Rebekah Busi
A year ago, Rebecca Busi started as a total rookie in the Dakar, the grueling race in the desert that is every driver’s dream and nightmare. She’d reached the finish in the Classic category and now the 26-year-old from Bologna has restarted the challenge in real racing, aboard a Hrt T4 that has been racing through the Saudi Arabian desert for over a week to complete the almost 9000 to finish km provided. An extreme experience between smiles, effort, changing belts, punctures, moments of frustration and a lot of determination.
Was returning to the Dakar the goal?
As soon as I finished the 2022 edition I thought I would like to come back. Until half a year ago I wasn’t sure if I could do it because I had trouble finding someone who believed in me: it was tough on morale too.
How was your year 2022?
The problem is always the same: I don’t have the billions behind me, but I decided to try this job. I don’t delegate anything. When I’m not working out, I’m looking for resources and making my next appointments. I’ve gained less experience over the year than I would have liked because I’ve only done two rallies, but I’m not giving up.
The passion in the DNA inherited from father Roberto, plus the communication skills of a professional with a Master’s degree in Economics.
I must make those who follow me understand what is behind all my endeavors. In recent months I have also managed to get in touch with an extraordinary reality like Lamborghini, who likes me as a person and of which I am really proud.
Did they try to ask her to walk the track?
There was an attempt, but at the moment rallies are my goal.
At the Dakar this year, he will compete with Giulia Maroni in an all-pink team. How did this idea come about?
We met at the Dakar last year, we did the Tunisia Rally together and we want to try to move forward by consolidating the pair. We have five World Championship rallies planned for 2023.
Is the place for women in motorsport increasing?
In reality, despite some economic advantages, we are only four female crews that competed in this year’s Dakar. Maybe things are starting to change, but not easily.
She is not afraid of challenges. He always wears a rainbow helmet in the name of civil rights.
I don’t do politics, but I think it’s important to send a message. Even more so in such a difficult moment when we see what is happening in Iran or the events of the World Cup in Qatar. I’m respectful, I don’t hurt anyone with my helmet.
Even his unconventional sponsor. It runs under the Onlyfans brand, which many identify as an adult content platform.
I’m still amazed at how strongly they believed in me, without them I wouldn’t be here. The platform is even banned in Saudi Arabia. I believe that in our part of the world we have a lot of freedom and everyone can use social media as they wish, but I transmit my profession, not my face. We have opened a free channel dedicated exclusively to the world of rallying and engines.
In the coming months we will also see her in cinemas with Riccardo Scamarcio.
I played Fabrizia Pons (the only Italian in history to score as both a navigator and a driver, ed.) in the film 2 Win, dedicated to the world of rallying, due out in 2023. At first I thought it was such a joke, then I put my heart and soul into the project, combining shooting, training and exams. It was really worth it.
Are you already thinking about the next Dakar?
In the meantime, let’s finish this. The organizers told us that this year will be tough, but next year will be hell.
The newsletter of the Corriere di Bologna
If you want to keep up to date with the latest news from Bologna and Emilia-Romagna, subscribe to the Corriere di Bologna newsletter for free. It arrives straight to your inbox at 12pm every day. Just click here.
January 9, 2023 (change January 9, 2023 | 12:58)
© REPRODUCTION RESERVED