Monte Carlo Rally co-driver Hannah McKillop Davison grew up in Northern Ireland. The 29-year-old (who turns 30 on March 23) wouldn’t describe herself as a particularly sporty child but says she always went to rally events with her dad. “I attended my first rally at just two weeks old with my dad. He is a mechanic and I spent my childhood in the garage with him watching and learning – in between ballet lessons! I have always loved the sport and have become more involved in it over the years, from the organisation to competing.”
The Scotland-based driver admits she had always wanted to compete in motorsport but only started after she met Josh, her now husband, 10 years ago at the age of 19. “Josh is also a co-driver and taught me a lot from his experience. It helped me to get started.”
Hannah typically competes in around 20 events a year, from small national races to European level. She co-pilots with both her husband and father-in-law Michael Davison. “The two dynamics are interesting!” she laughs. “Josh and I have attempted some small navigational events together but maybe two co-drivers in one car doesn’t work so well. I have also competed with Josh’s dad and really enjoyed that, it’s always a lot of fun.”
For the 92nd Monte Carlo Rally, put on by the Automobile Club de Monaco, Hannah is teaming up with Monaco resident Chris Ingram, the first British Rally Driver in 52 years to become an FIA European Rally Champion in 2019. It is her first World Rally Championship (WRC) and she follows in the footsteps of legends like Michele Mouton, the first and only woman to ever win a round of the WRC who began her career at the first ever WRC event, the 1973 Monte Carlo Rally, as a co-driver for Jean Taibi. Hannah admits, “Of course, there is always pressure with such a prestigious event and with such a competitive driver but I try to turn that feeling of pressure to focusing on the goal. I have worked hard to be here and it’s important to also enjoy the experience.”
Hannah and Chris are driving car No. 26, a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 sponsored by Suisscourtage, which was unveiled with Prince Albert on January 21 at Port Hercules. “The Skoda is a fantastic car,” Hannah describes. “It’s stable and balanced, everything in the car is purposeful and thought about for the job it needs to do. It’s a pleasure to be in, and we are thrilled to have Suisscourtage onboard. They are enthusiastic about our journey and it’s great to have a Monaco-based company backing us.”
The Rallye Monte-Carlo, which was inaugurated in 1911 by Prince Albert I, officially kicks off Thursday, January 25. “I’m most excited for the iconic stages, like the Col de Turini. As someone who grew up watching this event on television every year, it is very special to be here experiencing it as a competitor. The biggest challenge is the length of the event but we have worked very hard on our pre-event preparations and we both feel confident and determined ahead of the race.”
Hannah says her key word is “organised”! “I work with teams in the UK on their pre-event organisation and logistics which I really enjoy. I also manage a rally experience centre in Scotland called The Forest Experience where anyone can come and have a go at rally driving on gravel in the forest. I am very lucky to both work and compete in something I love and enjoy so much.”
When it comes to support women in motorsport, Hannah says optimistically, “I definitely see massive progress. It’s great to see so many female co-drivers in Europe and more and more in the UK. I think it’s really important and I hope it continues to grow for both drivers and co-drivers.”
For this rally race year, she adds, “One of my goals for 2024 is to compete in a team where my dad is the mechanic.”
The Rallye Monte-Carlo has 17 stages over four days and will finish back at Place du Casino for the prize giving Sunday, January 29 at 4:15 pm. Follow live Team #26 Hannah Davison and Chris Ingram.
Article first published January 25, 2024. Feature image Instagram Hannah McKillop Davison. Video: Martine Ackermann.
Did You Know?
In France, International Women’s Sports Day is held on January 24. Created in 2014 by the French CSA Audiovisual High Council, the aim of the Journée Internationale du Sport Féminin is to provide more visibility and equal representation for women’s sports in the media.
The French Broadcasting Council collaborated with the French National Olympic and Sports Committee and originally called the day 24h for Women’s Sport. The name has since changed to Sport Féminin Toujours, with the focus remaining on the advancement of women’s sport.
A nod to Scotland-based Hannah Davison, the first women’s golf club was formed at St. Andrew’s in 1867.