The Beyond Rally Women’s Driver Development Programme has announced its three finalists who will take the wheel of M-Sport Poland Ford Fiesta Rally3 cars at the Central European Rally (October 17-20), reports wrc.com. After an intense three-day evaluation at M-Sport Poland in Krakow, Lyssia Baudet (Belgium), Suvi Jyrkiäinen (Finland), and Claire Schönborn (Germany) emerged victorious, securing their place in one of the most coveted opportunities in rallying.
Their next challenge? The penultimate round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), where they’ll compete head-to-head on the biggest stage of their careers. And for one lucky contestant, the ultimate prize lies just beyond the horizon – a full season in the 2025 FIA Junior World Championship, a dream for any aspiring rally driver.
A Stepping Stone for Women in Rallying
Launched by WRC Promoter earlier this year, the Beyond Rally Women’s Driver Development Programme is part of an initiative aimed at increasing female representation in rallying’s top tiers. With three stages of competition, the programme offers emerging female drivers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sharpen their skills and showcase their talent.
Fifteen contestants from all over the world arrived at M-Sport Poland’s headquarters to undergo rigorous testing. Their abilities were scrutinised across every aspect of the sport, from media skills and technical know-how to physical fitness and driving precision. Over three challenging days, they faced a combination of asphalt and gravel tests, as well as pacenote assessments designed to push their limits.
At the end of it all, an expert panel of judges selected the three standout drivers who would move forward to compete in the Central European Rally – Baudet, Jyrkiäinen, and Schönborn.
The Finalists: Ready for the Next Step
The finalists will soon begin their pre-event preparations with M-Sport Poland, readying themselves for the Tarmac stages of the Central European Rally. This moment marks a huge step forward in their careers, and each finalist brings a unique background to the table.
Lyssia Baudet started her motorsport journey on the circuit before transitioning to rally in 2022. The 21-year-old Belgian finished fourth in the Clio Trophy Belgium during her debut season and has since taken on the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup in 2024. “It feels like a dream,” said Baudet. “I know this is only the start, and I’m ready to work hard for what’s ahead.”
Suvi Jyrkiäinen, a 24-year-old Finnish driver, also began on the circuit before moving into the Finnish Rally Championship, where she competed for two seasons in the Finnish Ladies Cup. Overwhelmed by her selection, she said, “I can’t believe it – I wasn’t sure if I’d done enough in the other areas, but now that I’m here, it’s incredible.”
For Claire Schönborn, rally success began with a vice-champion title in the ADAC Slalom Youngster Cup, followed by years in hillclimbing. The 25-year-old German transitioned to rally and now races in the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup. “I’m so happy – I never thought I would be chosen. The level of competition was so high, and to be one of the three finalists feels surreal,” she said.
A Tough Call for the Judges
Selecting just three finalists wasn’t easy. WRC Promoter’s Senior Director of Sport, Peter Thul, praised the talent on display. “It was a tough decision, but we believe we’ve made the right one,” he said. “All the finalists have been exceptional, and some even surprised us with their performance on gravel. Now, they face the challenge of a tough Tarmac rally with unpredictable weather across Germany, the Czech Republic, and Austria. But after the rigorous tests in Poland, they’re well-prepared.”
The Road Ahead
The journey doesn’t end here for Baudet, Jyrkiäinen, and Schönborn. With a WRC event on the horizon, the pressure is on, but these rising stars have already proven they can handle it. Rallying at this level requires more than just speed – it demands mental toughness, adaptability, and relentless determination. The Central European Rally will be the ultimate test as they chase their dream of a full season in the Junior WRC.
Stay tuned as these talented drivers take the next big step in their rally careers – this is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for women in motorsport.