For Freddy Loix (Skoda Fabia S2000), the opening six speed tests of the IRC GEKO Ypres Rally have been a resounding success. This Belgian claimed six stage wins from six to reach the end of Day One with a 36sec lead.
Guy Wilks (Peugeot 207 S2000) has put on a storming drive to finish the day second overall and leads a gaggle of Peugeot 207 S2000s. Pieter Tsjoen is third, and moving up the leaderboard steadily. He leapfrogged Bryan Bouffier to claim third, and these two crews are separated by a little over 4sec. Fifth-placed Hans Weijs jr (Skoda Fabia S2000) is some 20sec adrift of Bouffier, and this sets up a battle royale for Day Two for the two Peugeot crews ahead of him.
A number of crews have retired already, with the retirement list including Thierry Neuville (Peugeot 207 S2000) and Andreas Mikkelsen (Skoda Fabia S2000) amongst others.
Day Two promises more intense rally action as crews attack these unique tarmac roads. Cutting corners is essential here, but can also prove dangerous – finding the correct balance in this is key to fast stage times. Aggression, as has been seen already on Day One, does not always translate into fastest times, but a measured approach as that by Loix and Tsjoen (both former winners of this event, it must be noted) is more sensible.
The IRC GEKO Ypres Rally is shaping up to be a real thriller on Day Two!