January 2026 – Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY), the only international automotive award judged exclusively by women journalists, is proud to welcome Cristiana Oprea to its global jury. With her appointment, the WWCOTY panel now includes 85 judges from 55 countries, further enriching its multicultural perspective on the automotive industry.
Cristiana Oprea is a rally driver, automotive journalist, and editor at Romania’s leading independent automotive outlet, AutoExpert. Her unique combination of motorsport experience and editorial expertise makes her an ideal addition to the WWCOTY jury, particularly as Eastern Europe continues to undergo rapid transformation in mobility and motorsport.
In 2022, Oprea made history as the first Romanian woman to compete in the World Rally Championship (WRC), taking part in the Croatia Rally. That same year, she became a pioneer in electric motorsport, competing in the world’s first electric rally championships. Her achievements continued in 2025 when she won the electric class of the Romanian Super Rally Championship, establishing herself as a leading voice in sustainable motorsport.
Alongside her racing career, Oprea has built a strong presence in automotive journalism and content creation. At AutoExpert, she launched the editorial series Sport Mode, reviewing cars through a professional driver’s perspective and combining performance analysis with engaging storytelling. She also serves as a juror for the publication’s Best Electric Car and Best Electric City Car awards, applying the same rigor and passion she brings to the racetrack.
Oprea is the founder of Femei în Motorsport, a platform dedicated to promoting women in Romanian motorsport. Through editorial content, social media, and community engagement, the initiative highlights female talent across all roles in racing, fostering a more inclusive automotive culture. Her architectural background informs her attention to design and materials, while her motorsport experience allows her to evaluate vehicles with authenticity and technical precision. She also serves as Romania’s FIA Women in Motorsport National Representative, advocating for road safety, sustainability, and gender equality.
“I am honoured to join WWCOTY as a judge,” Oprea says. “Being part of a global community of women shaping the automotive industry is both a recognition of my journey and a responsibility to contribute with integrity, curiosity, and passion.”
In 2026, Oprea will continue competing in the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) while defending her title in the Romanian Super Rally Championship, bringing an unparalleled combination of motorsport insight and journalistic expertise to the WWCOTY panel.
About Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year
Founded in 2009 by New Zealand motoring journalist Sandy Myhre, Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year is the only car awards program judged exclusively by women automotive journalists. Its goal is to recognise the best cars of the year while amplifying women’s voices in the automotive industry worldwide. Voting criteria include safety, quality, price, design, ease of driving, benefits, and environmental impact. Beyond evaluating vehicles, WWCOTY is committed to highlighting the contributions of women in automotive media and motorsport, promoting mobility and opportunity for women across the globe.
