BMA

A legendary round of the Belgian Rally Championship, last weekend’s Ardeca Ypres Rally featured an exceptionally strong field, including several international stars. BMA entered three Hyundai i20 N Rally2 cars: two competing with Hayden Paddon / Jared Hudson and Charles Munster / Maxime Andernack, while the third was entrusted to Bart D’Hulster / Martin Kinget as the course-opening (#0) car, as tradition dictates.

From the opening stages, Hayden Paddon immediately looked at ease on the tricky roads of the Westhoek. The two-time reigning European Rally Champion, returning to Ypres twelve years after his first, shortened appearance in 2013, took the lead on SS2 and held it until SS10 before eventually finishing the rally in an excellent 2nd place, just 10 seconds behind winner Stéphane Lefebvre, a true Ypres specialist… and a former Ypres winner with BMA in 2024. “This rally is as beautiful as it is demanding. It was important for me to come back here and, in a way, settle some unfinished business. Here you have to be clean, precise and maintain a high pace over every single metre. The team did a flawless job and we’re happy with the result,” Paddon commented at the finish.

Charles Munster, meanwhile, returned to the Flemish stages for the second time following his first appearance in 2023. Making steady progress throughout the weekend, he completed the event in an encouraging 11th place on a rally where even the smallest mistake can be costly. “Ypres is a rally like no other, very fast and very technical. You have to be 200% focused all the time. We worked well with the team and, although there are still things to improve, we can feel that we’re moving in the right direction,” Charles said at the finish.

Bart D’Hulster returned to his usual role in the “0” car, opening the road with his customary commitment and professionalism. This essential role helps ensure the safe passage of the competitors while providing useful feedback to the organisers.

A CLEAR TECHNICAL ANSWER

All three Hyundai i20 N Rally2 cars prepared by BMA completed the entire rally without a single technical issue, confirming both the reliability and competitiveness of the package. A strong statement, particularly as some observers had recently questioned the Hyundai’s performance in the Rally2 category. This podium, achieved against top-level opposition, provides a clear and concrete answer.

A LIVERY THAT ONCE AGAIN STOOD OUT

Under the initiative of Bart D’Hulster, all three cars featured an original and symbolic livery, as has become tradition at Ypres. The 2025 edition paid tribute to the stone lions guarding the Menin Gate, one of the city’s most iconic monuments. A nod to the city’s heritage and history that was widely appreciated by spectators and enthusiasts alike.

Find all the official photos from the event on https://bmautosport.dphoto.com and on our social media channels.