Australia’s world-renowned co-driver, Rhianon Gelsomino, is again tackling a diverse program of events in 2016. While her appearances in Australia will be limited this year, it still promises to be an exciting season.
RallySport Magazine caught up with Rhianon to ask a few pointed questions.
John MacCrone and Rhianon Gelsomino competing in the first round of the Scottish Rally Championship. (West Coast Photos)RSM: As usual you have a busy program ahead of you this season. Who are you co-driving for, and in which championships.
RG: Arron Windus - British Rally Championship, John MacCrone - 1st Scottish Rally Championship (working on more), Brendan Reeves – TBC. And any other opportunities that come along throughout the season.
You’ve been based in the USA for the past few years, but are living in the UK at present. Is that a long-term thing, or simply because of where you are competing?
We still live in the USA. We have just been based in the UK for the past two months due to rallying commitments. We go back to the USA in early March.
How difficult is it to get in and out of different cars with different drivers? Does it change the way you call your notes and can it affect your confidence levels?
As the years have gone on and you sit with more drivers in all sorts of cars, you get used to the pacenote differences and speed of each car and driver. All drivers like things done differently, so it's important to work with them and build a partnership in the car that gives the best result. You have to understand how the driver likes the notes called and the speed of the car you’re in to do the job well. I really enjoy the challenge.
As a co-driver you’ve been involved in a couple of big crashes over the journey. How do you bounce back from these, given that you don’t have the luxury of a steering wheel in front of you to control the situation?
For me I love the sport, and while I have the passion burning inside me I will continue to compete and make the most out of every opportunity. Yes, I have had some very serious crashes, but I am tough and know the risks of the sport. After recovering from these accidents they have only made me stronger.
Rhianon and Alex Gelsomino are both professional co-drivers plying their trade around the world.Your husband Alex is also a professional co-driver. Does this make your relationship easier, or more difficult?
We are very lucky to love the same sport and both be professional co-drivers. Having the same passion gives us a good understanding of what each other is thinking and going through. We really do love the life.
It’s now been over 12 months since you contested the Australian Rally Championship with your brother, Brendan Reeves. Do you miss the ARC, and do you have plans to compete again in the near future?
Yes, we really miss the ARC, but unfortunately there are no opportunities for us currently, otherwise we would be there.
What are your thoughts on the rule changes at ARC level this year? Will they see more or less competitors in 2016?
It's hard to say. I really hope somehow we can encourage more manufacturers to return and people like Brendo will be in drives.
Is success in rallying still heavily dictated by how much money a driver can bring to a program?
Yes, unfortunately it is. I don't think this will ever change. That's the hard part about our sport.
Who is the most promising young driver you’ve sat beside in the past 12 months?
My brother, Brendan Reeves. His natural talent behind the wheel is incredible. We competed in WRC Spain in DMACK in October and with no testing and only one rally in the season we finished second. As most Australians know, he’s extremely talented, hence why we had 110 people support us to compete in Spain.
We wish Rhianon and her drivers all the best for the season ahead.
Footnote: Rhianon recently had to turn down a chance to co-drive in the Sealine Cross Country Rally in Qatar, due to her commitments with John MacCrone in the Scottish Rally Championship.
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