SS1 : Loix leads, Neuville retires

Freddy Loix leads the GEKO Ypres Rally after setting the fastest time on the opening stage, the 14.30-kilometre Dikkebus-Westouter test.

Driving a ŠKODA Motorsport Fabia Super 2000 Loix, a six-time Ypres winner, was 3.5s faster than Peugeot UK’s Guy Wilks with Bryan Bouffier third in a Peugeot France-backed 207.

There was drama on the Intercontinental Rally Challenge event when Andreas Mikkelsen and Thierry Neuville both hit trouble.

ŠKODA UK’s Mikkelsen stopped in a ditch 2.5 kilometres into the stage, while Neuville retired his Team Peugeot Belgium-Luxembourg 207 with damaged suspension caused by a puncture and a broken wheel. Wilks said he lost vital seconds avoiding Mikkelsen’s stricken car.

Luca Rossetti, who was seventh fastest in an Abarth Grande Punto, said it was difficult to find his braking points running at the head of the field on what he described as a “slippery” stage surface.

Giandomencio Basso reported a brake problem on his PROTON Satria Neo, while Michal Solowow also complained of a lack of brakes in his M-Sport Ford Fiesta.

Dutch driver Hans Weijs and Irishman Robert Barrable both impressed with the sixth and eighth fastest times respectively in their privateer Fabias.

Overall positions after SS1