Veteran Turkish rally driver Burcu Cetinkaya has once again blazed a trail for both herself and emerging talent, capturing her eighth Turkish Ladies Rally Champion title. With the legendary Fabrizia Pons as her co-driver for four rallies, this season marked more than just personal achievement; it became a testament to the power of mentorship and the potential of the next generation in rally racing.
Reflecting on her remarkable season, Cetinkaya said, “Securing my eighth Turkish Ladies Rally Champion title was a beautiful journey together with the legendary Fabrizia Pons on four rallies.”
The weekend’s Istanbul Rallisi held a particular significance, not only as the season’s final race but also as a special partnership. Cetinkaya was joined by a young co-driver, an Automotive Engineer participating through the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation’s co-driver training program. It was a memorable moment for both drivers, and Cetinkaya was quick to share her excitement about racing alongside this budding talent.
“The true highlight of this last race was sharing it with a talented young co-driver: an Automotive Engineer with big dreams,” Cetinkaya noted. “We raced together for the first time in a Rally5 car—a thrilling experience in itself! The car’s responsiveness and power were impressive; in several stages, we even managed to pass Rally3 cars! I’m now a huge fan of Rally5—it’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to start in rally racing.”
The duo navigated technical challenges, including flat tires and rapid on-stage adjustments, all of which her co-driver handled with remarkable composure. The experience transported Cetinkaya back to her early days in rally racing.
“Watching her take on this journey on her first rally reminded me of my first rally back in 2005; her excitement brought back so many memories of starting out,” she shared.
Programs like the one led by the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation are essential, Cetinkaya emphasized. For many with a passion for motorsport, these training programs provide a crucial entry point into a field that can often feel closed off to newcomers.
“These trainings are crucial for people passionate about motorsports but unsure where to begin, providing a real path for young talent to step into the sport,” Cetinkaya stated.
Cetinkaya is committed to supporting her young co-driver’s journey, both in rallying and in her career at Mercedes-Benz Trucks in Aksaray. Her mentorship is about more than race results; it’s about encouraging young women to see rallying as an accessible and achievable pursuit.
“As I continue my own journey, I’m thrilled to follow hers as well—both in rally and in her career,” Cetinkaya said. “Here’s to breaking boundaries and bringing new energy into motorsports!”
As Turkish rallying moves forward, Cetinkaya’s commitment to inspiring the next generation is clear. The young co-driver, Sena Er, represents a new wave of talent, passion, and determination—a promising sign for the future of motorsport in Turkey.