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Peugeot Belgium driver Freddy Loix has made history on his home event by becoming the only person to win the Belgium Ypres Rally five times. Loix’s resounding success saw him lead from the opening day in order to clinch a dominant victory.

In second place was his team mate Nicolas Vouilloz, who has moved to within four points of the IRC series leader thanks to another podium finish.

While Loix enjoyed a clear advantage, the battle behind him was intense – with third to sixth places covered by less than half a minute even in the closing stages. It was a battle where every second – and even the smallest problem – counted.

Luca Rossetti was Loix’s closest challenger at the start of the rally, but a puncture during the opening leg meant that he dropped out of the lead battle. Undeterred, he launched himself back into the battle for the points positions with the firm aim of maintaining his series lead. An excellent drive saw him climb back to third and achieve his objective by winning the final 42- kilometre stage.

Rossetti narrowly beat Bernd Casier, who marked Volkswagen’s best result in the IRC series to date. Casier overcame a heavy crash in the shakedown to claim fourth place and underline the competitiveness of the Polo S2000. Belgian legend Patrick Snijers was fifth at the wheel of his BFGoodrich-backed Peugeot, while Abarth driver Giandomenico Basso had to settle for sixth. The Italian, who won the Ypres Rally in 2006, was a regular podium contender throughout but was let down by a puncture halfway through the final stage.

The IRC 2WD Cup was won by local man Dieter Verbeke in a Peugeot 106. Marco Cavigioli was leading the class in the new Fiat Grande Punto Diesel right up until the final stage, when he was forced to retire. The category was intially led by Alessandro Bettega, the son of the legendary Attilio, making his debut in the Honda Civic Type R R3. However, the Italian was caught out by some loose gravel on the inside of a corner this morning and rolled into retirement.

He was not the only person to fall victim to the tricky and technical Ypres stages. Jan Kopecky, a podium finisher on the last IRC round in Portugal, rolled his Peugeot on Friday. Other retirements included former Junior World Champion Brice Tirabassi – out with broken suspension whilst he was challenging for a strong points finish – and Renato Travaglia.

"This was just the result that myself and the team needed," said Loix. "I came here looking for the win, as it was the only way I could get back into contention for the title. Hopefully our luck has changed now – and it’s nice to have the record of Ypres wins as well!"

Highlights

Eurosport will broadcast highlighlights from the Belgium Ypres Rally at the following times (CET):

Tuesday 1 July

22.30-23.00 (Eurosport)

Thursday 3 July

18.30-19.00 (Eurosport 2)

www.rally-irc.com

- Anthony Peacock -

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