This Saturday, Evelien De Corte and Justine Demeestere will partake in the TAC Rally, piloting a TeamFloral backed Ford Fiesta R2, ahead of the Fiesta SportTrophy (FST) Belgium season opener at the end of the month.

A regular rally spectator, Demeestere has one ambition – to compete in the 2011 FST. Earlier this year, Demeestere had teamed up with Belgium driver Steffi Snaet, but following Snaet’s late defection from the championship, she continued the search for a female driver to complete the championship’s first all female partnership.

The search came to an end with Evelien De Corte, a 20 year-old student of architecture from Herne who made her rallying debut at the 2010 TBR Rally driving a Peugeot 106 alongside Joris Erard. The rally itself had been a birthday present from her father, Johan De Corte. “I was ecstatic,” said the youngster. “Even my father was surprised by how motivated I was.”

A few weeks ago, De Corte took part in the SAR Moorslede Rally in a Twingo R1, finishing a credible 5th in class. This Saturday, she will be driving a Ford Fiesta R2 for the first time in competition – something she never dared to dream:

“Last week I was contacted by Justine [Demeestere] and she asked me if I wanted to drive a Fiesta R2. I was a bit scared because I’ve only ever competed in two rallies in my life! But I was motivated and ready for the callenge. Everything has happened so quickly, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity that cannot be missed! I recently tested the R2, which is very different from the Twingo R1. I feared a little, but quickly got used to it.”

“I am aware that an all female crew will not fail to attract attention,” admitted De Corte. “But I will try not to think about that too much. I have much to concentrate on and I must first get to grips with the car – I hope the confidence will come quickly! “

The official launch of the 2011 FST Belgium, kicks off at the Rally of Wallonia later this month. Eight crews have already been confirmed including Bob Kellen, Geoffrey Vanderschelden, Horn Damen, Harry Bouillon, Joost Ghyssel Bernard Servais, Manuel Canal and Hugo Arellano. Registration remains open with regulations and entry forms available from www.fiestasporttrophy.be.