Loix returns to the IRC in BFO Škoda

Freddy Loix will return to the Intercontinental Rally Challenge later this season in a Škoda Fabia S2000 run under the BFO-Škoda Rally Team banner.

Loix, a winner of three IRC events, is likely to enter four rounds of the series with the Belgian René Georges Rally Sport operation. He will also tackle selected Belgian championship rallies.

He said: “I’m very happy with my new car and my new sponsor because it is not easy to find a partner to help you. BFO is a Belgian company so I will also do some Belgian championship events.”

Loix made his IRC debut with René Georges Rally Sport in a Volkswagen Polo S2000 in 2007, taking part on a handful of rallies. He joined the Kronos Racing-run Peugeot Team Belux operation for 2008 and finished second in the IRC Drivers’ standings to team-mate Nicolas Vouilloz. He was third overall last season.

“I only have good experiences of the René Georges team,” continued Loix, 39. “Although I have not driven the Škoda yet, I have been speaking to a lot of people who say it’s an easy car to drive. I think it can be a very interesting season for me.”

Loix has yet to finalise his exact IRC schedule but says he will definitely enter the Geko Ypres Rally in his native Belgium from 24-26 June. He is a five-time winner of the asphalt rally.