The FIA European Historic Rally Championship returns to Belgium this weekend (25-27 June) for the Ardeca Ypres Historic Rally, one of the most iconic asphalt events on the calendar and a counting round for both the Pre-1992 and Pre-2000 championships. The legendary Flanders roads will provide a demanding challenge for crews as the championship enters a crucial phase of the season. 

Ypres has long enjoyed a reputation as one of Europe's premier asphalt rallies, with its fast, narrow roads and constantly changing grip levels – demanding absolute precision from drivers and co-drivers alike. This year's event marks the 30th edition of the Ypres Historic Rally and sees the FIA EHRC return to one of historic rallying's most prestigious venues. 

Leading the field is former FIA World Rally Championship star and Toyota GAZOO Racing team principal Jari-Matti Latvala, who returns in his Toyota Celica ST185. The Finn was among the pace-setters in Ypres last year before misfortune struck and will be eager to challenge for victory on Belgian soil once again. 

Another strong performance of the weekend is expected by French rally legend François Delecour, behind the wheel of the spectacular Peugeot 306 Maxi in the Pre-2000 category. The iconic machine became eligible following the expansion of Appendix K regulations earlier this year and has already generated significant excitement among historic rally fans. Delecour, a former World Championship title runner-up and multiple international rally winner, will be making his Ypres Historic debut in the car alongside Fabrice Gordon. 

Championship leader Seb Perez arrives in Belgium at the top of the Pre-1992 standings alongside co-driver Dale Bowen. The British pairing have enjoyed an impressive start to the season in their spectacular Lancia Stratos HF and will be looking to extend their advantage on terrain where consistency and precision are often rewarded as highly as outright speed. 

In the Pre-2000 category, François Delecour returns to FIA EHRC action as the championship leader and one of the headline attractions of the event. The Frenchman will be eager to use his extensive knowledge of the Belgian stages to strengthen his position at the top of the standings. 

The battle for overall honours is nevertheless expected to be fiercely contested. Belgian favourite Pieter-Jan Maeyaert arrives with a BMW M3 after claiming victory in Ypres last year, while fellow countryman Paul Lietaer will be another local driver to watch aboard his Subaru Impreza WRC. Italian ace Renato Travaglia, a multiple European champion with vast experience on asphalt, strengthens the international challenge in a BMW E30 M3. 

With valuable championship points available in both the Pre-1992 and Pre-2000 categories, and a world-class field assembled for one of the championship's most celebrated events, the stage is all set for a memorable weekend in Flanders.