Young Swiss racer Linda Frey is preparing for her debut in the Twingo Cup at Balaton Park Circuit at the end of April. This event marks a significant milestone for the 16-year-old, whose journey from virtual to actual racing tracks has been remarkably quick.
Frey, despite her young age and the fact she’s yet to drive legally on public roads, is not afraid of the challenge and the competitiveness that the Twingo Cup offers. “I am 16, and yes, many drivers started much earlier, so at 16, you are actually considered old to start racing, but participating in real racing has always been my dream,” says Linda.
Her fascination with motorsport was ignited from an early age, drawn to the thrill of Formula One. “The technique, the aerodynamics, the physics, and what the driver experiences, it’s all so fascinating,” Frey reflected. “I’ve been addicted to Formula One; I’ve watched every race, and that’s what sparked my interest in motorsport.”
As Linda continuously discovered the world of motorsport, she found a sim racing center in Switzerland. So she went there, raced, got connected with the right people, and now she is waiting for her shot in the Twingo Cup.
The decision to join the Twingo Cup was strategic for Frey, drawn to its accessibility and the opportunities it presents for beginners. “It’s quite cheap compared to other series, and being part of the ESET Cup weekends is a big plus. It’s a great starting point for real-life racing,” she said.
Her preparation has been through sim racing to bridge the gap between virtual and real-world racing. “I’ve prepared myself with a lot of sim racing, learning the circuits really well, especially the Balaton Park Circuit, to compensate for the lack of real-life racing experience,” Linda detailed her approach to tackling the challenges of a new circuit.
Frey’s goals aren’t really about the results for now, as she has never raced in karts or with cars on a large circuit. “I mainly want to have fun, enjoy it, and of course, gain experience. Understanding the real racing stuff, like what happens in the boxes and how the organizations work during a race weekend, is crucial for me,” she mentioned.
Looking to the future, Frey harbors aspirations of progressing to formula racing, enchanted by the high speeds and intense competition. “I love formula cars. The downforce, the ability to brake so late, it’s exhilarating. And while the Twingo Cup is my starting point, the next step is Formula 4 someday,” Linda expressed, adding that based on her performance, a Formula 4 test could be arranged soon.
