Hayden Paddon and Jarod Hudson line up for the 60th running of the Ardeca Ypres Rally this weekend 28-28 June 2025 in Belgian. The pair will drive a car prepared by last year’s Belgian Champions, BMA and start second on the road behind Cedric Cherain/Damien Withers (Porsche 992 Rally GT) and in front of Jos Verstappen/Renaud Jamoul (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2).
The event is part of the Belgian Rally Championship (Division 1 and Division 2) and includes the Ypres Historic Rally which counts towards the FIA European Historic Rally Championship.
A shakedown in Boezinge takes place on Wednesday evening and the qualifying stage in Nieuwkerke on 26 June. The rally centre, podium and service park will be located on the Market Square of Ypres, in a unique historical setting.
“We had a great first day in Ypres today in preparation for this week’s rally,” commented Paddon. “It’s our first test of the BMA Hyundai i20 N Rally2 on typical fast Belgium stages littered with many 90 degree junctions.”
Paddon’s first start in Ypres was in 2013, where he drove a Ford Fiesta S2000 showing his early potential reaching as high as fourth place behind Freddy Loix, Bryan Bouffier and his later team-mate, the late Craig Breen. His pace proved very fast until he finally went off the road on the Hollebeke Special Stage.
“That participation was a turning point in my career,” said Paddon. “Thanks to the Belgian team, Symtech Racing and the confidence I received from Alain Penasse, I then got my chance at Hyundai and experienced five fantastic seasons in the World Championship. With this drive in Ypres, the circle is complete,”
Past winners of the rally include Adrien Fourmaux (2023), Ott Tanak (2022), Craig Breen (2019), Thierry Neuville 2018) Freddy Loix (2008, 2010, 2011, 2013-16), Juho Hanninen (2012), Kris Meeke (2009).
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