Ypres: Freddy Loix, the specialist

Already a record holder for the number of victories on the Ypres Rally, Freddy Loix won a sixth time on his home soil. He is ahead of Jan Kopecky, who is doing a good job in the championship.

Published on 27/06/2010 à 00:15

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Freddy Loix (Skoda Fabia S2000), quickly placed at the head of the Rally d?Ypres, at the end of SS3, especially had to battle in the first special stages. Followed closely by Kris Meeke (Peugeot 207 S2000) until this Saturday noon, the Belgian driver "took advantage" of the Northern Irishman's exit from the track to experience a calmer end to the rally.

During the final stages of the event, Freddy Loix had to keep another Skoda driver, Jan Kopecky, at bay. The Belgian did it very well since he managed to maintain a gap of thirty seconds on the Czech. In the end, Loix wins without much difficulty. After 1996, 97, 98, 99 and 2008, he won the Ypres Rally for the sixth time.

« I am very happy, comments Freddy Loix. I came back to IRC and now I have to thank my sponsor BFO, Skoda Belgium and especially Skoda Motorsport, who prepared a perfect car for me. » Second, Jan Kopecky is no less happy. “ We are very happy because Skoda makes another double. Congratulations to Freddy. »

Freddy Loix?s victory has no impact on the general ranking of the IRC since the Belgian does not participate in the entire championship. On the other hand, Kris Meeke, with his exit, can draw a line under the title. And Jan Kopecky, second, took advantage of Juho Hänninen's retirement to come back to within three points of the Finnish leader.