Beyond Rally is the WRC’s umbrella platform for sustainability initiatives that contribute to shaping the future of motorsport and materialise its positive impact on society. In 2024, the WRC launched the Women’s Development Programme within Beyond Rally. It saw nearly 100 drivers applying for the ultimate opportunity of a fully supported drive in the FIA Junior WRC. Suvi Jyrkiäinen from Finland is one of the three finalists who went into the Central European Rally. Although she did not secure the FIA Junior WRC seat, Suvi gained tremendous experience throughout the selection process. Recently, we had the chance to have a Q&A with Suvi. Here’s her rallying story.
Hailing from Finland, Suvi Jyrkiäinen’s parents are both rally competitors with extensive experience. Her mother, Minna Sillankorva, scored one point in WRC Rally YPF Argentina with co-driver Michela Marangoni. It was only natural for Suvi to want to try motorsport herself. “Motorsport has always been a part of my life. Since I was a little girl, I have been attending rallies and different motorsport events with my family. I think it was clear from a very early stage that I would have a go myself at some point in motorsports, the desire was always there.”
Beyond her family heritage, rallying holds a rich history in Finland, home to many influential drivers and challenging terrain. In 2019, Suvi made her rally debut at the Porvoon Autopalvelu Ralli. Three years later, in 2022, she started competing regularly in the Finnish Rally Championship and finished 8th in SM5 – V1600 class in her debut season. Over the years, Suvi has followed the legacy of world champions on classic rally routes to improve as a driver. “Rallying is such a legendary sport here in Finland, and the atmosphere at the rallies is always great. The best thing is to get to drive on a closed road, which you know only by the recce, and try to drive as fast as you can. I like everything about rallying! There are so many great roads in Finland, I’ve got to drive for example Myhinpää, Soukkio, Ylänne, amazing classic Finnish stages.”
In 2024, Suvi entered the Beyond Rally program to pursue a seat in the Junior WRC. Out of nearly 100 applicants and 15 shortlisted drivers in the shootout, she advanced as one of the three finalists to compete in the Central European Rally. The final, however, brought mixed emotions. “Getting to the Beyond Rally final was definitely one highlight. But the Central European Rally was also a difficult one to take, with the technical problems we had. It was so disappointing that we had to miss many stages because of that, but that’s motorsport sometimes.”
Even though Suvi missed out on the Junior WRC seat, the selection proved to be a valuable learning experience, and she also met her co-driver for this season at the Central European Rally. “I got some experience from a tarmac rally, which I didn’t have at all. Doing recce on the tarmac is quite different from gravel and snow when you have to think about all the cuts, etc. I also got drive the Rally3. It was a great experience overall. I met my co-driver, Päivi Välilä, for the first time at the Central European Rally. She was there on holiday and was watching the ceremonial start. This spring, I was looking for a co-driver, and I gave her a call. We are getting along really well and having lots of fun at the rallies. Her pacenote reading is fantastic.”
I learned so much from my family members. Many co-drivers have also given me a lot of valuable advice.
With her takeaways from the selection and her new co-driver Päivi, Suvi was able to achieve four podium results this season. For her, the future is about enjoying the sport and continuing to improve her speed. We wish her the very best of luck in her rallying endeavours and beyond!
Paddock Sorority 
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