Irish Rally driver Aoife Raftery selected for prestigious World Rally Championship’s Beyond Rally Women’s Driver Development Programme

Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy member Aoife Raftery has been selected as one of 15 female drivers to participate in the World Rally Championship's Beyond Rally Women’s Driver Development initiative.

The programme, aimed at increasing female participation in the sport at the highest level,  was launched for the first time this summer.

The  World Rally Championship promoter received applications from female rally drivers worldwide.

Raftery, currently competing in the Hankook Tires Junior FIA European Rally Championship, impressed the selection panel with her application, which included a detailed CV and a promotional video highlighting her qualifications.

“This means so much. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I will give it my best shot,” said the Galway Motor Club member.

“To represent my country on the world stage is an incredible honour. I am delighted to be selected for this amazing programme.”

The Craughwell, County Galway resident is the only Irish driver to make the final assessment.

The next phase of the Beyond Rally Women’s Driver Development Programme initiative will see Raftery participate in an intensive training camp at M-Sport Poland from September 16 to 18.

The training camp will involve a rigorous regime, including gravel and tarmac driving assessment, pacenote-making skills, and media training.

She will join the other successful applicants, from a diverse range of motorsports backgrounds, representing 12 countries across three continents.

Following the training camp, the 15 candidates will be narrowed down to three, who will then compete in the World Rally Championship's Central European Rally this October.

The ultimate prize, a fully-supported 2025 Junior World Rally Championship entry, awaits the standout performer of this event.

“Everyone in the team has put in such a massive effort and I want to thank everyone who has helped me get here,” she added.

“It would not have been possible without the support of family, friends and the work I have done with the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy.”