CLAIRE SCHONBORN Wins Beyond Rally Women’s Programme for Full JWRC Season

February 16, 2025

by Tom Howard // from www.motorsport.com

GRRL! SUMMARY:

CLAIRE SCHONBORN claimed victory in the Beyond Rally Women’s Driver Development Programme shootout at Rally Sweden, earning a fully funded Junior World Rally Championship season. The German hillclimb racer beat Belgian rival LYSSIA BAUDET by 2m56.3s in their head-to-head battle after the jury couldn’t separate them following the initial three-driver finale that also included Finland’s SUVI JYRKIAINEN.
Despite competing on snow for the first time and suffering intercom failure on the opening stage, SCHONBORN delivered when it mattered most. She finished seventh in JWRC class at Rally Sweden, showcasing the adaptability that caught the WRC’s attention during their global search for the next female rally star. Her victory came after 15 finalists were narrowed down through multiple selection rounds.
SCHONBORN now faces her next challenge preparing for Rally Portugal in May, admitting she’s “never really driven on gravel before” beyond one kilometer. With co-driver Jara Hain, she’ll tackle Portugal, Greece, Finland, and Central Europe as part of her prize package – a progression that perfectly illustrates how women’s development programmes can fast-track talent when properly funded and structured.