Claire Schönborn and Lyssia Baudet to battle for coveted FIA Junior WRC prize drive
Rising stars Claire Schönborn and Lyssia Baudet are ready to face their biggest challenge yet when they line up for Rally Sweden (13 – 16 February), round one of the 2025 FIA Junior WRC.
Based out of Umeå, eastern Sweden, the iconic event will be the snow-and-ice debut for the Beyond Rally Women’s Driver Development Programme drivers as they battle for one seat for the remaining rounds of the 2025 FIA Junior WRC series.
Launched in 2024 by WRC Promoter, the Women’s Driver Development Programme is part of the Beyond Rally initiative and is designed to boost female representation at the highest levels of rallying, providing a crucial stepping stone for emerging female drivers.
Chosen from a pool of 15 talented drivers following an intense three-day assessment at M-Sport Poland’s Krakow headquarters last year, Baudet (Belgium), Schönborn (Germany), and Suvi Jyrkiäinen (Finland) had the opportunity to showcase their skills at the Central European Rally – the penultimate round of the 2024 WRC.
While all three demonstrated immense potential, it was Baudet and Schönborn who stood out, delivering near-identical performances. As a result, both will head to Sweden where the final decision will be made on who will claim the coveted prize.
Both drivers will be behind the wheel of identical M-Sport Poland-supplied Ford Fiesta Rally3 cars, equipped with Hankook tyres and entered under the WRC Young Driver Team banner. A crucial pre-event test at the John Haugland Winter Rally School next week will give them the opportunity to refine their skills in sub-zero conditions before the action kicks off.
Schönborn, a hillclimb racing champion who is gearing up for just her fourth-ever rally, is excited about the snow-and-ice challenge ahead. “This is going to be a huge experience,” she said. “Driving on studded tyres is something I’ve never done before, but I’ve heard that the grip is incredible – I can’t wait to experience it for myself.”
Since her debut at Central European Rally, Schönborn has been hard at work, honing her skills on the simulator and refining her pace note system. “My system was basic at first, but during the rally I learned a lot of new techniques to add more detail to my notes,” she explained.
Baudet, 22, who regularly competes in the Belgian Rally Championship, has been working closely with ex-works WRC driver Alex Bengué to prepare for her snow rally debut. “After CER, we did a rally in a Renault Clio Rally5 in Belgium,” she said. “It was great for improving my pace note system and mechanical skills, and I’ve also started working with our coach for Sweden, Alex Bengué.”
In addition to physical and mental training, Baudet has sought advice from specialists to ensure she’s fully prepared. “I can’t wait for Rally Sweden, but I’m also grateful for the extra time to prepare,” she added. “It’s going to be a big challenge!”
