The 61st Ardeca Ypres Rally is set to claim its place as one of the most anticipated events on the European rallying calendar when it kicks off next Friday, June 26, in the historic Belgian town of Ieper (Ypres). As the signature event of the Belgian Rally Championship (BRC) Division 1 and Division 2, this legendary tarmac rally has long been renowned for its unforgiving ditch-lined roads, technical challenges, and passionate crowds that line the narrow Flemish countryside routes in droves.
This year’s edition promises to be a showdown of epic proportions. Two-time consecutive winner Stéphane Lefebvre returns to defend his crown, albeit in a new car after switching from Hyundai to Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. The lineup also features a Who’s Who of rallying talent: former WRC champion Kris Meeke makes his first Ypres appearance since 2010, splitting the wheel of a Porsche 992 Rally GT; Hayden Paddon returns to settle unfinished business after a dramatic crash in 2013; and Jos Verstappen, the former Formula 1 driver who has dominated Belgian rally events in 2025 with three wins from three starts, aims to finally conquer Ypres after previous disappointments.
The rally takes place June 26–27, with the service park and start/finish podium returning to the Grote Markt (Market Square) in the heart of Ypres, ensuring the unique, cozy atmosphere that has made this event a favourite among competitors and fans for 61 years.
Division 1
The full Ypres experience for top-tier drivers and teams. Division 1 competitors tackle the complete program: a traditional qualifying stage in Nieuwkerke on Thursday, June 26, followed by two loops of four stages on Friday evening (Reninge, Vleteren, Westouter, and Mesen/Wijtschate) covering 90 km against the clock. Saturday delivers a further 10 special stages, with Kemmelberg and Dikkebus each run three times, and Watou and Zillebeke twice. In total, Division 1 drivers contest 18 stages and approximately 225 km of competitive action.
Division 2
Designed to be more accessible for local drivers and privateers, Division 2 is held exclusively on Saturday. Competitors in this category tackle eight stages—Kemmelberg, Dikkebus, Watou, and Zillebeke, each run twice—totalling 110 km. This format allows aspiring rallyists to realise their dream of competing on the same iconic stages as their Division 1 counterparts without the financial burden of a full campaign.
Ypres Historic Rally (EHRC)
For the first time since 2022, the Ypres Historic Rally returns as a standalone event, counting towards the FIA European Historic Rally Championship. Historic competitors will enjoy a bespoke schedule featuring two stages on Friday evening and two loops of four stages on Saturday, covering more than 130 km. This blend of modern and historic rallying ensures a festival atmosphere throughout the weekend.
The Stage Guide: Narrow, Fast, and Brutally Technical
The Ypres Rally is renowned for its technical, narrow tarmac roads, often lined with ditches and deceptive corners that demand precision and bravery from even the most experienced drivers.
Kemmelberg (13.72 km) — The legendary crown jewel of the Ypres Rally. Known for its steep climbs, tight hairpins, and enthusiastic crowds that pack the slopes in thousands. The stage features fast, flowing sections mixed with technical challenges, including a notorious cobbled section that has become a Power Stage in recent years. Kemmelberg is run three times on Saturday, making it the most critical stage for championship contenders.
Dikkebus (13.65 km) — A fast, flowing stage with few slow corners but plenty of hidden dangers. The name comes from the nearby lake, and the stage features wide sections that allow drivers to push hard, though the ditch-lined edges mean mistakes are costly. Run three times on Saturday.
Watou (13.17 km) — Technical and twisty, with a mix of medium-speed corners and short straights. The stage demands good car setup and precise navigation through the narrow countryside roads. Run twice on Saturday.
Zillebeke (12.47 km) — Fast and open with long straights that reward raw power, but also features tricky junctions where drivers must brake hard and accelerate quickly. Run twice on Saturday.
Friday’s Loop (Reninge, Vleteren, Westouter, Mesen/Wijtschate) — The opening leg sets the tone for the rally. These stages are shorter but equally demanding, with Mesen/Wijtschate particularly noted for its tight corners and crowd-packed streets.
The Entry List: International Stars Converge on Belgian Westhoek
The Defending Champion: Stéphane Lefebvre
Stéphane Lefebvre, last year’s winner and the most successful driver on the current BRC calendar, returns to defend his crown. This year, however, he’s switched machinery—from Hyundai to a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 operated by PTR Racing. Lefebvre unveiled the car’s new livery on June 18, just eight days before the rally, revealing a bold design for the Belgian Westhoek.
Lefebvre is widely regarded as one of the fastest drivers on tarmac, and his local knowledge combined with recent form—including a victory at Rallye du Touquet earlier this season—makes him the firm favourite for 2026. On his debut in the Toyota Yaris GR Rally2 at a recent event, Lefebvre stated: “If this result was offered to me, I would have signed for it.” He’s determined to prove the Toyota can match his Hyundai on Ypres’ punishing stages.
