Lyssia Baudet, finalist of the 'Beyond Rally' 2024 program: "I feel like I've grown up"

What did you expect when you arrived in Poland?

I didn't really know what we were going to find when we came here. I had already done a similar camp in Belgium, but there were only Belgian girls. The fact that it was international, I thought that the level would be higher, not only among the candidates, but also the infrastructure built around the project.

What do you remember from these three days?

I am super happy. I have never learned so much in such a short period of time. I feel like I have grown.

How did you find the atmosphere in the group?

At first it was a bit tense, but I think that's normal. Then, the more time we spent together, the more conviviality settled in. I think there was a good female solidarity. I feel sad for Emma (Chalvin. Ed.), who has a good steering wheel, but not a lot of means and who also deserved to be taken. On the organization side, everything was perfect.

Did you surprise yourself?

I didn't know what to expect, but it's true that I surprised myself, especially on gravel. I'd never driven a four-wheel drive car before and the Fiesta Rally3 is much faster than my Clio Rally5... but I quickly felt very good behind the wheel. It's a car that gives you confidence, but I know that to get the last tenths, it's going to be a lot of work.

In your opinion, what are the areas in which you need to work?

I need to improve in all areas. I know I have gaps in the car settings. On my current Rally5, there is almost nothing to change and that will change. I need to improve my English, because the interviews are important. Finally, driving on gravel is another area that should not be neglected. Before Central Europe, there are a lot of things to prepare and there will be pressure. It is clear that my end of year will be busier than expected, but I like that. I know that within the Belgian federation (RACB. Ed.), I will benefit from the help of Tom Rensonnet. He has competed in the JWRC twice and I will be able to steal some videos from his on-board cameras to start working… tomorrow.

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