The thesis with which Jutta Kleinschmidt completed her physics degree in 1986 was on the “Development and Realisation of a Climate Test Rig for Vehicle Climate Devices”. Her topic was almost prophetic. Vehicles and extreme climate conditions have been a central part of Jutta’s life ever since. Jutta has competed in marathon rallies since 1987. At first with motorcycles, then increasingly with cars since 1993–initially as Jean-Louis Schlesser’s navigator, then taking the wheel herself. Her dream, a victory in the Dakar Rally, inched ever closer: she was the first woman to win a stage in 1997, and in 1999 she was the first woman to lead the overall standings and have a podium finish in the final standings. She was the first woman to win overall in 2001. The following years proved that the victory was no fluke: she took second at the 2002 Dakar Rally and third place in 2005.

Date of Birth: 29 August 1962

Nationality: Germany

Residence: Monte Carlo (Monaco)

Sport: Rally Car

Highlights: 2001 Dakar victory, 2002 Dakar 2nd place, 1999 and 2005 Dakar 3rd place, 2001 Italian Baja victory; 2nd place at the Morocco Rally, Baja Portugal, Master Rally and Marathon World Cup (all in 2001)
Volkswagen Motorsport