Baroness Maria Antonietta Avanzo (née Bellan) (5 February 1889 – 17 January 1977) was the first Italian female racetrack driver.

Widely regarded as "the most famous Italian woman racing driver of the inter-war period",[1] she competed in numerous events throughout her career, including the Targa Florio and the Mille Miglia.

Throughout her career she fought for the right to compete to motor racing events – until then largely reserved to men – and became an activist for women's equality and a symbol of early feminism.

According to Enzo Ferrari, Antonio Ascari, who was attending the event and was deeply impressed with Avanzo's performance, overheard her remarking that she'd be happy to swap her Packard for a Fiat as she emerged from the water.

On her return home, Avanzo found a bright red Fiat awaiting her, and Ascari got the Packard which was repaired and put back into use.

[4] In the 1930s she drove Alfa Romeos, Maseratis and Bugattis in many events, including the Rocca di Papa hill climb, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Her career inspired many other Italian women to follow her example, including Lia Comirato Dumas, Jole Venturi, Corinna Braccialini, Anna Maria Peduzzi, and Dorina Colonna.