Belgian Rally News

[dupanton]

My little report of the first rally of the Belgian Championship 2015. It was a good rally for us, saw some decent action and fast passes.

Loix (Skoda S2000): Only saw him passing once, didn't look fast there... But had the scratch on that stage by a real big margin (I don't know anything about rally). Without his retirement, he would have won for sure.
Princen (208 R5): Good rally, some mistakes in the beginning (we saw one, a braking on gravel where he put 2 wheels on the grass and spon) but won easily in the end. I think he should be able to fight with Loix later on in the season (depending on the speed of the Fabia R5 ifcourse)
Snijers (Porsche): Didn't convince me, hadn't any concurrent in his class and retired pretty early on.
Verschueren (DS3 R5): Used his experience with the car from last year to finish a very fine 2nd! Could finish quite high in the championship, but will not take the title.
Tsjoen (DS3 R5): little rusty, barely any preparation, got a puncture and some ECU software problem. I expect him to become faster later in the season, maybe an outsider for the title, but I don't think so.
Cherain (DS3 R5): Disappointed about his performance. Seemed to struggle a lot with the behaviour of the car, seemed much faster with the Fiesta last year. I hope he improves during the year, because he has the speed, and can challenge for the title.
Grooten (DS3 R5): Carefull beginning of the season, he should improve a lot during the year.
Becx (Fiesta R5): Suprise of the rally, lot faster then with the DS3 R3 last year. Some mistakes and a puncture, but could improve during the year.
Van Woensel (Lancer WRC): Fast from the beginning, could have won even without Loix' retirement, but suspension collapsed on SS2).
Allart (Fabia WRC): good rally with a well-deserved 3th place.

Otherwise, Colsoul (EvoX grN, no rythm but still fast), Streel (EvoVIII grA, very spectacular driving style), Diels (M3 E36, very spectacular too), Vandenberghe (BMW 130i, clean but very fast, 9th overall with even a 5th time, only 2nd time in the car) were other names that stood out.

Young guys weren't very impressive in this rally. De Maerschalk (DS3 R3) was fast on some places, but I expected more from him. In R2, Geussens, Pacolet and Dolfen (no Junior) were fast but nothing special. Level in Junior category will be quite week this year i'm afraid...

Next up, the return of the Spa Rally in 2 weeks. Quite similar entry list, with Bonjean (Impreza S12 WRC), Casier (Fiesta R5) and some GT cars added.

[dimviii]

[Paulo Freitas]

Hi guys, it's been a long time since my last visit to motorsport forums

I'm planning to go to TAC Rally, anyone knows where I can find a map with the stages??

Thanks in advance

[wwbroe]

Hi guys, it's been a long time since my last visit to motorsport forums

I'm planning to go to TAC Rally, anyone knows where I can find a map with the stages??

Thanks in advance

I am afraid it is still a little bit to early for the stage maps of this years TAC rally. You can send me PM if you are interested in last year's stages, mostly they don't change much. I think by the end of the month the stages will be public.

[Jasper]

My little report of the first rally of the Belgian Championship 2015. It was a good rally for us, saw some decent action and fast passes.

Cherain (DS3 R5): Disappointed about his performance. Seemed to struggle a lot with the behaviour of the car, seemed much faster with the Fiesta last year. I hope he improves during the year, because he has the speed, and can challenge for the title.

Cherain => no pre tests, first time in the DS3 R5, new team just before the rally => 2x scratch + 3x 2° time. Made some mistakes, but the speed is there. When he gets used to the Citroën he will probably beat Tsjoen & Verschueren! We will see!

[Lousada]

Has anyone here ever visited the Rally de Hannut?? I am interested in going this Sunday but I can't find the exact timing. Can somebody help me? Thanks in advance...

[Fly]

Has anyone here ever visited the Rally de Hannut?? I am interested in going this Sunday but I can't find the exact timing. Can somebody help me? Thanks in advance...

I've been there 20 times. Stages are not the best in Belgium but usually, the entry list is ok.
I'll send you the timing as soon as I have it.

[Andre Oliveira]

Need help of Belguim specialists. One team on Portugal bought an Astra of Opel Team Belguim in 2002, used by Bruno Thiry. Someone know wich events they did, and pictures?

[Andre Oliveira]

They told me that bought the car from french driver with french plate.

[tommeke_B]

Good question... Bruno Thiry did a season (1993) with Opel Astra from Opel Team Belgium, mostly international events. But to find somebody who knows which event was done with which chassis will be nearly impossible I think. Don't forget it's 22 years ago and it's likely most of the people who worked for the team then aren't doing anything in rallying anymore... I think the only chance is to get in touch with Bruno Thiry or Stéphane Prévot themselves, if you are extremely lucky they may remember something from it, both had a long career.