FIA World Rally champion co-driver Robert Reid has stepped in to support journalist Franca Davenport's race against time to reach international co-driver status.

Reid co-drove for the late Richard Burns when the duo clinched the world title in 2001 and agreed to assist Davenport to prepare for Rally Ireland, the country's first-ever WRC event that takes place from November 15-18.

Davenport only took up the challenge to co-drive for Sky Sport's Tony Jardine in his Castrol Daily Telegraph Ford Focus early in October.

With just two events behind her and three to cram in before her WRC debut, Reid agreed to act urgently to ramp up the London based journalist's rally training, advocating an intensive course at Silverstone Circuit's Experience Centre.

Davenport has distinguished herself in the two national events she has finished so far for the team that is run by ProSpeed and supported by Kumho Tyres. The highlight was a trophy for second in class on the Bulldog Rally two weeks ago.

Reid, with 103 World Rallies and 277 stage wins on his CV, felt her rapid rise was something he could accelerate.

“Franca is sharp,” he explained. “She has picked things up quickly, but time is against her as she is trying to climb a mountain in record time. A World Championship event is very different and things will hit her fast so we decided to intensify her training because I think she has enough experience not to be fazed.”

Davenport, from Chippenham in Wiltshire, is a freelance specialising in motoring and lifestyle journalism. She spent the day at Silverstone, the iconic home of the British Grand Prix, being put through her paces on the Northamptonshire circuit's popular Rally Experience, giving her an insight into what it's like to sit in both seats of a rally car to give her a broader understanding of the sport.

Following an intensive session with Reid, professional rally instructor Jason Sharpe – winner of the 1997 Peugeot 306 Challenge and fifth placed finisher in the '96 British Rally Championship – led Franca in a briefing and some demonstration runs. She then took the wheel of the Silverstone Fiesta and was soon flicking the tail out with controlled hand brake turns.

“I found it invigorating,” she said. “The tuition helped my own car control and also understanding what Tony will be going through as we compete for hours over the twists and turns of the narrow Irish lanes. My navigation work with Robert was illuminating. He passed on some great advice and tips and I was grateful and impressed that a World Champion had taken time out to help me. I know it will make a big difference when the intensity and speed of Rally Ireland suddenly hits us in a few short weeks time.”