Earlier this week, 15 female drivers participated in a three-day training camp at M-Sport Poland headquarters as part of the World Rally Championship’s The Beyond Rally Women’s Driver Development Programme, launched by the WRC’s Promoter. Out of the candidates, three finalists were chosen: Lyssia Baudet from Belgium, Suvi Jyrkiäinen from Finland, and Claire Schönborn from Germany.
Jyrkiäinen, Baudet, and Schönborn will now compete against each other for a fantastic opportunity in the WRC. The drivers will take part in the Central European Rally in October, driving Ford Fiesta Rally3 cars. After the event, one of the three will be selected as the winner. The winner of The Beyond Rally Women’s Driver Development Programme will receive a fully funded package to compete in the 2025 JWRC category.
During the training camp, the drivers faced tough challenges. Their performances were evaluated and scored in all areas. On Monday, the candidates were tested on their media skills, technical abilities, and physical fitness. Tuesday focused on driving skills on tarmac and pacenote making. The final day on Wednesday saw the drivers demonstrate their talents on gravel.
Before the Central European Rally, Baudet, Jyrkiäinen, and Schönborn will have a pre-event test ahead of Central European Rally and will work in sync with M-Sport Poland to prepare for the fixture.
The finalists were overjoyed upon hearing they had been selected for the final stage.
“It’s amazing, I feel like I am in a dream, but I know that it is only the start of the adventure and I have a lot of work to do, but I am ready for this and I am very thankful,” Baudet exclaimed.
“Well, I’m speechless. I was happy with my driving throughout the days but I wasn’t sure if the other things were enough, but I am really happy,” Jyrkiäinen rejoiced.
“I didn’t think I would be selected. I’m speechless, it feels like a dream. There are so many girls with so much experience in rally, so the level was really high,” Schönborn said.
The Central European Rally will take place from October 17th to 20th across Germany, Czech Republic, and Austria.
