Stéphane Lefebvre heading towards the title of Belgian Rally Champion

The 6th victory of the Northerner in the Kingdom of Belgium sealed the outcome of the championship: Stéphane Lefebvre will indeed be crowned provided that he starts one of the last two events of the season. But the Citroën driver hopes to do better and score an 8/8.

Published on 26/09/2022 à 10:32

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Stéphane Lefebvre heading towards the title of Belgian Rally Champion

Stéphane Lefebvre dominates the 2022 season in Belgium. © BRC

This Sunday, September 25, a few hours after his victory at the East Belgian Rally, Stéphane Lefebvre was in… Bastogne. Not to spot possible specials for the 2023 edition of the rally historic victory that he won in March in a Ford Escort. “ I visited the Bastogne War Museum dedicated to the Battle of the Bulge, he confided to us. A space of memory that I recommend to everyone. » As for the race which took place "a little further up" in the country, but in a region, Saint-Vith, just as marked by these bloody battles of the Second World War, it did not take place according to the usual scenario.

« In the first loop, I kept a small safety margin, affirmed Lefebvre. I also admit that we underestimated the importance of the weather which was particularly capricious. We had the wrong tires on the 2nd^e passage in the four special stages and Adrian (Fernémont. Editor’s note) took the opportunity to take off. Fortunately, we rectified the situation in the last round. While my rival in Skoda was not ideally equipped, we increased the pace. I really attacked in the penultimate sector (9 seconds over 15 km. Editor’s note) to regain the lead and keep it until the finish. »

So here is Stéphane Lefebvre assured of being Belgian champion with six successes in as many races (that even makes 8 victories if we add his first place in Holland a few days ago and his Bastogne triumph mentioned above). As required by the regulations, he will simply have to start one of the last two events (the Condroz November 5-6 and the Spa Rally December 3-4) to be crowned. “ We won't just appear, says Xavier Portier, his Belgian co-driver. Condroz is my home and Stéphane has won the last three editions. We will therefore try to register a 4^e success in a row. The final round is at DG Sport. Getting 8 victories in 8 events wouldn't be bad, right? »

What does Adrian Fernémont think of his rival's demonstration? “ I'm obviously disappointed after leading stages 5 to 10. This victory would have had a big impact on my 2023 program. I won't hide from you that I'm trying to compete in the entire championship and I have several projects on the table. ". Adrian Fernémont will say no more.

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