New stages will be the fastest, says Nagle

Intercontinental Rally Challenge champion co-driver Paul Nagle says the Geko Ypres Rally’s new Proven-Vieteren and Watou stages will be the fastest on the IRC qualifier, which gets underway on Friday afternoon.

Nagle, who partnered Kris Meeke to the IRC crown and Ypres Rally glory last season, was speaking after completing the recce for the demanding asphalt event, round six of the IRC.

He said: “They have the same character as the other stages with long straights and tight junctions but they’re faster, the fastest of the rally in fact.”

The stages, where top speeds of 170kph will be recorded, were designed by event clerk of the course Ignace Becquart and rally manager Alain Penasse in consultation with several leading drivers, including five-time Ypres winner Freddy Loix.

Proven-Vieteren, which measures 14.80 kilometres in length, and Watou, which totals 12.33 kilometres will be run twice on Saturday’s second leg. Both stages are located around the town of Poperinge to the west of Ypres.