The Porsche Prospect: Kris Meeke
Former World Rally Championship champion Kris Meeke makes his first Ypres appearance since 2010, when he drove the then-all-new Peugeot 208 T16 R5 as course car. Meeke won the rally on his first start back in 2009 with a 207 S2000, and he returns 17 years later with massive motivation.
The opportunity comes just a week after the 46-year-old tackled the Donegal International Rally in Ireland, driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. Meeke will debut the Porsche 992 Rally GT, deputizing for the injured Pieter-Jan Michiel Cracco in the Jobfixers team entry. The Porsche showed stable handling on fast asphalt and consistent pace on longer stages at the 2025 edition, when four 911 Rally GTs lined up at the start—the largest public showcase of the new model since its homologation.
Meeke’s vast experience and adaptability will be put to the test on the unforgiving Ypres roads, and his presence adds significant prestige to the event.
The New Zealander Returns: Hayden Paddon
Hayden Paddon, the New Zealander and former WRC driver, is on the entry list returning to Ypres after a dramatic crash in 2013. Paddon is eager to settle unfinished business on the Belgian stages.
Paddon will pilot a Hyundai i20 N Rally2, and his aggressive driving style is sure to entertain the crowds. A third win from four Australian Rally Championship starts in 2025 has moved Paddon back to the top of that table, and he’s brought that momentum to Europe. Traversing the equator is nothing new for Paddon, who successfully campaigned the WRC from home in New Zealand before his recent Australian campaign.
Jos Verstappen looks to continue form
Jos Verstappen has been dominating the Belgian rally scene in 2025 with three wins from three starts. Guided by co-driver Renaud Jamoul, Verstappen is determined to make an impact at Ypres after previous attempts ended in disappointment.
At 54 years old, Verstappen remains a formidable competitor, and his prominence in Belgian rallying has made Ypres his next target. The grand prix pedigree adds a unique dimension to the entry list.
Belgian Heroes: Freddy Loix, Cédric Cherain, Vincent Verschueren, Patrick Snijers
The rally showcases the cream of Belgian rallying talent:
Freddy Loix: The most successful driver in Ypres Rally history with 11 wins, Loix is back for his 26th start. Now 54, Loix remains a formidable competitor, as demonstrated by his recent victory at Rally van Wervik. His local knowledge is unmatched.
Cédric Cherain & Vincent Verschueren: Both are confirmed to start and represent the current generation of Belgian champions.
Patrick Snijers: The legendary Belgian driver, known for his wins in historic rallying and modern BRC events, is also on the entry list.
Division 2 and Historic Stars
Division 2 features rising stars including Fred Miclotte, who will be at the start in Ypres for the first time as a driver after winning three times as Loix’s co-driver. In the Historic category, all eyes will be on former Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala, who continues his European Historic Rally Championship campaign in a Toyota Celica ST185. Latvala’s battle with local hero Bruno Thiry—returning in a Subaru Impreza 555—promises to be a highlight. Francois Delecour in the Peugeot 306 Maxi is not to be missed.
The Ypres Experience: the whole town is involved
The Ypres Rally is more than just a competition; it is a festival of motorsport that brings the local community together. The service park in the centre of Ypres is open to the public, allowing fans to get up close to the cars and teams. The start and finish podium, shared by all three competitions, creates a focal point for celebrations and fan engagement.
Spectator Highlights
For spectators, the rally offers a unique opportunity to witness world-class rallying in a picturesque setting. The Kemmelberg stage, in particular, is a must-see, with its dramatic elevation changes and passionate crowds. The proximity of the stages to the town centre makes it easy for fans to experience multiple stages in a single day.
Shakedown: Boezinge, Wednesday evening, June 25
Qualifying Stage: Nieuwkerke, Thursday, June 26
Friday Stages: Two loops of Reninge, Vleteren, Westouter, Mesen/Wijtschate
Saturday Stages: 10 stages (Kemmelberg ×3, Dikkebus ×3, Watou ×2, Zillebeke ×2)
Finish Podium: Grote Markt, Ypres, Saturday ~8 PM
Tickets: Available online from ticket shop (open Tuesday, June 18); All Stages and individual stage tickets on sale
Website: ypresrally.com
A Weekend That Will Define the 2026 BRC Season
The 2026 Ardeca Ypres Rally promises to be one of the highlights of the European rallying season. With its triple-header format, world-class entry list featuring Lefebvre, Meeke, Paddon, Verstappen, and Loix, and festival atmosphere in the heart of Ieper, it offers something for everyone—from die-hard rally fans to casual spectators.
The return of the FIA European Historic Rally Championship adds an extra layer of excitement, while the continued focus on accessibility (including day licences for Division 2 at just €90) ensures that the event remains relevant and inclusive.
Whether you are drawn by the prospect of seeing modern rally stars in action, reliving the golden era of rallying in the Historic event, or simply soaking up the unique atmosphere in Ieper, the 2026 Ypres Rally is an unmissable occasion. As the cars roar through the Flemish countryside next weekend, the spirit of competition and camaraderie will be palpable, making this 61st edition a true celebration of rallying heritage and innovation.
