Baudet: “No one expected that outcome”

In what was set to be the final phase of the shootout to secure a season in the 2025 FIA Junior WRC, the gruelling tri-country fixture offered the chance for three finalists to display their abilities throughout the event which is renowned for its unpredictable weather and complex stages.

For Baudet, who was making her WRC debut, the event’s relentless pace and conditions were a true test.

“Managing a packed schedule while dealing with fatigue was a real challenge,” she shared. “Central European Rally was tough, but I actually feel comfortable in such situations, even when the road [condition] deteriorates. I loved the variety of the stages and the overall atmosphere of the WRC.”

Stepping into an M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally3 was a leap from the Clio Rally5 she’d previously driven, with higher speeds demanding razor-sharp pace notes and precision. “The biggest surprise was how tricky it was to take notes at those speeds,” she admitted. “My coach helped a lot, but I still made a small mistake with the pace notes, which ended up costing us.”

That mistake led to an incident on Saturday when Baudet misjudged a corner, causing her Fiesta to clip a road sign and forcing her out of the rally. Despite this setback, Baudet’s determination remained unwavering, rejoining the action and completing all of Sunday’s speed tests without drama. “We didn’t lose heart after our off,” she reflected. “We got right back into it. For the next rally, I’ll focus on more accurate pace notes and better preparation. We’re quick learners, and that will be key moving forward.”

With a strong support system, including her co-driver, Léa Sam-Caw-Freve, her coach, and mentors like French Rally Championship contender Rehane Gany, Baudet felt equipped to face the demanding event.

“Léa was amazing,” Baudet said. “She had everything prepared, leaving me to focus on the driving. Her pace note calling was in perfect sync with me, which made a huge difference.”

The competition ended in a surprising twist, with Baudet and Schönborn both securing places in Sweden next year where the winner will contest the remainder of the FIA Junior WRC season. “No one expected that outcome,” Baudet admitted. “It was a surprise, but a fair decision. I see it as a second chance to prove myself.”

“I’m doing everything I can to prepare. The more time I spend driving on snow, the better. I’m also focusing on physical endurance and mental preparation; both are key in an event like this. Rallying is almost 70 per cent mental. We want to finish as the top female crew, which would secure the rest of the season for us. Scoring championship points is also a priority, especially with it being our first rally on snow.”

“It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”