While Max Verstappen had to concede to rival Lando Norris this weekend, his father Jos Verstappen claimed a victory. On Saturday, he won the Rallye des Ardennes. Despite a fierce battle with competitor Bastien Rouard, the former Formula 1 driver built a lead of 35.4 seconds, enough for the final victory in our southern neighbors. As a result, Verstappen is making good progress in the Belgian rally championship.
After a victory in the Rally of Haspengouw, Jos Verstappen also dominated in the Ardennes. With the help of regular co-driver Renaud Jamoul, the 53-year-old Verstappen and his Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 car were unstoppable. The father of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen essentially only faced opposition from Bastien Rouard. However, during twelve classification tests, the duo built a substantial lead over the Belgian, who used the Hyundai i20 Rally2 car.
“The stages were beautiful, but also tricky,” Jos Verstappen responded afterwards to Verstappen.com. “You really had to stay focused, but lately, things have been going very well. The car is running smoothly and we feel good with the team. We work well together and our confidence has paid off here. I am very satisfied.”
Dominant Victory
The Rallye des Ardennes consisted of four different stages, each run three times. Rouard clocked the fastest time in the opening stage in Onhaye, but Verstappen soon took the lead in Molignée. After the first loop, the Dutchman had already built a lead of 6.1 seconds. “We drove here last year too, but then the course was completely different,” he explained. “Most of the stages we drive this year are reversed or have been adjusted, so my experience is not necessarily an advantage,” said Jos.”In the second round, the Verstappen-Jamoul duo pushed even harder, extending their lead to 27 seconds. “That was the plan, but it still had to work out,” Jos Verstappen chuckled. “Fortunately, it went well. I feel good in the car and then the times follow naturally. But don’t be mistaken, I am having fun because this course is very fast and challenging. I have to stay alert and I really had to push on some trials.” In the third and final round, Verstappen achieved a lead of 35.4 seconds, partly thanks to a dominant victory in the last trial.
Jos Verstappen and co-driver Renaud Jamoul celebrate their victory in the Rallye des Ardennes.
