Kris Princen confirms car switch to defend Belgian Rally title

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The final big piece of the puzzle has fallen into place for the JobFIXers Belgian Rally Championship with defending Champion, Kris Princen announcing his intentions for the 2019 season.

After campaigning the BMA Skoda Fabia R5 last year, in what was a tightly fought championship, he sticks with the BMA team but switches to the all new Volkswagen Polo R5.

“I am happy to be able to introduce the VW Polo with which I will defend my title of Champion of Belgium,” Princen said on the Belgian Rally website.

“Two copilots will assist me: Peter Kaspers will navigate me in Landen and in the Condroz, while Bram Eelbode will read the notes in the other competitions. At this moment we have the budget for 7 rallies, but I hope to eventually 8 It is nice to be able to start the season in my backyard. I have already won the Rally of Haspengouw four times. I would like to offer the Polo R5 his first victory in Belgium.”

He will join Patrick Snijers who will campaign a second BMA run Volkswagen Polo R5.

Princen’s 2019 fight will reignite against Vincent Verschueren who will be looking to avenge a narrow loss in the 2018 Championship. The tight fight went on through the season with small errors popping up for both drivers. They will both be keen on a clean run in 2019 as the Princen vs Verschueren fight will be joined by Snijers and, perhaps Adrian Fernémont in his Skoda Fabia R5. Fernémont took the win in Spa last year and was second behind Lefebvre at Condroz at the end of the year.

Currently there are 12 R5s on the entry list for Rally van Haspengouw this weekend. The VAG Group is well represented, however full season M-Sport Ford or Citroen entries are yet to be confirmed.

In the Historic Championship, Paul Liater is not returning to defend his crown but 2016 Champion Dirk Deveux, with Kris D’Alleine, is back in his brand new Ford Sierra RS Cosworth 4×4.

Their biggest competitors will be the BMW M3 of Guino Kenis, who had a lot of bad luck last year. Additionally the Sierra’s by Frank Baert and Nick Toorré will be a force.

The first rally of the JobFIXers Belgian Rally Championship, the Rally of Haspengouw, will be held in Landen (Domein ‘t Park, Hannuitsesteenweg) on February 22 and 23. The competition itself will be held on Saturday 23 February from 8h to 19h in 3 rounds of 4 stages. More info at www.rallyvanhaspengouw.be.


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