In a remarkable display of skill and speed, Jos Verstappen clinched the title at the 71st Rallye des Ardennes, marking a triumphant return to form. With eight stage wins across twelve tests, the 53-year-old Dutchman, piloting the Skoda Fabia RS Rally2, navigated the technical challenges of Dinant with poise and precision. This victory not only adds to his accolades in the Kroon-Oil Belgian Rally Championship but also serves as a poignant reminder of his illustrious motorsport career.
Verstappen’s foray into this year’s rally circuit comes on the heels of previous successes, including last year’s triumph at both the Spa Rally and the Rally of Haspengouw. However, his recent tenure in the Belgian campaign has been marred by challenges, making this win a significant milestone.
Following a competitive start, it was on the second test, La Molignée, where Verstappen asserted his dominance. Despite a spirited challenge from Bastien Rouard, who led early in the competition, Verstappen’s consistent performance ensured his lead would go unchallenged. He finished the rally with a comfortable 35.4-second margin over Rouard, who ultimately secured second place in his Hyundai i20 N Rally2.
“Our goal here was to gather points,” Verstappen remarked, highlighting the strategic approach to this event. “Wednesday’s only one D2-fight, and I wanted to set a good rhythm. The conditions were demanding, the asphalt bumpy, but I felt confident in our Skoda.”
Rouard, reflecting on his debut in this year’s championship, acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Verstappen on dry asphalt, admitting that adapting to the new Hyundai posed its own difficulties. “This was my first rally of the year,” he shared, “and there were definitely lessons learned.”
Behind the top contenders, Bernd Casier took to the stage with his Ford Fiesta Rally2, finishing 1 minute and 46 seconds off the lead. “This weekend was about preparation,” he stated. “I need to refine my pace as we head to the Rally of Antibes.”
The dual partnership of Jonathan Dethise and navigator Simon Gille proved proficient, culminating in a fourth-place finish with their Skoda Fabia R5. “What an incredible feeling to finish strong and mistake-free!” exclaimed Dethise.
Emerging talents also shone brightly. Corentin Dozot and his Peugeot 208 Rally4 showcased impressive racing, while German driver Benjamin Schmitt, in his Citroën C2-R2 Max, expressed a sense of nostalgia and pride in competing in a sport that continues to challenge and excite.
As the dust settled on this thrilling event, the rally community already turns its attention to future competitions, with the next leg of the Kroon-Oil Belgian Rally Championship, the 50th TAC Rally in Tielt, set for April 12th. The energy and anticipation of competition continue to flourish, highlighting the ever-evolving narrative of motorsport in Belgium.
