After persistent rumours, confirmation arrived today from the organisers: the Spa Rally, taking place on 29 and 30 November, will feature a world-class entrant in the form of Andreas Mikkelsen. The Norwegian driver steps in behind the wheel of PTR Racing’s Toyota Yaris GR Rally2, with none other than team principal Pieter Tsjoen acting as navigator. Both competed the previous weekend at the Rally de la Nucia in Spain, sharpening preparation for their Belgian outing.
This marks Mikkelsen’s second appearance at Spa, after his first in 2020 coincided with the abrupt start of Belgium’s COVID-19 lockdown, which forced the event’s postponement. This year, delay gives way to enthusiasm among Belgian rally fans, who are set to witness the 36-year-old’s passages through Spa’s iconic stages — a pilot whose career includes a wealth of World Rally Championship experience and numerous international titles.
Pedigree: Dual Champions and World Wins
Mikkelsen’s reputation precedes him. Twice an IRC champion, twice a WRC2 champion, and the winner of three WRC events, he became Volkswagen’s “coming man” behind Sébastien Ogier during the manufacturer’s dominant period in the World Rally Championship. His extensive international experience — at the wheel of top works entries from Volkswagen, Citroën, Skoda and Hyundai — brings added gravity to this year’s Spa Rally.
At PTR Racing, the partnership with Tsjoen, eight-time Belgian champion and team principal, adds a strategic dimension. Both drivers demonstrated strong synergy at Rally de la Nucia, their recent run suggesting a foundation for rapid adaptation to Spa’s weather and surface variety.
Anticipation and Observations
For Belgian fans, Mikkelsen’s participation is more than a spectacle — it is historic, reinvigorating Spa’s status as the season’s finale. His record of responding to new conditions with tactical intelligence should serve him well on Spa’s unpredictable autumn stages. Meanwhile, PTR Racing’s involvement reflects the professionalisation and internationalisation of Belgian rallying, setting a challenging benchmark for local contenders.
Expectations are high, not only for results, but for the masterclass in driving and teamwork likely to play out over both days. Mikkelsen’s proven ability to adapt and Tsjoen’s local expertise may yet produce a performance that marks this edition of the Spa Rally as a standout in the championship’s calendar.
