Belgium : Ardenne Bleue Rally - FinishThis year`s edition of the Ardenne Bleue Rally ended with the somewhat surprising win of Larry Cols at the wheel of his Group A Mitsubishi Lancer.
Helped in part by quick-changing and challenging weather conditions, Cols was able to win the race despite competing against many World Rally cars.
“When I arrived at the start of the first stage on Saturday morning, I didn`t imagine to find myself on the first step of the podium," said the race winner. "The difference between my car and the WRC`s was greatly reduced by the snow that fell on some parts of the course. I still had to get used to driving a four-wheel drive car, my last experience with a such a car was exactly four years ago when I won the Boucles de Spa in a Mitsubishi Lancer.”
Leader during the worst snow conditions, Jasper Van den Heuvel finished in second place and was delighted with his result: “The Ardenne Bleue Rally was only my eighth event outside of Holland. I didn`t know what to expect at the start. I am very satisfied with my second place and my victory in the Group N class.”
Pieter Tsjoen was the favourite to win the race but the Focus WRC driver had to settle for a modest fifth place. “A fifth place is not good! Yesterday I was desperate, completely lost. Today I will go back home slightly more relieved than yesterday. It`s not that great but it`s getting better.”
Ardenne Bleue Rally : Final results
1 Cols-Godde Mitsubishi Lancer A8 2:03`33"
2 Van den Heuvel-Kolman Mitsubishi Lancer N4 at 0`39"
3 Munster-Leyh Subaru Impreza WRC A8 at 2`27"
4 Vandewauver-Michel Mitsubishi Lancer A8 at 2`30"
5 Tsjoen-Chevaillier Ford Focus WRC A8 at 3`06"
6 Colsoul-Jamoul Mitsubishi Lancer N4 at 6`27"
7 Duez-Langers Porsche GT3 Road Chal. GT at 6`51"
8 Beco-Burniat Citroën C2 A6 at 10`17"
9 Van Woensel-Snaet Nissan 350 Z GT at 12`56"
10 Deferm-Klein Subaru Impreza WRC A8 at 13`00"
Tags:
rally,
