Baudet aims to be “fighting with the fastest guys”

Determined to make her mark on the international stage, the 21-year-old is looking forward to the challenge of her debut in the WRC. "It was a huge surprise to be nominated," she admitted. "I knew I was a strong driver, but I wasn't sure how I would compare to the international competition. It's been a long journey, but I'm incredibly excited about this opportunity."

The Central European Rally will be a gruelling test, both physically and mentally and Lyssia is leaving no stone unturned in her preparation. "I'm working hard on my pace notes, improving my mechanical knowledge, and watching as much WRC footage as I can," she explained.

“I’m listening a lot to the stage-end interviews to help with my English and I'm also planning to do a test with the Fiesta Rally3."

The ultimate goal for the former racing driver is to win a fully funded season in next year’s FIA Junior WRC, which is the coveted prize for one of the three lucky finalists in the programme. Beyond that, she hopes to one day compete at the highest level of rallying

"Following in the footsteps of Michèle Mouton is my dream," she said. "I want to be the best, regardless of gender. I don’t want to be content with being the fastest female but fighting with the fastest guys.”

As she prepares to compete against the world's best rally drivers, Baudet is determined to make a lasting impression. "I'm going to give it my all," she declared.

"My goal is to finish the rally, be the fastest female contestant, and reduce the gap with the class leaders.”

“I believe men and women have different capabilities. We are built different, and that’s how it is, but we can both reach greatness. Historically, motorsport is a male-dominated sport, but this kind of programme will allow and help more females to dare to try. It might take some time, but I believe Michèle Mouton will not be the only woman to make an impression.”

Baudet will go head-to-head against fellow finalists Claire Schönborn and Suvi Jyrkiäinen at Central European Rally next week, with the trio driving identical M-Sport Poland-prepared, Pirelli-equipped Ford Fiesta Rally3s.