Freddy Loix leads in Ypres

After the elimination of François Duval, it is on the shoulders of Freddy Loix that Belgium's hopes on the roads of the Ypres Rally rest. Beaten by Kris Meeke in the first specials, Freddy Loix took the advantage at the end of the first day marked by a passage in France.

Published on 20/06/2009 à 08:52

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“The roads were very slippery,” explains Freddy. “I was careful in the most delicate portions. Everywhere else, I attacked as much as I could. The balance of my 207 Super 2000 is not far from perfect. Only the rear axle is still a little mobile. I have confidence for the future. The settings changes that I will request from support will allow me to further improve its behavior. »

First notable elimination, François Duval didn't go further than the first turn. The Belgian star, favorite at the wheel of his Skoda Fabia Super 2000, passed through a field at high speed. A little later, Alexandre Bengué also placed himself on the retirement list with his Opel Corsa Super 2000. Also trapped , the reigning champion Nicolas Vouilloz (Peugeot 207 Super 2000) was able to continue three minutes late.

If the first loop did not reveal the contenders for victory, the night passage revealed three potential winners. With three best times each with Peugeot 207s, Kris Meeke and Freddy Loix broke away, followed by Jan Kopecky on Skoda 13??3 behind the Belgian leader.

Almost a minute behind, Giandomenico Basso (Abarth) occupies fourth place ahead of Juho Hänninen (Skoda), Pieter Tsjoen (Peugeot), Jasper Van Den Heuvel (Mitsubishi) and Gilles Schammel (Peugeot).

The second day and its ten special stages begins at 12:51 p.m.