The preparations for the Spa Rally, the long-awaited final of the Kroon-Oil Belgian Rally Championship 2022, are in full swing. Organizer DG Sport is preparing a well-filled programme, full of highlights.
The first stage, which will be completed on Saturday 3 December, will certainly not disappoint fans of the race in and around Spa. With 107.5 kilometers against the clock, spread over 10 timed stages, and with no less than five passages in the center of Spa, a very intense day will start from 8.30 am. Around 7.30 pm, the first riders who survived this difficult opening day are expected on the podium in the city center… The program is therefore not bad! The first test is completely new: Stavelot-Coo, almost 15 kilometers long. A chrono ride in two parts, with a first relatively narrow section through Ster and Renardmont, towards the Haute Levée. At the end of the climb, the second half begins, with a descent towards Amermont, finishing at the Combes campsite, near the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps. It should also be noted that the final section is identical to that of the stage that was completed in 2021 for the World Rally Championship! This KP will be run three times.
The spéciale of Spa is more than worthy of the name, because, just like in 2019, the cars arrive in the center of Spa, via the descent of Annette et Lubin. Ambience is therefore assured at the TRC of this 7-kilometre-long test, which will also be completed three times. With the CH of Chevron we are entering familiar territory, because this 15 kilometer test is identical to the one in 2021… only it will now be completed in the opposite direction! The start will thus be given in Chevron’s town square, where the riders will circle twice in spectacular fashion and loudly cheered. Follow the descent to Bierleux Bas, the climb towards Rahier, the strip of Meuville, the hairpins of Xhierfomont (to be taken down!), Vallée de la Lienne, the technical climb towards Chession and the finish in Lorcé. In short, well-known and highly appreciated places, in a test that will be completed twice. Also two passages in the KP of Moulin du Ruy, which is 7 kilometers long… and starts with the descent of Rosier! After the passage of Moulin du Ruy, the participants are presented with a narrower and more technical section. This results in a slightly shorter, but very varied test.
The menu of the first day of competition certainly lives up to the reputation of the Spa Rally and other competitions organized in and around the spa. And those who get through this opening day unscathed can start the second course on the menu the next day, from 8.30 am on Sunday. But more on that later…
Info & Entries: www.sparally.com
