With just 13.2 seconds separating Cédric Cherain (Porsche 992 Rally GT) and Tom Heindrichs (Citroën C3 Rally2), the second leg of the 2025 Spa Rally promised fireworks. With relentless weather pounding the region and the Theux and Ster stages on the schedule three times each, Sunday’s itinerary was nothing short of punishing.
Heindrichs opened proceedings in style, setting the fastest times on both opening stages while Cherain spun at Ster, cutting the overall gap to 5.1 seconds. Yet the young Belgian’s momentum faltered during the second run through Theux, where a puncture cost him six seconds—then came a spin right at the start of SS13 Ster 2. The tide had turned.
From there, Cherain only needed to manage the pressure from Dutchman Bernhard ten Brinke (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2), who continued to impress, trimming the deficit to just 21.8 seconds ahead of the final loop. The last pass through Theux proved treacherous for the Porsches, enabling ten Brinke to close within 9.6 seconds before the grand finale at Ster.
Unfazed, Cherain mastered the closing stage, conceding only half a second to his rival to seal a superb victory. The Porsche 992 Rally GT driver added his name to the Spa Rally winners’ list for the third time.
“It was tight, but we didn’t give anything away and stayed focused,” said Cherain, relishing his triumph. “This win is special for the BRC fans—it’s been years since a Porsche last won in Spa. The car came through unscathed despite the extreme stages and the risks we took. One thing’s certain: I’ll be back in a Porsche next year!”
The weekend’s standout performance came from Tom Heindrichs, crowned ‘Driver of the Day’ by the BRC after setting seven fastest stage times—an extraordinary feat for the 21-year-old in only his second Rally2 outing. Thierry Neuville’s half-brother confirmed his status as one of Belgium’s brightest rally talents.
Just shy of the podium, Tom Rensonnet (Hyundai i20 N Rally2) delivered a strong result for Lifelive Motorsport following teammate Cédric De Cecco’s off in Theux 2. Meanwhile, Thomas Martens (Citroën C3 Rally2) added another stellar drive to his résumé, repeating his stage-winning form from Saturday’s wet and dark Fays Show to complete the top five.
Romain Delhez (Porsche 992 Rally GT), on his debut in the car, grew more confident with every kilometre and finished sixth overall despite the treacherous conditions. Thibaud Mazuin (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) followed in seventh, just ahead of John Wartique (Porsche 992 Rally GT), who prioritized setup work in the difficult weather. German driver Björn Satorius (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) and Emile Breittmayer (Citroën C3 Rally2) completed the top ten.
One of the weekend’s revelations was Germany’s Colin Dünker (Ford Fiesta Rally4), who dominated RC4 and astonishingly took 11th overall—ahead of several Rally2 crews, including Loris Nuyts, Harry Bouillon, Richard Pex, and Manu Gonay.
In the Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup Belux, Lander Depotter (Opel Corsa Rally4) clinched the title—adding it to his Junior BRC crown—after Lukas Thiele (Opel Corsa Rally4) retired in Theux 2. Hugo Cravillon impressed with second in class aboard the new Lancia Ypsilon Rally4.
Technical trouble ended Pierre Hubin’s (Renault Clio Rally3) long RC3 lead on Saturday evening, forcing him to restart under Super Rally rules and clearing the way for Benoit Verlinde (Renault Clio Rally3) to win the category and finish inside the overall top fifteen.
Elsewhere, Antoine Luxen (Renault Clio 2 RS) triumphed in NAT2, while Guino Kenis (BMW 325i E30) claimed Historic BRC honours ahead of Jo Muylle (Subaru Impreza), winner in Youngtimer BRC. Julien Collette (Peugeot 208 Rally6) continued his fine form in RC6, beating Claire Schönborn (Opel Corsa Rally6), Smail Haddouche, and Bob Whormann.
As the curtain falls on a thrilling 2025 Spa Rally, the Belgian Rally Championship signs off in spectacular fashion—a season that delivered plenty of drama, with Spa providing one of its most memorable finales.
