Jos second in Monteberg Rally: 'Gigantic progress during the day'
Published on 08 May 2022 by Kees-Jan Koster
Jos Verstappen finished second in his third rally ever for Verstappen.com Racing. The former Formula 1 driver took the plunge earlier this year as a debutant in the rally world. Verstappen and his new navigator Harm van Koppen finished the eleven stages of the Monteberg Rally in Begium in second position, behind Davy Vanneste and navigator Kris D'alleine.
“It went quick and, in the beginning, it was very slippery”, according to Jos, who could continue the rest of the day under a bright sun. “For us this rally was a preparation for Ypres, later this year. We have not been able to test all the setups. We have not made any changes yet. Today I tried to get used to this kind of stages, typical for Ypres and West Flanders. It went well. And the I am very happy with the partnership with my new navigator, even though we did not test anything beforehand.”
Jos continues for Verstappen.com: “Especially at the end it went great. This is a beautiful area to do a rally. The winner is living in the area and drove this rally many times. I think we did very well by winning the last three stages. The more I drive and get to know the stages, the better it will go.” Jos did not get much preparation: “Yesterday we were only allowed to explore the course. During the day we made gigantic progress.”
In addition, it was the first time driving with navigator Harm van Koppen. “Yes, Harm in in control in the car and that is what I need. You must get used to each other. He is in a fast car and must be able to trust me and the other way around. During the stages it kept going better and I am very happy with our partnership. It looks good. It was exciting to do, very cool. I had a lot of fun.”
The eleven stages consist of Dikkebus (10.52km), Monteberg (12.84km) and Busseboom (6.25km), each, except for the last one, driven four times by no less than 142 - mainly Belgian - competitors. Jos started with a fourth position, followed by two P3 and two second positions. Jos finished third and second in the sixth and seventh stages. After eight stages is the 50-year-old Dutchman second in the standings, 46 seconds behind Vanneste.
In the final three stages in the Westhoek Jos went full in with the by DG Sport Competition prepared Citroën C3 R5 (Rally2-car), resulting in three first positions. With that closing in on Van Koppen, with number 3, and finishing second in the Monteberg Rally.
The upcoming rally for Jos is planned on 11 June in the Wervik Rally, in Belgian West Flanders.
