The best qualified driver to talk about the Belgian event is the 2009 winner and defending IRC champion Kris Meeke.
"Last year, when I first discovered the route during recce, I wondered where I had landed. It's such a strange, unique event," recalls Kris Meeke. "It's not until you actually get to do the stages in anger that you realise what a challenge they are. The roads are very fast, but also incredibly narrow, so your driving needs to be extremely precise and it isn't easy to pull out any real gaps. You have to hit the ground running and keep up a quick pace all the time, otherwise you can soon end up losing two or three places."
That said, the Peugeot UK driver's win at first attempt in 2009 suggests that he lost no time in coming to terms with the Belgian rally: "I want to win again this year. However, if I don't, I will settle for a top result. Experience of Ypres has taught me that you mustn't push too hard here. If your driving isn't natural, your stage times won't be good…"
Ypres calls for a very specific asphalt set-up
"The surface can be quite cut up in places," says Bertrand Vallat, the Peugeot Sport engineer in charge of the 207 Super 2000's development. "Good traction is vital, as is stability under braking. Grip varies considerably, especially when the weather is changeable. That's why you need a forgiving set-up that isn't too pointy. Rather than maximise cornering performance, you have to be sure that the car is easy to drive whatever the conditions…"
The entry list for Ypres features no fewer than twenty-three Super 2000 cars, including eleven 207 Super 2000s.
STORY BY PEUGEOT
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