The 2022 Ypres Rally, also known as the Ardeca Ypres Rally 2022, unfolded over four days from August 18 to 21, marking the 58th edition of this prestigious event. Hosted in Ypres, West Flanders, Belgium, the rally was part of the 2022 World Rally Championship (WRC), specifically recognized as the ninth round among a total of thirteen.
With a total of 281.58 kilometers (174.97 miles) of competitive distance spread across 20 special stages, the rally posed a formidable challenge for all participating teams. The landscape of tarmac stages offered unique challenges that tested both the skills of the drivers and the durability of the vehicles.
Defending champions Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe represented the Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT team, hoping to maintain their title from the previous year. Neuville expressed their competitive spirit, saying, "We always aim for victory here; it’s a special rally for us."
On the other hand, in the WRC-2 category, Jari Huttunen and Mikko Lukka were the returning champions, while Yohan Rossel and Alexandre Coria previously held the title in WRC-3. However, Rossel moved up to WRC-2, and Coria transitioned to the top tier, partnering with Adrien Fourmaux at M-Sport.
Ultimately, it was Ott Tänak and his co-driver Martin Järveoja who clinched the overall victory. Their triumphant performance secured a third rally win of the season, solidifying their prowess in the championship. "To secure a win at Ypres is incredible. The support from the fans really pushes us to perform our best," said Tänak after their win with a time of 2:25:38.9.
The event was not only a battle for the main title but also included various support categories, showcasing emerging talents. Stéphane Lefebvre and Andy Malfoy triumphed in the WRC-2 category, while Jan Černý and Tom Woodburn took the crown in WRC-3. Lefebvre shared, "Winning in WRC-2 is a crucial step forward for us, and I couldn’t have asked for better conditions to prove ourselves."
Performing in full force, the rally welcomed crews competing in multiple classes, providing opportunities for both seasoned professionals and private entrants. A total of 88 crews registered, but 85 started the rally, with 69 finishing the grueling competition by the end.
As the rally unfolded, the spirit of competition remained palpable throughout the event. The fan engagement and enthusiasm were high, creating a vibrant atmosphere in Ypres. When asked about the event's atmosphere, co-driver Järveoja remarked, "The fans here really know the sport; they cheer for every team, which makes a huge difference."
This year’s Power Stage was won by Kalle Rovanperä and Jonne Halttunen from Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, who laid down a time of 6:58.6, showcasing their remarkable speed and skill as they navigated the challenging stages. Rovanperä expressed his excitement, stating, "The Power Stage win is always a boost, but we are focused on the championship as a whole."
The Ypres Rally has always been significant in the world of motorsports, drawing in fans from across the globe to experience the thrill of rally racing. As the dust settles on this year’s event, all eyes will turn toward the upcoming rallies that will continue to shape the trajectory of the championship.