After an absence of nearly two years since his last entry at the Rally van Haspengouw — where he competed in a Hyundai Rally2 — Gino Bux’s focus shifted towards his professional life, relegating competition to the background. That interlude is set to conclude at the upcoming Spa Rally, scheduled for the 28th–30th of November, where Bux will reappear in a Porsche 992 Rally GT fielded by Luxembourg’s FS-Sport. The car mirrors the specification of his friend and fellow competitor, John Wartique.
Bux reflected on an earlier test: “Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to discover the potential of the Porsche 992 Rally GT during a session in Mettet. It was a truly engaging experience, after which I told Lionel Hansen — mastermind behind this GT project — that contesting Spa with such a machine would be magical.” The opportunity arose when Hansen informed him that FS-Sport, run by Steve Fernandes, had a car available for Spa. Both Bux and Wartique saw this as an ideal chance to represent the same colours and field a formidable partnership. “We’ve worked together on the project and here we are. What a pleasant surprise!”
Technical Preparation and Team Dynamics
Although recently reacquainted with the Porsche, Bux — navigated by trusted co-driver Steven Spittaels — hopes to fit in another test session prior to tackling the Shakedown, Qualifying Stage, and competitive sections of Spa Rally 2025, the prime finale of the Belgian Rally Championship. “As tradition has it, Spa is bound to throw up variable weather: autumn conditions, leaves, cold, rain… there’ll be plenty of challenges. But, as is our habit, we’re committed to preparing as thoroughly as possible. Since the Ardennes Rally in 2023, I’ve scarcely driven, so we may not be able to match Cédric Cherain immediately. That being said, our aim is to savour the experience among friends and target a strong result.”
The Porsche 992 Rally GT, without question, is the car of the year in the Belgian Rally Championship — a fact not lost on Bux. “It’s a fantastic piece of kit,” Bux commented. “It resonates with the public and our loyal partners, who once again are backing us. I’m not sure how to thank them! Who knows, this entry could mark the start of a longer-term programme. Ideally, rallying will be back in my plans for 2026. That is why Spa is so crucial: ending 2025 on a high and also beginning to chart the way forward.”
The Car: Porsche 992 Rally GT
The Porsche 992 Rally GT is a compelling proposition among rally machinery. With a naturally aspirated flat-six engine generating 510 horsepower at 8,400 rpm, a sequential six-speed gearbox and FIA-homologated safety features, it blends circuit-honed performance with rally-specific refinements. These include a reinforced chassis, polycarbonate windows, a competition-spec fuel tank, and fully adjustable suspension, as well as Michelin tyres developed for asphalt rallying.
This car, distinguished by its rear-wheel-drive architecture, takes full advantage of its aerodynamic upgrades — adjustable rear wing and increased downforce — aiding stability and braking performance over Spa’s varied terrain. The 992 Rally GT’s presence at the front of the Belgian Championship speaks to its versatility, lower running costs relative to predecessors, and growing appeal within the privateer and semi-professional ranks.
Anticipation and Significance
Now, the season’s climax at Spa marks the return of the renowned Bux–Spittaels pairing to the stages, with a car certain to stand out. This is more than a mere comeback — it is a carefully constructed venture underscored by teamwork, technical progress, and a keen focus on both results and enjoyment. The unpredictable autumn weather will test adaptability, while the logistics and scheduling around Shakedown, Qualifying Stage, and main event demand careful resource management.
Bux’s measured optimism is reflected in his approach: prioritise preparation, harness familiar relationships, and pursue competitive rewards without sacrificing the experience. Supporting partners and team members remain integral, as does the aspiration for continuity into 2026.
Spa Rally, therefore, is more than a sporting endeavour for Bux. It is a strategic re-engagement with rallying at the highest domestic level, emblematic of the intersection between professional commitment and motorsport passion. For the expert observer, the return encapsulates the values of resilience, adaptability, and calculated risk, set against a backdrop of evolving machinery and competitive landscapes.
