Claire Schonborn: The Rising Star of Rallying
Claire Schonborn, a talented young German hillclimb racer, has emerged as the winner of the prestigious Beyond Rally Women’s Driver Development Programme shootout at Rally Sweden. The programme, launched by the World Rally Championship (WRC) to discover the next female rally champion, saw a global search that culminated in the shootout on the challenging snow stages of Rally Sweden. Among the 15 finalists, Schonborn, along with Belgian driver Lyssia Baudet and Finnish driver Suvi Jyrkiainen, stood out after competing in the Central European Rally last October, where they drove JWRC-spec Ford Fiesta Rally3 cars. Despite an intense competition and some technical issues, Schonborn managed to edge out Baudet, finishing seventh in the JWRC class and securing a fully funded drive in the Junior World Rally Championship.
A Close and Intense Competition
The Beyond Rally Women’s Driver Development Programme was designed to identify and nurture female talent in the world of rallying. After the initial global search, the 15 finalists were narrowed down to three, who then competed in the Central European Rally. The jury found it difficult to choose between Schonborn and Baudet, leading to the final shootout on the snow stages of Rally Sweden. For Schonborn, competing on snow was a new experience, adding an extra layer of challenge to the already demanding competition. She faced an intercom failure on the opening stage, which required a quick fix during a road section on Friday. Despite these setbacks, Schonborn maintained her composure and steadily improved her performance, ultimately finishing 2 minutes and 56.3 seconds ahead of Baudet. The competition was fiercely contested, and Schonborn’s victory was a testament to her skill, determination, and adaptability.
Overcoming Adversity
Schonborn’s journey to victory was not without its hurdles. The first stage on Friday morning was particularly challenging, with rapidly changing grip levels in nearly every corner. This made the initial part of the rally confusing and difficult to navigate. However, Schonborn and her co-driver, Jara Hain, adapted quickly, gaining confidence with each passing meter. The intercom failure on the opening stage could have been a significant setback, but Schonborn’s ability to fix the issue on a road section demonstrated her problem-solving skills and resilience. She explained, “To be honest until the last stage it was not that clear for me because we had a gap, but it only takes one puncture and the gap is done. After the last stage we were cheering but until that moment it was hard competition.” Her comments highlight the unpredictable and challenging nature of rallying, where small mishaps can have a significant impact on the outcome.
The Path to the Junior WRC
With her victory, Schonborn now looks forward to a fully funded drive in the Junior World Rally Championship. The Junior WRC is a crucial stepping stone for young drivers, providing them with the opportunity to gain valuable experience and compete at a high level. Schonborn and Hain will begin their Junior WRC journey in Portugal, scheduled from May 15-18, where they will face the challenge of driving on gravel for the first time. Gravel rallies are vastly different from snow stages, offering a new set of challenges and requiring a different approach. Schonborn is eager to take on this new challenge, stating, “I have never really driven on gravel before, only one kilometre in one stage but that is a new challenge I have and I can’t wait.” Her enthusiasm and willingness to adapt to new conditions are essential qualities for a successful rally driver.
Building a Foundation for Future Success
Participating in the Junior WRC will be a significant milestone in Schonborn’s career, offering her the chance to compete on some of the most storied rally stages in the world. The programme will take her to rallies in Greece, Finland, and Central Europe, providing a diverse range of driving conditions and surfaces. Each rally will test her skills and push her to new heights, helping her develop a well-rounded set of abilities that are crucial for success in the sport. Schonborn’s main goal during the shootout was to finish without any damage, and she achieved this, which is a crucial aspect of rallying. Rally cars are expensive and complex machines, and finishing a rally without incident is often as important as the final standings.
A Bright Future in Rallying
Claire Schonborn’s victory in the Beyond Rally Women’s Driver Development Programme shootout at Rally Sweden is more than just a personal achievement; it’s a significant step forward for female representation in motorsport. Her success demonstrates that with the right support and opportunities, young female drivers can compete at the highest levels. Schonborn has shown exceptional talent and a strong work ethic, and her journey in the Junior WRC is likely to be closely watched by fans and industry professionals alike. As she prepares for her first gravel rally in Portugal, the rally community is excited to see how she will perform and grow throughout the season. Her story is an inspiring reminder that perseverance and determination can lead to remarkable achievements in the world of motorsport.
