Rally – Princen wins the Condroz, Verschueren Belgian champion

Leader since the fourth special stage, Kris Princen (Skoda Fabia R5) has never ceded control of the rally du Condroz until the finish on Sunday afternoon. The Belgian won the event counting for the Belgian Rally Championship (BRC) for the third time, ahead of Kevin Abbring (Peugeot 208 T16) and Vincent Verschueren (Skoda Fabia R5), which won the national title.

“It was a stressful rally for me. Everyone told me I was champion but I knew I had to reach the finish first. I don't yet realize the significance of this title. As someone who grew up admiring Freddy Loix and Patrick Snijers, knowing that my name is now on the same list is just incredible! », explained Vincent Verschueren after the finish.

This second stage was marked by numerous crashes in the top 10, starting with Citroën Racing boss Yves Matton. He made a mistake on the first Sunday special, and damaged a shock absorber on his C4 WRC. Same cause, identical sanction for former official Ford and Citroën WRC driver François Duval (DS3 R5), which could not leave. Guillaume de Mévius (Peugeot 208 T16) imitated his brother with an accident sanctioned by abandonment:

Finally, the race was marred by an accident between an amateur crew and two spectators. Wounded, however, their lives are not in danger.

Ranking of the Condroz rally:
1. Kris Princen-Pieter Kaspers (Skoda Fabia R5) in 1h52'37''6;
2. Kevin Abbring-Pieter Tsjoen (Peugeot 208 R5) at 27”2;
3. Vincent Verschueren-Véronique Hostens (Skoda Fabia R5) at 42”5;
4. Adrian Fernémont-Samuel Maillen (Ford Fiesta R5) at 55”2;
5. Bruno Thiry-Stéphane Prévot (Citroën DS3 R5) at 1'06''3;
6. Bertrand Grooten-Lara Vanneste (Skoda Fabia R5) at 1'32''3;
7. Xavier Bouche-Lorin Jamar (Skoda Fabia R5) at 2'26''1;
8. Mark Wallenwein-Hugo Magalhaes (Skoda Fabia R5) at 2'41''5;
9. Kevin Demaerschalk-Bram Eelbode (Citroën DS3 R5) at 2'56''9;
10. Cédric De Cecco-Jérôme Humblet (Peugeot 208 R5) at 4'39''7