Next weekend, the verdict will be announced in the Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup Belux 2024, taking place in and around Spa. Tom Heindrichs, last year’s Spa winner, knows the region well and enters the season finale as the leader in the standings. However, he will face tough competition from formidable opponents like Pierre-Manuel Brasseur and Jonas Dewilde, as well as other drivers. It promises to be an exciting event!
In the penultimate round, the East Belgian Rally, Heindrichs and co-driver Jonas Schmitz capitalized on the misfortunes of then-leader Pierre-Manuel Brasseur during their home race. As a result, on the eve of the finale set for Saturday, November 30th, and Sunday, December 1st, Heindrichs leads with 101 points, while Brasseur follows closely with 93 points. With 25 points awarded to the winner, 5 for the fastest time in the Power Stage, and 3 for the best performer of the weekend, everything remains possible.
“I have the advantage of having won the Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup Belux classification at last year’s Spa Rally,” says Heindrichs. “This type of rally suits me, but with my lead, it’s dangerous to think I can play it safe. Pierre-Manuel is also fast in Spa, and if I adjust my race to his, I could find myself in trouble if I have any technical issues. So, I will attack and try to win just like last year. We will see how the race unfolds…”
Pierre-Manuel Brasseur and co-driver Hugo Cravillon’s goal is clear. “To become champion, I not only have to finish ahead of Tom Heindrichs, but I also need to set the fastest time in the Power Stage and be the best performer of the rally. Participating in the Rallye des Crètes gave us a good test session, allowing me to gain confidence without pressure. The Spa Rally suits me, and I can hardly wait to get started! I promise I won’t hold anything back…”
Although it is a bit less straightforward mathematically, Jonas Dewilde, with co-driver Jens De Splenter, still has a chance at a second title following his Junior crown in the Belgian Rally Championship. “Yes, I can still win the title, but my destiny is no longer in my hands,” Jonas explains. “What’s certain is that I will do everything I can to win! That’s the only way to put pressure on Heindrichs and Brasseur and try to force them into making mistakes. The stages are enjoyable, with many fast sections, and I expect an intense battle. I am really looking forward to it!”
Like any finale, the other drivers also want to finish the season on a high note. Maxim Decock and Tom Buyse, with only a slim chance of winning the title, aim to confirm the significant progress they have made throughout the season. Meanwhile, young Flemish talent Buyse is capable of competing with the leaders.
Regarding Lander Depotter and Jasper Maelfait, their position in the standings doesn’t fully reflect their potential. It’s worth noting that during their first participation in the single-make cup for the Rally4-versions of the Opel Corsa and Peugeot 208 at the Sezoensrally, they managed to win immediately. Since then, Depotter has even had the chance to drive a Rally2 car, making them strong contenders this weekend.
German driver Lukas Thiele, with co-driver Nico Otterbach, and Steven Spittaels with his co-driver Gilles Hendrickx, are looking to increase their points total and possibly improve their positions in the final standings. Keep an eye on them!
With 11 special stages scheduled for Saturday and 5 for Sunday – including the Power Stage – the Spa Rally is set to deliver an eventful finale. There is a strong possibility that the last confrontation of the Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup Belux 2024 will create fireworks!