Rebecca Busi speaks on racing Rally du Maroc in SSV category. Bouyed by self-belief that all preparations are complete, the Italian driver based in Chile is ready to face the challenge of racing Rally-Raid World Championship Final Round in Morocco along-side co-driver Sergio Lafuente.
Right from her first race in The Dakar Rally in 2022 – in Dakar Classic category – Rebecca has strengthened her resolve to further develop and improve her driving skills over long distances in the deserts of Morocco, Chile, and Saudi Arabia. With goals re-set, Rebecca entered her second Dakar in 2023 – in SSV category – learning how to manage the car over varying terrain in Saudi’s desert which unfortunately met abandonment of the race on day 12. By Dakar Rally 2024, Rebecca was ready to settle a score, racing the SSV car with co-driver Sergio Lafuente, finishing the grueling 12 Stages, plus Prologue in 22nd position in general classification.
If such resilience and strength of mind has increased Rebecca’s ability to make improvements happen from one race season to the next, her attention to detail on what, why, and how alterations will increase her performance behind the wheel have been equally important. Starting with training in the desert sands of Chile. As Rebecca states, being able to put in real-time behind the wheel, over terrain similar to Morocco and Saudi Arabia has been key to increasing physical and mental capabilities prior to racing.
Rebecca: “‘This year since Dakar, we started a big improvement process for speed and for control of the car and also for mental control of emotions. So, I will say for the 2024 Rally-Raid Championship, I really have put a lot of focus on trying to be ready for challenges of this Championship. These races are very demanding on the body and on the mind so yes, we have prepared a lot at the gym, and in the car. As well, I will say that I’ve put a lot of effort in mental coaching too”‘.
“‘I’m based in Chile rather than in Argentina, well first reason because my boyfriend is Chilean. Anyway in the plan, last year, I was moving to a place where I could train and be able to develop my skills better. Chile is a very perfect place because you have a lot of deserts and you can just jump in the car and in 20 minutes you will be in dunes and use road books which is important for the training process. I’m really grateful for these days because I have improved alot this year. is My co-driver has worked and helped me a lot and for this reason I could train 3-4 times per week and be truly ready for the races”‘.
For certain, Rebecca’s committment to fulfill goals – to push levels of ability – and to achieve improved race results speak volumes on the power of the mind when faced with seemingly impossible challenges to overcome. The fear, anxiousness, and anticipation of racing 5 Stages in Morocco’s desert, over 2,468kms, with 1512kms timed would be difficult enough to compartmentalize for by-standers, yet conquerable for driver’s and rider’s to take on board knowing their physical, technical, and mental faculties have trained for such a scenario.
Rebecca: “‘I will say that in Dakar, I started low like I wasn’t ready like I am now. I wasn’t fast like I am now and my mental preparation wasn’t strong like I am now. I would say being in Argentina – we nailed preparations and I felt way better for this reason. But, I would say that the learning curves have brought about the most changes – like dealing with the car, managing the car, making sure the car knows where to go. They have been learnt from experience so now instead of being scared of the dangers I can read the dangers and go faster. Through that, I have definitely improved my mental health for racing. Mainly, because I was very anxious and wasn’t prepared and now I have a routine before the race and entering race day. So, I can deal with all the emotions and like turn them off, which is a very important part of what we do to be fresh and cool minded”‘.
Rally du Maroc October 4 – 11 Header photo: Rebecca Busi Image: Team.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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