This year, Frey will be sharing her experience with teammates Michelle Gatting (Denmark) and Manuela Gostner (Italy).  “Focused and calm” at the wheel of the Ferrari 488 GTE, 33-year-old Frey is delighted to be back at Le Mans. In 2009, in preparation for her first Le Mans, Rahel Frey ran the 1,000 of Spa-Francorchamps and took a class win in GT1. The following June, she was part of an all-female line-up with Natacha Gachnand and Cyndie Allemann at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. But the engine of the #61 Ford GT did not last the course.

This year she has two very simple goals: to finish the race and show girls and young women that racing is for everyone. The crew supported by the FIA Women in Motorsport commission began driving together at the 12 Hours of Abu Dhabi in December. First time out, first podium place: they finished second in GT3 Pro-Am. At the first round of the European Le Mans Series in April they took second again in the LMGTE class. Former racing driver and president of the FIA Women in Motorsport commission, Michèle Mouton is the team’s biggest fan: “Michèle Mouton and Cathy Muller are immensely supportive. Cathy watches over us to see how we are and if everything is going to plan. She has a wealth of experience. She doesn’t inundate us with advice but it’s comforting just having her around. She gives off good vibes."

Racing was an obvious choice for Frey. Growing up in a family of car dealers may have influenced her career path. “Cars have always played a part of my life. My father often went to automotive events and I was happy to join him”, she says proudly. Back at Le Mans, Frey is eager to be on track. Whatever the traffic or weather conditions, she is sure of one thing: her ability to adapt. As she likes to say “you never know what to expect at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. And I hope we’ll succeed!” she adds with a laugh. Surrounded by a flock of journalists eager to hear what she has to say about racing in the world’s greatest endurance race, this woman is in her element.

PHOTO: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), PLACE DE LA REPUBLIQUE, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, SCRUTINEERING, SUNDAY 10 JUNE. Rahel Frey, Kessel Racing driver, happy to greet the many fans at the scrutineering session.