Six drivers in two tenths!

The Belgium Ypres Rally shakedown showed just how close the fight will be. Indeed, six cars are grouped in two tenths of a second: two Skoda Fabia S2000s and four Peugeot 207 S2000s prepared by Kronos.

Published on 19/06/2009 à 12:12

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In 2'49"2, the Czech Kopecky (Skoda) was the first to make the powder speak. “ This doesn't surprise me », says Freddy Loix, five-time winner of the event. “ Already last year he was very fast before going off the road. I consider him one of my most dangerous rivals. »

The Belgian reacted by signing a respectable 2'49"3, soon equaled by Kris Meeke, another driver Peugeot . The Irishman had nevertheless managed to tear off a wheel on his first pass! Later, Thierry Neuville (21 years old), on the Peugeot 207 S2000 wearing the colors of BFGoodrich, equaled Kopecky's time. Remember that, until now, the young Belgian has never driven in rally as a Ford Fiesta Sporting Trophy and a Citroën C2 R2 Max.

« I'm happy, but this time won't excite me. I'm here to learn », Commented a smiling Neuville. At night, François Duval, finally satisfied with the behavior of his Skoda, also signed 2'49 "2. The leading group is completed by Nicolas Vouilloz (2'49"4). Hänninen achieved 2'50"2 while the first Abarth (Basso) was only tenth in 2'52"3.

The start of the Belgium Ypres Rally will be given this evening at 18 p.m. Six stages are on the program for Friday.