Stellantis Rally Cup Ypres Rally – 19 crews set to compete in the Westhoek
For the third round of its 2026 sporting season, the Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup heads to Ypres this weekend. For the traditional highlight of the Belgian rally season, a record field of 19 crews has entered the event, clearly demonstrating the appeal of the “Discovery” format.
With its iconic special stages, its deceptive drainage ditches (“wateringues”), and above all the unique atmosphere of the Grote Markt, the Ypres Rally is an unmissable fixture on the calendar. Its appeal is such that many crews are eager to experience the atmosphere of the 2026 Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup.
This is made possible through the “Discovery” format, which allows competitors to enter the Cup for a single event while still scoring points, competing for prize money and taking part in the friendly crew competition offering Michelin tyres as prizes. And if they enjoy the experience, they can naturally continue the adventure in the following rounds.
One particular feature of the Ypres Rally is that several crews currently occupying the top positions in the standings will be absent, while many others will be making their first appearance. Rally4 winner at both the Rally van Haspengouw and the Ardenne Rally Festival, Lander Depotter will be competing—but this time at the wheel of a Rally2 car. French-speaking drivers Corentin Fiasse, Corentin Dozot, Sergio Plattes and Clément Willaert will return for the Rallye du Luxembourg, the fourth round of the championship.
This could allow Manuel Merlevede (Peugeot 208) to make an excellent move in the Westhoek as he takes on Germany’s Lukas Thiele (Opel Corsa), back in action, and Lény Cols (Lancia Ypsilon), who continues to adapt to his new car. Lander Dhaene (Opel Corsa) will also be a strong contender for a podium finish.
The biggest unknown concerns the performance level of the drivers who have opted for the “Discovery” format, whose potential will become apparent from the opening stages on Friday evening. They include Simon Rubrecht (Peugeot 208), French drivers Frédéric Perrard (Opel Corsa) and Frédéric Roussel (Peugeot 208), Thijs Meirlevede (Lancia Ypsilon), Chesney Deroo (Peugeot 208), Dirk Verkinderen (Lancia Ypsilon) and Jordy Cruys (Lancia Ypsilon). Could there be some surprises? Absolutely!
The battle resumes!
In Rally6, the duel between RACB National Team youngsters Emilien Allart (Opel Corsa) and Nolann Lejeune (Opel Corsa) is set to resume. Each has won one round so far, and they will also face regular contenders Jean Beaupain (Lancia Ypsilon), currently third in the provisional standings, and Benoit Wauthier (Peugeot 208). Brent Boudrez (Lancia Ypsilon) was already present at Alle-sur-Semois to prepare for Ypres.
Three additional competitors have chosen the “Discovery” format to benefit from the Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup structure: Nick Deroo (Peugeot 208), Timo Collez (Peugeot 208) and French driver Enzo Taterka (Peugeot 208).
With 19 crews divided between Rally4 and Rally6, the competition promises to be outstanding in the Westhoek during an event that is prestigious, intense and compact in terms of schedule. The 2026 Ypres Rally will start on Friday, 26 June, in the late afternoon and conclude on Saturday, 27 June, in the evening after 21 special stages.
