Hautes Fagnes preview

Motorsport News International RALLYE DES HAUTES FAGNES

Patrick HAYOT Rallye des Hautes Fagnes : Preview

Since the beginnings of the International Belgian Rallye Championship, we are always waiting a logical victory of the favorit. But every time the logical is never respected. At Spa, it was normaly Fredy Loix, but he spuned inthe 14th stage then he domine all opponents. The victory is done to the another Toyota's driver Renaud Verreydt in spite of the comeback and the struggle between Snijers (2nd) and de Mevius (3th).

At Dinant, for the Circuit des Ardennes, it was a little more different. None Toyota's boys were present. TTE's driver Loix finished second on Portugal then Verreydt is waiting his next race programmed at Ypres. While de Mevius was too on Portugal and finished on an excellent 4th place. In this condition, the door was openned for Patrick Snijers and his new Ford Escort WRC. He didn't profited cause his engine was out in the 14th stage and it's Dutch de Jong who was winner.

What will happend this week-end at Jalhay, HQ of the Rallye des Hautes Fagnes ? As always, Patrick Snijers is THE favorit Š but there is another outsiders.

Former TTE's test-driver, Marc Duez is coming back. He is runing with a Ford Escort Cosworth who has all ran at Rallye du Condroz next year. But there is too Verhoestraete (Sierra Cosworth), Roger Boeren (Escort Cosworth) and Goudezeune (Mazda 323 GTR). Among this trio, there is one to make the rallye surprise. While local driver Mathy is making pleasure with a Toyota Celica 4WD. Very fast and spectacular but regular with his old Ford Escort, he can finish on the podium.

In F2, we have honnors to see the world begennings of the new Peugeot 106 Maxi Kit Car. Jean-Pierre Vandewauver is very happy. "Before I had 160 hp; today, there is 200 ! My toy (one of his sponsors is Maxy Toys !) is began a real rally car. I think it's possible for me to run for the final victory in F2 and what not for the general". His ambitious is real and Renault's official driver Bernard Munster must be vigilant. All the more the struggle in this group shall be intensiv with participation of Kulig (Maxi Megane) and Princen (Maxi Clio) then Bruynel hasn't not repared his Peugeot 306 Maxi motor and strat with his Opel Astra GSi. Outsider in this group, Rene Georges (VW Golf) is in waiting position but he can preasure his opponents.

Heckters run at home. The official Mitsubishi's driver has the occasion to prove all hopes to spin of him. His better rival is certainely Chris Van Woensel. We are too always waiting a reaction from Delplace and his Subaru Impreza. It seems itsn't not so easy to run with this car in Belgium.

Point out again the Citroen ZX Trophy and for the first time the new Saxo Challenge.

Strating saturday morning at 9:35 to finish at 21:50 for the first car. This rallye is composed of 3 rounds of 6 stages and 393 km total for 245 km of race.

LEADING ENTRIES

1. Snijers - Colebunders        B/B        Ford Escort WRC                A8
2. Duez - Vergalle                MC/B        Ford Escort Cosworth        A8
3. Munster - Elst                B/B        Renault Maxi Mégane        A7
4. Goudezeune - De Pelsemaeker        B/B        Mazda 323 GTR                A8
5. Verhoestraete - De Cank        B/B        Ford Sierra Cos.        A8
6. Kulig -  Baran                PL/PL        Renault Maxi Mégane        A7
7. Mathy - Langer                B/B        Toyota Celica GT 4WD        A8
8. Boeren - De Feyter                B/B        Ford Escort Cosworth        A8