While Team Färén has returned to the forefront of RallyX thanks to the arrival of Roberts Vitols under the Swedish outfit’s banner, Eric Färén is simultaneously focusing on an entirely different project: the development of 15-year-old British driver Phoebe Cake.
Granted, the young teenager faced a steep learning curve on the demanding Riga circuit, with its 12 corners and unforgiving layout where even the slightest mistake comes at a high price due to the lack of runoff areas.
But none of this seems to trouble the Team Färén boss, who is in no rush and remains focused on long-term development rather than short-term results.
“We’re fortunate to have an extremely fast driver in Roberts Vitols,” Färén explains. “What I really appreciate is his ability to stay calm and composed even when racing under pressure. He keeps the right mindset, which naturally makes things easier for us as a team.”
It’s an approach the Swedish team principal is now applying to his new protégé as well.
“With Phoebe, the process is quite similar. It’s her first season, she’s very young, and she has limited experience in rallycross. She knows this, and that’s precisely why our focus is on long-term progress.”
Rather than being overwhelmed by the pressures of her debut season at this level, the young Brit stands out for her ability to adapt and her serious approach to learning.
“Every time she goes out for testing, she demonstrates her ability to listen, analyze, and apply the feedback she receives. She’s improving with every session. She’s calm, attentive, and follows instructions carefully. Working with someone who follows a structured plan and progresses step by step is a real pleasure.”
“Now that competition has begun, there are many more variables to manage. But she remains in the right frame of mind. We’ll keep working, race after race, and see where that leads us.”
Over the years, Eric Färén has also noticed certain unique qualities that often distinguish the female drivers he’s worked with.
“In recent years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with several female drivers, and even though, in theory, there shouldn’t be any differences, I’ve quickly observed that they often stand out thanks to their greater analytical ability. They’re much more thoughtful and open to feedback, which helps them progress. On the male side, it’s often the opposite — we sometimes tend to overestimate ourselves,” Färén smiles.
“Our collaboration with Phoebe is really refreshing. I’m already excited to see what’s next. Above all, I’m fortunate to have two drivers who are happy to be part of our team, and that creates a fantastic atmosphere within our structure.”