Ypres Rally Belgium was a genuine test of skill, planning and perseverance for the WRC photographers, mainly due to long-standing strict rules on ‘distant’ public spectator zones. At times, over-zealous policing of the stages rendered the photographers’ pass and media vest rather worthless.
But one must rise to the challenge, conduct a detailed recce, chose locations carefully and then use varied photographic techniques to create the most aesthetic images possible. The McKlein team of Tom Banks, Marcin Rybak and Colin McMaster rose to the occasion. Here we present our favorite images.
01. Gus Greensmith & Chris Patterson, M-Sport Ford Fiesta WRC 2021.
A rally to forget for M-Sport. Both their WRC cars ended Day 1 in Belgian ditches, Adrien Fourmaux’s brand new Fiesta as a wreck. This image shows Gus Greensmith exiting Bosechepe village on SS2, which is in France, as this stage crossed the border.
02. Sébastien Ogier & Julien Ingrassia, Toyota Yaris WRC 2021.
The steep cobbled descent on the Kemmelberg stage is one of the most famous sections on the Ypres rally.
Based in the historic town center of Ypres, the rally engages with fans on all levels.
04. Gino Bux & André Leyh, Alpine A110 GT RGT.
Belgium was round four of the FIA RGT Cup Championship. The sight and sound of exotic GT cars on the Belgian stages was a joy to behold.
05. Kalle Rovanperä & Jonne Halttunen, Toyota Yaris WRC 2021.
The fields of Flanders are steeped in history and 2021 marked a new chapter for rallying, when the Ypres rally made its WRC debut.
06. Thierry Neuville & Martijn Wydaeghe, Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC 2021.
Never in doubt. Thierry Neuville completed dominated the rally from start to finish and provided the home fans with the victory they wanted.
07. Elfyn Evans & Scott Martin, Toyota Yaris WRC 2021.
08. Pierre-Louis Loubet & Vincent Landais, Hyundai i20 WRC 2020.
09. Craig Breen & Paul Nagle, Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC 2021.
La Source is the first corner on the Grand Prix circuit and another classic corner tackled by the WRC stars on the event’s Power Stage.
Elation for the Belgian winners in Belgium. This was Thierry Neuville’s 14th WRC win and Martijn Wydaeghe’s first. None will taste sweeter.
