Sarah Bovy and the Iron Dames have demonstrated that they have the pace to step onto the podium this weekend for her home race at Spa-Francorchamps.
The stats from the first four ELMS races haven't told the whole story, as a string of bad luck and mechanical issues out of their control have stopped the no83 Iron Lynx Ferrari from finishing in the top three.
As the bronze driver Sarah Bovy has been responsible for qualifying and hasn’t disappointed, qualifying third in round 1 and then second in the last three races, coming tantalisingly close to a debut ELMS pole. She has then led the race on more than one occasion this season.
Sarah Bovy is also part of the FIA WEC Iron Dames team and secured her first LMGTE AM pole at Monza and has helped secure two podium finishes from the five races held so far. Also, she helped the team to a class win at the 24 Hours of Spa in July, standing on the top step of the very podium she will be aiming for this weekend at the 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.
Q: How would you sum up the start to the 2022 season for yourself and the team?
Sarah Bovy: “Definitely a rollercoaster of emotions! We started with a massive high, when the team announced to Michelle, Rahel and I our program - three of the most amazing endurance championships in the world with the 24h of Le Mans, the 24h of Spa, a race in America and one in Japan - Pretty much everything we ever dreamt about! Then we had good race weekends and more difficult ones.
“In ELMS specifically we have been quite unlucky - we were fighting for the podium or victory in each round so far but between bad timing on safety car or FCY strategy, a puncture in Imola and a LMP3 who sent me in the wall in the start in Barcelona, we are still chasing our first strong result of the season.
“But I’m pretty confident it’s going to happen soon, I hope in Spa! With our recent results, we showed that we have the pace, the consistency and the heart to go and get it.”
Q: How important is the Iron Dames programme to your racing career and the development of other female drivers?
SB: “In my case, it’s pretty simple; without the programme I would be at home watching all those races on TV. The Iron Dames project has helped make my dreams become a reality, as it has for other women in motorsport and it will do for many more in the future. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity.
“The project was set up with the clear goal of encouraging more women into motorsport at all levels. Not only the drivers, but we have female managers, technicians, marketing and PR all working alongside men. For us it isn’t a question of gender, it is about having the best talent on your team. We are spreading this message and we are achieving great results on track. But we are also nurturing young talent such as 18-year-old French racer Doriane Pin, who is currently leading the Ferrari Challenge Europe Trofeo Pirelli Championship.”
Q: You’ve already stood on the top step of the podium at Spa this season, winning your class at the 24 Hours of Spa.How did it feel to win that race with Iron Lynx?
SB: “It was a dream come true. To be honest a dream I would never have imagine achieving a year ago. The team has invested so much trust, work, commitment into our line up, I think we were all very happy to deliver that incredible milestone to thanks them. And it just made us ever thirstier for victories.”
Q: How did it go at Le Mans?What were the positives you took away from that weekend?
SB: “Le Mans was a tough race … after a great quali from Rahel we had a puncture in the second lap of the race, out of nowhere. We lost two laps and any hope for a good result.The frustration to start a race like that after all the hard work we put in it was enormous, we knew we had the pace to fight for a podium. But we stayed united, we gave all we had in the battle and still manage to do a great come back to P7, a few seconds behind the first Ferrari.
“Our never give up spirit was seriously challenged during that race. But I believe we passed the test, together with our team of engineer, mechanics, strategist: we never lose, we either win or learn …”
Q: Tell us about your thoughts on the race this weekend in Spa-Francorchamps? What do you like about the circuit?
SB: “Spa is home. I did so many laps with so many different cars, in so many different conditions the last 15 years, you could think nothing can surprise me anymore there. But it’s false! There is always something unexpected happening in Spa. I love that about that track.
“It’s an old school circuit, it takes a lot of commitment from the drivers and the cars if you want to go fast and last on it. You can never ever get distracted, and you need to put all your heart in the battle. That’s the way I love racing.”
Q: What do you like to do to relax when you are not racing?
SB: “If you follow me on social media, you know it: I spend most of my time home with my dog, Indy. She is part of my life for the last 4 years and I do almost everything with her: training, biking, playing, even driving sometimes! I also like to see my friends and family, have some nice diners together, go to cinema, enjoy a rock concert …”
Q: Do you follow or participate in any other sports?
SB: “I do a lot of sport as soon as I have a bit of free time. For my physical preparation but also because I love it. Mainly mountain biking and running during the summer - ski and snowboard for the winter.
“I follow a lot of athletes from various disciplines because I think we find inspiration from all kind of athletes. I love to see people getting out of their comfort zone, fighting for their dream, falling down and coming back. I find a lot of strength out of others achievements.”
Q: What is your current road car and what is your dream car, if not your current one?
SB: “You gonna be disappointed … I drive an Audi A1 with a 1l engine, I think it’s less than 100hp. I live in Brussels and it’s more than enough. When I feel the need for something more exiting, I jump on my Ducati Diavel. (Bikers will know!)
“I don’t really a have a dream car, I have been privileged enough to be working with supercars from a lot of brands and to drive some of the most exciting cars existing. I just can’t choose one… If one day I had access to unlimited budget, I would probably need a gigantic garage.
Q: What is your favourite food?
SB: “Nothing can beat a good pizza, expect maybe for an amazing burger …”
CLICK HERE to see the 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps e-Programme, which includes this interview with Sarah Bovy.
