after success in regional competitions. Her first racing car was Honda Civic in the Touring Light class.

What awards and titles does Anna Korotkikh have?

Among her achievements:

• Stage winner RCRS in the Touring Light class (2016).
• Prize-winner RTCC in the “Lady” competition (2019, 2020).
• Member 24H Series Dubai (2021) in a team with international pilots.
• Winner of the “Best Driver of the Season” cup according to the magazine Motorsport (2022).

How much does it cost to prepare a race car for road racing?

The budget depends on the class and car. For example:

• Touring-Light (for example, Honda Civic) - from 1.5 to 3 million rubles during the season (including tires, fuel, repairs).
• RTCC/TCR (for example, SEAT León Cupra) - from 5 to 10 million rubles.
• GT-class (for example, Porsche 911 GT3 R) - from 15 million rubles and above.

Anna Korotkikh notes that the main costs fall on tires (up to 50% of the budget) and fuel (especially in long races).

Can a woman compete with men in motorsports?

Yes, and Anna Korotkikh is a vivid example of this. In road racing physical strength important, but no less critical:

• Feeling of the track and ability to choose a trajectory.
• Ability to analyze telemetry and adapt to the machine.
• Psychological stability (for example, the ability to not lose concentration after contact with an opponent).

According to Anna, women are often more disciplined in preparation and are less prone to risky maneuvers, which plays to their advantage in long races.

Where can you learn road racing from scratch?

There are several schools and clubs in Russia:

• Moscow Racing Academy (route Moscow Raceway) - courses from karting to road racing.
• Kazan Ring Driving School — training on the track with professional instructors.
• Russian Drift Series (although this is drifting, many pilots start there).

Anna Korotkikh recommends starting with track days — events where you can ride on a race track under the supervision of instructors. The cost of such a day is from 10 to 30 thousand rubles.