From watching MotoGP as a child to working in international motorsport governance, Violeta Shehi’s journey is shaped by passion, curiosity, and a global outlook. Born in Ljubljana, she left Slovenia early and went on to live, study, and work around the world. Guided by Leonardo da Vinci’s words, “The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding,” her story is about learning, movement, and a deep commitment to the sport she loves.

You’ve said your love for motorcycles started very early. What sparked it?

It started in childhood, almost instinctively. I was six or seven years old and completely obsessed with MotoGP—I would take over the television just to watch the races. My father was a mechanic and owned motorcycles, so bikes were always part of my environment. Later on, my professional life also revolved around cars and motorcycles, so in hindsight it all connects quite naturally.

Travel seems to be just as central to your story as motorsport. Was that always the plan?

Yes, absolutely. From a very young age I knew I would live abroad. I always had this innate desire to travel, to study and work internationally, to experience different cultures. By the time I was twenty, I moved abroad—first to the United States, then to Ireland, and later to the United Arab Emirates.

Your academic background is remarkably diverse. How did that come together?

It’s a bit of a mosaic. I initially studied civil and structural engineering in Ireland, alongside a degree in business and accounting, the final year of which I completed with a UK university. Later, I earned a postgraduate degree in international business through Ulster University via distance learning. I also hold a diploma in human resources which I earned in Ireland as well.

Professionally, I have worked in technology within the travel industry, specialising in Software-as-a-Service, moving into customer experience design consulting for multiple industries, including aviation, so I pursued additional specialisations in product management. I suppose you could say I’ve followed my curiosity rather than a single linear path—I’m very accustomed to being multidisciplinary.

What brought you to the Middle East?

The move to the United Arab Emirates was initially a career decision, but I stayed because I genuinely loved the environment. It’s highly dynamic, extremely international, and I thrive in multicultural settings. I did spend a short period in Saudi Arabia and it was an interesting challenge to make a contribution to Saudi Vision 2030. Now I’m at that familiar crossroads again—asking myself where next.

International mobility comes at a cost. How do you balance that personally?

That’s the difficult part. Living internationally often means sacrificing relationships—not just romantic ones, but friendships and family ties. I see my sisters perhaps once a year and my parents even less. My entire core family has lived internationally in multiple countries over the years just as I have and it takes conscious effort to stay in touch and create opportunities to spend time in person. We’re a very mobile family so it does require acceptance that closeness looks different.

Your entry into motorsport wasn’t conventional. How did it happen?

Not at all conventional. A former colleague of mine worked at Yas Marina Circuit, and I happened to visit Abu Dhabi to see him. He mentioned he had fire-response training that day. Out of pure curiosity, I asked if I could join. The session was full, but he gave me his spot.

That became my entry point. My first official role in motorsport was as a fire marshal—manning a fire truck and responding to incidents. From there, I became involved in emergency response and gradually moved into other operational roles.

How did motorcycles re-enter the picture professionally?

Motorsport in the UAE is heavily four-wheel focused, so initially my work was mostly FIA-related through my national federation. But there is a rally jointly governed by both FIA and FIM, and through that I transitioned toward motorcycle events.

At the same time, I started investing my own time and money to attend international events like World Superbike and MotoGP, often volunteering in the technical department at circuits such as Portimão. Those experiences allowed me to build relationships with international technical directors and understand the sport at a deeper level.

That eventually led to your role within the FIM. What made that appointment significant?

I was appointed at a time when the FIM Technical Commission had never had a female representative. With the growing focus on women’s participation—particularly through new women’s circuit racing initiatives—there was a real need for someone interested not just in participation, but in research, development, and long-term structure.

My appointment was a combination of timing, sustained involvement, and genuine commitment. I was followed the next year by another woman, which shows progress, but it’s still a relatively new chapter.

You’re also an active rider yourself. What does riding mean to you today?

I ride a Honda CBR 600 RR—that’s my bike, my constant. I ride on the road and on circuit. I briefly explored desert riding, but I made a conscious decision to stop. Most of the serious injuries among people I know have come from off-road riding and unpredictable terrain and I felt that risking a season—or more—due to injury simply wasn’t worth it for me. Most people assume that I am chasing adrenaline, but it is quite the opposite. Motorcycling requires uncompromising focus, precision and attention to detail, not only to stay alive because mistakes can be very costly or fatal, but to keep getting better. It fulfils my innate orientation towards constant improvement and allows for stillness of mind that is otherwise difficult to attain in my day to day. It is almost a form of meditation, if you like. And it simply brings me joy.

Motorsport governance relies heavily on volunteers. How demanding is that in reality?

Extremely demanding. Passion is essential—you simply cannot do this without it. Moreover, I would even call it obsession. For around seven months of the year, I don’t have a single day off. All my annual leave goes toward attending race events, both locally and internationally. Travel adds another layer of time pressure and drains your energy levels. You must also make time to study regulations, regularly update yourself on changes within the published documents and on recent decisions made, as well as on the developments in the industry.

Unless you have flexibility in your professional life—or understanding leadership—it becomes almost impossible. Recognition matters to sustain this level of dedication.

You’ve spoken openly about youth engagement challenges. What needs to change?

The challenge isn’t unique to motorsport—it’s societal. Younger generations relate differently to work, volunteering, and loyalty. You cannot expect the same patterns of dedication unless the experience is meaningful, engaging, and rewarding.

The key is grassroots engagement. International federations provide frameworks and guidance, but youth participation happens locally—through national federations, clubs, and increasingly through tourism and national development strategies.

Are there examples where this approach works well?

Qatar is an excellent example. Motorsport development there is embedded in a national sports strategy which aims to establish the country as a host of major events as well as a global high-performance hub, with real investment behind it. That’s why youth championships and development pathways exist.

In the UAE, initiatives like the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge have shown what’s possible. Within two years, participation exploded, attracting people who had never competed before. That programme even received international recognition. This is the model that works: access, structure, and opportunity.

Finally, how do you see the future of motorsport?

The future depends on balance—global governance combined with strong local action. Passion alone is not enough. We need pathways, mentorship, recognition, and adaptability. If we get that right, the sport doesn’t just survive—it evolves.

Violeta Shehi’s story shows that motorsport is built not only by those who race, but also by those who commit their time, knowledge, and energy behind the scenes. With a career that crosses borders and disciplines, she represents a new generation of leaders shaped by international experience, technical understanding, and genuine passion. In a sport facing rapid change, her journey underlines a simple truth: the future of motorsport depends on people willing to learn continuously, give back generously, and think beyond national and generational boundaries.