The 28th Rallye de Haspengouw is already shaping up to an exceptional line-up. The provisional entry list boasts 47 drivers, including a dozen RC2 cars and three GTs—collectively holding no fewer than 15 Belgian national titles.
Defending champion Jos Verstappen will spearhead the field in his start-number-one Citroën C3 Rally2. This year, he faces stiff opposition from proven winners: 2024 victor and vice-champion Cédric Cherain in a Škoda Fabia RS; and 2022 winner Stéphane Lefebvre, tackling the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 from PTR Racing alongside eight-time Belgian champion Pieter Tsjoen as co-driver. Adding further firepower, PTR fields four-time national champion Freddy Loix—the Limburger who triumphed here in 2005, 2013, 2014 and 2016—in another Škoda Fabia RS, partnered with Juliette Tsjoen, Pieter’s daughter. Together, Loix, Tsjoen, Lefebvre, Cherain and Verstappen represent a staggering 15 Belgian rally titles. A line-up to savour.
Outsiders in the Mix
The battle at the front promises intensity, with credible challengers eyeing an upset among the champions. Bjorn Syx has verbally committed to his Toyota GR Yaris Rally2; young Limburg talent Thomas Martens opts for a Hyundai i20 N Rally2 from BMA; and Émile Breittmayer brings his rapid Citroën C3 Rally2, having posted the first fastest time here last year.
Fred Miclotte, runner-up in 2025, switches to a VW Polo GTI Rally2, while Nicola Stampaert, Steven Dolfen and Richard Pex line up in Škoda Fabias. Local favourites Jimmy D’hondt and Christophe Verstaen stick with their Citroën C3s.
Beyond the Rally2 showdown, Saturday 28 February will deliver spectacle across 12 demanding stages through the Limburg orchards and lanes. Watch for Pieter-Jan Michiel Cracco’s Porsche 992 Rally GT duelling the pair of Alpine A110 RGTs from Chris Vandamme and Dutchman Michel van der Blonk.
Supporting Classes
High standards permeate every category. In the M-Cup, defending champion Franky Boulat fields his BMW M3 against Tobi Vandenberghe, Philip Lommers, local ace Siem Dendas and Tom Ceuppens. The Rallye de Haspengouw also kicks off the Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup and the Junior BRC, this year limited to Rally6 machinery—ensuring fresh talent gets its shot amid the established order.
Rally fans should mark their calendars for a standout edition on 28 February, with shakedown scheduled for Thursday 26 February. Haspengouw’s mix of flowing asphalt, tight hedges and early-spring gravel always extracts the maximum from crews and cars; this year’s entry suggests it will be no different.
