Two former World Rally Championship runners-up headline a stacked Ardeca Ypres Historic Rally this weekend, as Jari-Matti Latvala and François Delecour take centre stage in one of the strongest editions yet.
For a second consecutive year, Ypres forms part of the FIA European Rally Championship Historic calendar—and in 2026, it counts twice, scoring points in both the Pre-1992 and Pre-2000 categories. The result is a high-quality, high-profile entry list built around proven world-class names.
Latvala arrives as the man to beat in Pre-1992. The three-time WRC vice-champion returns in his Toyota Celica ST185 after a standout debut in Ypres last season, where only late mechanical trouble denied him a top result. This time, the Finn knows exactly what to expect from the ultra-fast, unforgiving Belgian stages—and that experience could prove decisive. “One of the best rallies I’ve driven, even compared to WRC,” Latvala said, while also warning that heat and reliability may again play a crucial role.
In Pre-2000, all eyes turn to Delecour. The Frenchman brings the spectacular Peugeot 306 Maxi to Ypres, combining raw pace with a car that remains one of the most iconic machines of its era. Back on familiar ground, Delecour is not just a crowd favourite—he is a genuine contender. Around him, a strong European field assembles, including Seb Perez in the Lancia Stratos, Maciej Lubiak (Porsche 911), Renato Travaglia (BMW M3 E30), and Osian Pryce (Ford Escort RS).
The Belgian contingent ensures there is no shortage of local resistance. Paul Lietaer marks his 50th consecutive season in rallying and remains a benchmark in the Youngtimer class with his Subaru Impreza WRC S5, facing Ludovic Vitse, Gregory Huyghe, and Philip Barbier.
Reigning winner Pieter-Jan Maeyaert returns to defend his Historic victory, but the opposition is deeper this year. BMW M3 E30s for Guillermo Bruneel and Wouter Lievens, Porsche 911s for Stefaan Stouf and Bart Vingerhoedt, and the return of Olivier Breittmayer in an Opel Ascona 400 all add to a fiercely competitive field.
A major talking point will be the presence of Maxime Castelein in an original Lancia Stratos HF Group 4—freshly prepared in Italy and making its Ypres debut. It is one of the standout cars of the entire weekend.
Elsewhere, Tom Boonen continues his push for the Belgian title in a BMW 325i Gr.A, with Claudie Tanghe and Gino Büx set to provide strong Escort-powered opposition. Consistency could also bring Koen Verhaeghe and Patrick Mylleville into play.
With world-class names, iconic machinery, and a deep field throughout, the Ardeca Ypres Historic Rally once again promises to deliver—on roads where precision leaves no margin for error.
