But Beyond Rally
Women’s Driver Development Programme contender Lyssia Baudet offers a unique ability
that sets her apart from the other fourteen finalists.
“I can make my
ears move” jokes the 21-year-old Belgian, who goes on to define her top attribute
in a more informative way.
“In all
seriousness, I’m always eager to learn and it’s quite easy for me to absorb any
advice before putting it to use” she continues.
A vital quality
for any sportsperson, not least one who is heading into a contest to secure a
season in the FIA Junior World Rally Championship. However, Lyssia’s career
could have easily headed in a different direction.
“My parents
never wanted me to become a racing driver,” she says. “This is why I tested
many other sports and activities before trying a kart. I tried swimming, judo,
tennis and even dancing. I believe I’m an adrenaline-driven person so that
didn’t really work out. When I first learned how to drive at eight years old, I
knew right away that it was for me. It’s a feeling I can’t describe with words,
I always felt “at home” while driving.”
Forging her own
path, Lyssia’s first taste of motorsport was at the circuits. From a young age
and despite her parents’ uncertainty, she believed her destiny was to become a
professional racing driver until another opportunity presented itself.
“There was a
selection organised by the Belgian Federation [RACB] to find the next female
rally driver. There were 250 girls, and I was selected. I grabbed the
opportunity without really knowing where I was going or what was going to happen,
and I wasn’t disappointed. I find the complexity of the discipline very fascinating,
and I discovered a new passion.”
Since then, her
career has flourished, but she feels it's vital for aspiring drivers to keep
looking forward.
“Keep believing
in your dream. You never know what the future holds for you. I treat this
opportunity like my life depends on it because it kind of does. I mean, the
outcome could change my life as a driver forever.”
Japan
Poland
Turkey