Lander Depotter is quickly establishing himself as one of Belgium’s most promising rally drivers. Born in 2003, he celebrated his 21st birthday in 2024 and has rapidly risen through the ranks of national and international rally competitions, gaining a reputation for his impressive adaptability and skill behind the wheel.
Depotter’s career took off in 2023 when he won the Clio Trophy Belgium in his first full season, demonstrating not only speed but also maturity in his racing approach. His victory was complemented by another significant achievement that same year — claiming the title in the RC5 class of the Belgian Rally Cup. These successes highlighted his dominance in two-wheel-drive vehicles and set the stage for his transition to four-wheel-drive competition.
In 2024, he made a pivotal move by debuting in a Renault Clio Rally3, supported by reputable sponsors like Renault and Castrol, as well as the esteemed Pieter Tsjoen Racing team. His early performances in this new machine were remarkable; at the Rallye de Wallonie, he secured 12th place overall, outpacing several competitors in higher-spec vehicles. Following that, he shone at the Omloop van Vlaanderen, finishing seventh overall and clinching victory in the Rally3 class by a considerable margin.
Depotter’s success is attributed to his keen ability to adapt to new machinery and different rally conditions. He emphasizes the importance of car setup, particularly transitioning from the simpler Clio Rally5 to the more complex Clio Rally3, and his technical understanding continues to impress insiders in the sport.
His collaboration with Pieter Tsjoen Racing has provided him with invaluable knowledge and support during this critical transition. A key element of his success is his partnership with co-driver Jasper Maelfait, whose experience adds consistency to their performances in both two-wheel and four-wheel-drive events.
Lander’s achievements extend beyond the national stage; he recently celebrated a notable third-place finish at the TAC Rally, driving a Citroën C3 Rally2. This marked his debut podium in the Belgian championship and was a highlight of his racing career so far. He capitalized on a mistake by competitor Cédric Cherain, who lost his position due to a braking error, allowing Depotter to move up and secure his place. Reflecting on this achievement, he expressed his excitement, noting, “We entered this rally primarily to gain experience, so achieving third place is simply sublime. This was also my first outing at the TAC, a rally famous for its tricky, slippery asphalt.”
As he looks ahead, Depotter is gearing up for a promising 2025 season, building on his experiences in four-wheel drive and preparing for new challenges, all while refining his skills and racing strategies. Active on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, he shares insights into his rally journey, from results to behind-the-scenes moments, allowing fans to stay connected with his racing life.
With a bright future ahead, Lander Depotter is poised to make a significant impact in the world of rallying, both in Belgium and beyond.
