Historic Ypres Rally Set to Feature Legendary Drivers and Cars

The 2025 FIA European Historic Rally Championship (EHRC) is set to showcase its fourth round, the Ardeca Ypres Historic Rally, in Belgium this week, featuring a competitive field headlined by former World Rally Championship (WRC) star Jari-Matti Latvala. Following a heartbreaking retirement in the previous round at Antibes, Latvala aims for a strong comeback in his Toyota Celica GT4. The event is particularly significant, as it takes place on the iconic tarmac roads of Flanders, a region renowned for its challenging rally stages and enthusiastic local spectators.

In this highly anticipated rally, Latvala will face fierce competition from multiple drivers, including English rally ace Seb Perez, who returns with his fan-favorite Lancia Stratos HF. Perez, alongside Welsh co-driver Dale Bowen, is eager to secure his first victory of the season and capitalize on the favorable dry weather conditions that the region has experienced leading up to the event. Local hero Pieter-Jan Maeyaert also aims to impress on his home soil, targeting class honors in his BMW M3 after a previous engine failure hindered his performance in Round 2.

The Ardeca Historic Ypres Rally boasts a diverse and quality entry list, with reigning EHRC champions Tibor Érdi Jr. and István Kerék making a welcome return after missing the last round. Érdi has updated his Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth to full 1992 specification in preparation for this challenging event. Other notable participants include fast local driver Gino Bux in his Ford Escort and series regular Maciej Lubiak in a stunning Porsche 911.

The competition will also see the return of Mark Higgins, a former British Rally Champion and James Bond stunt driver, who will compete in a TR7 V8. Higgins, along with championship leaders Jesús Ferreiro Pérez and Javier Anido from Spain, will be pivotal in determining the outcome of Category 3. The Spaniards have already achieved three wins this season and are looking to extend their lead.

As the rally unfolds, several veteran drivers will also vie for success, including Tim Morgan, who brings decades of experience in Ypres, and Ernie Graham, whose son Will Graham will compete in a BMW M3. Antonio Parisi, a championship veteran, is favored to perform well in FIA Category 1, while the competition remains fierce among all categories.

The excitement surrounding the Ardeca Historic Ypres Rally reflects the increasing interest in the FIA European Historic Rally Championship, which has garnered attention for its blend of classic vehicles and contemporary rallying challenges. With a variety of cars from the 1990s also participating, including a Subaru Impreza 555 driven by Belgian rally legend Bruno Thiry, the event promises to captivate motorsport enthusiasts and deliver thrilling competition throughout the weekend.

In conclusion, as the rally approaches, all eyes will be on the historic stages of Ypres, where speed, skill, and strategy will determine who emerges victorious in this prestigious event. The implications of this rally extend beyond individual performances, as it contributes significantly to the ongoing narrative of the EHRC and its role in preserving the history and excitement of rallying. Fans and participants alike eagerly await what promises to be an unforgettable showdown in Belgium.