Harry Hunt will be wary of telegraph poles when he resumes his IRC 2WD Cup title defence on the Ypres Rally from June 23-25.
The Briton’s hopes of completing the demanding asphalt event 12 months ago were shattered when he crashed into one of the many telegraph poles that line the fast farmland roads in northwest Belgium. This year he has tested in Italy to prepare and says he won’t be caught out again.
“Last year I wasn’t prepared for the number of obstacles that make this rally such a challenge,” said Harry. “The roads are so open that you get lulled into a false sense of security; you think you can see everything, but it’s so fast-paced that potholes, ditches and rocks come from nowhere… even the odd telegraph pole!”
Harry will drive his usual distinctive green Citroen DS3 R3 on the rally. After three appearances this season the 22-year-old from London, who will be co-driven by Robbie Durant, holds 10th place in the title standings.
“This year I’m not going to be tricked again!” he said. “To prepare for the rally I’ve been out to Italy, to some roads near Verona. These were similar to those in Ypres, so I feel a lot more prepared and, after trying out a few set-ups with the suspension and anti-roll bar, I think the car is pretty much spot on. We’re heading out to recce the route on Monday confident that I can come away with some points on Saturday.”
The Ypres Rally includes 18 special stages over a competitive distance of 287.89 kilometres. The action is contained within a 30-hour period, with the first stage starting late on Friday afternoon. The first car is not due to reach the finish in the market square in Ypres until after 2230hrs on Saturday.