Claire Schönborn has secured a fully funded drive in the remaining four rounds of this year's FIA Junior WRC after emerging victorious in the Beyond Rally Women's Development Programme at Rally Sweden.

Launched in 2024 by WRC Promoter, the initiative – activated under the umbrella of Beyond Rally - aims to increase female participation in the highest levels of rally sport and offer a pathway for aspiring female drivers. German star Schönborn becomes the first winner of the groundbreaking programme, earning her seat in a Ford Fiesta Rally3 for the rest of the Junior WRC season.

Schönborn's journey began last year as one of nearly 100 applicants. After a rigorous selection process, 15 drivers advanced to a three-day assessment at M-Sport Poland's headquarters in Kraków, Poland, where she, along with Belgium's Lyssia Baudet and Finland's Suvi Jyrkiäinen, progressed to the next stage.

The trio competed at Central European Rally in October, where the winner was originally set to be decided. However, Schönborn and Baudet delivered near-identical performances, prompting organisers to extend the contest to Rally Sweden for a final head-to-head showdown.

Schönborn rose to the challenge, outperforming Baudet by almost three minutes over the four-day snow-and-ice event alongside co-driver Jara Hain to claim the coveted prize.

"It's unbelievable," enthused Schönborn. "At the moment it's hard to comprehend what we have achieved. It was a pleasure to be part of Rally Sweden and we are so happy that we finished without any damage – that was the main goal. Now the hard work starts to participate in the Junior WRC for the rest of the season!"

Peter Thul, WRC Promoter's Senior Director of Sport and Chairman of the Beyond Rally Women's Driver Development Programme, praised Schönborn's achievement: "This is exactly what we set out to achieve with the Beyond Rally Women's Driver Development Programme – identifying and supporting talented female drivers on their journey to the top. Claire delivered an impressive performance in Sweden, and her progression to the FIA Junior WRC is well deserved. We wish her the best of luck in the remaining rounds this season."

Schönborn's next challenge awaits at round two of the FIA Junior WRC – Vodafone Rally de Portugal - from 15 to 18 May.