There were initially three of them competing for a Junior program. WRC in 2025, during the Rally Central European Rally 2024. While Finland's Suvi Jyrkiäinen was eliminated at the end of the event, the judges were unable to decide between Baudet and Schönborn, giving the two young women the opportunity to compete for a second time, during the second round of the World Championship, Rally Sweden. This time, the best of the two will win the Beyond Rally programme and will be able to continue the season at the wheel of a Ford Fiesta in Junior WRC.
For hill climb specialist Claire Schönborn, Sweden will represent a completely different challenge, as for only her fourth rally, she will have to tackle snowy and icy tracks! “It’s going to be a huge experience”, she said. “Driving with studded tires is something I’ve never done before, but I’ve heard the grip is incredible. I can’t wait to experience it for myself.” Schönborn also refined their system of notes with her co-driver, an exercise in which the German is also making her debut. “My system was basic at first, but during the rally I learned a lot of new techniques to add more details to my notes.”
For Lyssia Baudet, whose rally experience is more significant, thanks in particular to her participation in the Belgian Championship, Sweden will also represent her first rally on snow. For the occasion, the Belgian is calling on the advice of Alexandre Bengué, former official Skoda driver, and 2003 French Rally Champion. The experience of the French driver is crucial to accelerate the learning of the young 22-year-old driver.
“After the CER, we did a rally in a Renault Clio Rally5 in Belgium », she said. “I have also started working with our coach for Sweden, Alex Bengué. I am looking forward to Rally Sweden, but I am also grateful to have some extra time to prepare. It will be a great challenge!”
Who will win? The answer will be found from February 13 to 16, during the Rally Sweden.
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