Patricia Saiz never touched the world of rallying until a coffee-break conversation changed everything. Now, seven years later, she is about to make her World Rally Championship (WRC) debut with Hyundai, co-driving for Dani Sordo in the Rally1 class. Her story is proof that curiosity and boldness can open unexpected doors.
It all began when Yadira de Diego, a co-driver and colleague, joined Saiz's department. "I've always been curious and love new challenges. Yadira inspired me to give co-driving a try," Saiz recalls. At the time, she knew nothing about rallying. "I thought people who competed in rallies were either rich or famous," she laughs. But curiosity led her to learn the basics: pacenotes, time cards, and roadbooks.
In 2020, Saiz did her first two rallies. "That's when I realized this was where I belonged," she says. Her career accelerated quickly. Just three events in, she was sitting alongside a top competitor in the Cantabrian Regional Championship in a BMW M3 E36. Her gravel debut came in 2023 at RallyRACC Catalunya with Alex Espanol, while also representing Spain in the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup. That international experience laid a crucial foundation.
The turning point came when Hyundai Motorsport called. Dani Sordo needed a replacement for Candido Carrera at Rali Terras d'Aboboreira in Portugal. "Dani was going to compete in Portugal and Candido couldn't make it. The opportunity came for me," Saiz explains. Sordo, then in a tight championship battle with Kris Meeke, wouldn't have picked Saiz if he doubted her ability. The pressure was high, but Saiz proved herself.
Although both are from Cantabria, Saiz and Sordo had rarely met before. Yet their chemistry clicked quickly. "We have a solid working relationship," Saiz says. Hyundai sees great potential in Saiz, especially her ability to adapt fast. Debuting in Rally1—the top tier of WRC—is a big step, but Saiz has shown mental toughness and technical skill.
Saiz's journey from zero to the WRC stage is a rare tale. In seven years, she broke into the international scene, from regional championships to the cockpit of a Hyundai i20 N Rally1. "This isn't just about luck, but hard work and taking risks," she states. Now, she inspires many, especially women, showing that rallying is open to anyone willing to learn.
Saiz's debut with Sordo in the WRC will be one to watch. How will she handle the pressure? Can she help Sordo achieve maximum results? One thing is certain: Patricia Saiz has opened a new chapter in her life, and the rally world welcomes her with enthusiasm.
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