Beyond Rally: Women’s Development Programme Sweden Test
The World Rally Championship (WRC) continues to expand opportunities for women in motorsport through its development initiatives. In a recent pre-event test session for Rally Sweden, Claire Schönborn and Lyssia Baudet demonstrated their skills behind the wheel of the Ford Fiesta Rally3, marking an important step in their journey toward the 2025 Junior WRC.
Test Session Overview
The testing program focused on:
- Vehicle familiarization with the Rally3 specification
- Winter driving techniques
- Pace note development
- Car setup and handling assessment
Vehicle Specifications
The Ford Fiesta Rally3 represents a crucial stepping stone in the WRC development ladder:
- Engine: 1.5L EcoBoost
- Power output: approximately 215 HP
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
- Category: Entry-level 4WD rally car
Driver Profiles
| Driver | Background | Target Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Claire Schönborn | Rally development program | 2025 Junior WRC |
| Lyssia Baudet | Rally development program | 2025 Junior WRC |
Testing Environment
The Swedish winter conditions provided:
- Snow-covered stages
- Varying grip levels
- Technical driving challenges
- Real-world rally preparation
The Women’s Development Programme represents a significant step forward in creating pathways for female talent in top-level rallying
Competition Context
The test session served as preparation for:
- Upcoming Rally Sweden
- 2025 Junior WRC qualification
- Winter rally experience building
- Competition readiness assessment
Winter testing is crucial for developing the specific skills needed for events like Rally Sweden, one of the most challenging rounds in the WRC calendar
Development Goals
The programme focuses on:
-
Professional Development
- Technical understanding
- Vehicle management
- Stage performance
-
Competition Preparation
- Physical conditioning
- Mental readiness
- Strategic planning
- Career Advancement
- Championship progression
- Professional opportunities
- Competitive experience
The testing session demonstrated WRC’s commitment to developing female talent in rally sport, providing essential experience with competitive machinery in challenging conditions. Both drivers showed promising potential during their evaluation runs, taking an important step toward their goal of competing in the 2025 Junior WRC championship.
