Brice Tirabassi and Gilles Schammel testing for forthcoming Ypres Rally 2008 in Belgium
Tirabassi (207 S2000) and Schammel (Clio R3) have both been testing recently for the upcoming Ypres Westhoek Rally 2008 in Belgium. Tirabassi will be one of the favourites for outright victory, but so are many others in this the third round ot the IRC. Schammel is expected to go well in the ultra competitive R3 category, but will be hard pushed to beat local favourite Kris Princen who may even get into the top ten overall. Also in R3 we have the works Honda of Bettega who can mix it with the gaggle of quick Clio's. Both Tirabassi and Schammel appeared to of had a very successful test but it remains to be seen how they fare on the rally with such a competitive field.
Last years shock winner, Luca Rossetti, states he will adopt the same approach again this year, which is to try to keep out of trouble and not cut corners, as this has been the downfall of many including Nicolas Vouilloz last year. Rossetti currently leads three FIA championships, the IRC, ERC and the Italian championship. He has certainly surprised the world of rallying with his quiet demeanour and cosistent ability to win with a smooth tidy driving style.
There are so many others capable of victory that it is too hard to call, but one thing that everyone can be sure of is that all competitors will be in for a demanding rally. There are quite a few night stages and one stage totalling 42kms in a rally which lasts just over 24hrs.
Mark Higgins will have a new livery in Ypres, the MG S2000 will run in the Bill Gwynne Motorsport colours of red, white, blue, and grey.
Both Niall McShea and Jaan Molder are non-starters.
Tirabassi and Schammel testing for Ypres in Flanders
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