The 50th anniversary edition of the Station Le Seau Monteberg Rally promises to be a grand edition. After two years with restrictions for the spectators, everyone will once again be able to enjoy the spectacle offered to the maximum. The participants are also very hungry to attend, because registrations are flowing in quickly. With more than 120 registrations that have already been received, the organization is heading for a full house. If you still want to be there, you have to act fast.

On Sunday 8 May, the Monteberg Rally will once again live up to its reputation as the ideal preparation race for the Ardeca Ypres Rally. After all, none other than Jos Verstappen will start in Poperinge to prepare for the WRC round in August. The former Formula 1 driver has recently taken on a new passion: driving rallies. After several months of preparation, the dad of the current F1 World Champion, Max, has taken the step to the real thing at the beginning of this season. And, with success, because in the Rally of Haspengouw he drove a fine race with the Citroën C3 Rally2 of DG Sport.

"This is a new challenge, but purely for fun, because rally driving is very challenging. I am having fun, although I still have a lot to learn as a rally driver. Listening to the notes of the navigator is especially difficult," says Jos Verstappen, who had to retire early in his second rally, the South Belgian Rally. The Monteberg is on the program because Jos the Boss will also start in Ypres in August. An introduction to the type of course of the WRC round is certainly instructive.

Jos Verstappen is not the only Dutchman at the start, because his comrades Richard Pex and Roger Hodenius are also present, each with a Citroën C3 Rally 2. For them too, fun is paramount. Another neighbor to the north is Ramon van de Lindeloof with his fast Honda, while the Dane Casper Nielsen comes to test run his Renault Clio Rally5.

With more than 120 participants already registered, there are of course many more participants to look forward to. Just think of Piet Declercq, who has a special surprise in store for his 60th birthday. After the pilot from Reningelst started a Subaru Impreza 10 years ago to celebrate his 50th birthday, he opted for a Skoda Fabia R5 from SXM for his 60th birthday. Of course Steve Becaert will not be missing either with his Ford Fiesta Rally2. Steve Becaert, fifth last year, is immediately a serious candidate for the win. Jeoffrey Lerminez will also start in Poperinge with a Ford Fiesta Rally2.

But, for the overall victory or a close place of honour, it is also worth looking forward to the times of some fast historic participants. For example, Paul Lietaer will fly over the Monteberg with his Opel Ascona 400. He will compete against Stefaan Stouf with his powerful Ford Sierra Cosworth 4x4 and against Pieter-Jan Maeyaert and Christophe Merlevede, both with a fast BMW M3 E30.

And the registrations are far from closed, although those who are interested must act quickly to secure a place on the starting list. Rally fans who want to attend can pre-order their tickets. The online presale has started via www.montebergrally.com. An All Stages ticket, for the 11 special stages of the 50th Monteberg Rally, costs 18 euros.

See you on Sunday 8 May in Poperinge.

More info at: www.montebergrally.com.