The fast Kevin Abbring has confirmed to Handbrakes & Hairpins his entry for this weekend’s iconic Geko Ypres Rally, Round Five of the 2011 Intercontinental Rally Challenge series. Abbring will pilot a Citroën DS3 R3T, which is the latest and greatest 2WD machine available from Citroën Racing for competition in 2011.
The Dutch speedster won the 2WD Category last year on this event, and has signed with the French manufacturer to bring them gold once more on this prestigious event. Abbring has not driven the DS3 R3T on tarmac, but will be looking to maximise his speed and skills to challenge for the 2WD Cup lead.
Two competitors Abbring will be keeping a wary eye on this weekend will be Kris Princen (former overall Ypres Rally winner) and Cedric Cherain who will both compete in Renault’s new Megane R4 rally weapon.
What is more, Abbring will be driving under the Trajectoire Racing banner this weekend, a well-known French tarmac specialist firm with Marc Amourette as chief.
His regular co-driver Lara Vanneste, who contests the Belgian Rally Championship alongside Dominique Bruyneel, will not partner Abbring this weekend. Despite his late entry, Abbring was fortunate to sign up the co-drivign services of Erwin Mombaerts, his J-WRC partner in 2009 and 2010, for this event.