ERC – Bouffier gives Loix a hard time

Bryan Bouffier (DS 3 R5) started the 52nd edition of the Rally from Ypres at a high pace. The Frenchman took the advantage from the first stage and did not relinquish control of the event until the end of the first stage. The French driver has a lead of 6''9 over local star Freddy Loix (Skoda Fabia R5) in search of an eleventh success in this rally.

Vincent Verschueren (Fabia R5) completes the leading trio, almost 18 seconds from the head of the race. The Belgian is a handful of seconds ahead of his compatriot Kris Princen (Peugeot 208 T16 R5).

Stéphane Lefebvre (DS 3 R5) is in a promising sixth place, half a minute behind his compatriot. The Frenchman highlighted himself by signing several scratches but he lost time in the first special following a spin before encountering a handbrake problem and being slowed down by several competitors at the bottom. -side.

Alexey Lukyanuk (Ford Fiesta R5) had to dismount on the first run after damaging his suspension by hitting an embankment.

The second stage of the Ypres Rally will be contested tomorrow from 11:22 a.m.