Belgium Rally Odds Preview: Rovanpera Challenges Neuville

Ypres welcomes back the World Rally Car with Thierry Neuville set to defend his title against season leader Kalle Rovanpera. The Belgium Rally odds favor both drivers evenly with Elfyn Evans, the Briton, as the third man on the betting boards. The Belgium Ypres Westhoek Rally (BYWR) has been a safe haven for Belgian drivers of the past with Neuville looking to continue the trend.

2022 Belgium Rally Odds Information

• Race: 2022 Ypres Rally
• Location: Ypres, West Flanders, Belgium
• Days/Times: Thursday to Sunday, 12:30 p.m. ET
• Broadcast: wrc.com

Rovanpera Looks to Win First at Ypres

Rovanpera has all but locked up the drivers’ Rally Championship. Ahead by 94 points, the outright WRC betting odds aren’t even available in the online sportsbook. The Finn has dominated this season having won five of the eight races. He finished second in his home country earlier this month.

At only 21, Rovanpera could be the World Rally Car’s next big thing. He became the youngest WRC event winner last season. As the son of former WRC driver Harri Rovanpera, Kalle has been a racing phenom since being a boy. This will be his sophomore attempt at Ypres. He finished third last season.

Outside of Neuville and Evans, Rovanpera will face a tough challenge from Ott Tanak. The Estonian edged him in Finland and has been on a roll since Rally Italia. Tanak could be a sneaky underdog bet per Belgium Rally odds. However, Rovanpera has not finished as a runner-up in consecutive races this season.

Neuville to Continue Tradition of Belgian Dominance

As for Neuville, the hometown hero won his first at Ypres last season. The 34-year-old doesn’t only have the comfort of racing in his native country but will also be back on the tarmac where he has specialized in.

“I have got good memories from last year,” Neuville said in an interview. “I can’t wait to get back. We are finally heading to Tarmac again after a run of tricky gravel rallies.”

Neuville last finished in the top three in Croatia, which was the last rally on the tarmac. His last four WRC victories all came on asphalt. Winning in Belgium will also allow Neuville to return to second place, a spot Tanak has seized because of his victory in Finland. The Belgium Rally odds favor him as he races his best here.

“There is only one goal: to repeat our victory from last year. It won’t be easy, as the competition is so tough. We will need to make sure everything is on point if we are going to be competitive.”

What to Expect at the Ypres This 2022

This will be the 58th running of the Ypres Rally and is the ninth race in the WRC races schedule. It is set to be contested in nine rounds and 20 special stages for a total competitive distance of 174.97 miles.  Rain is expected on Thursday and Friday, which can make the asphalt roads slippery.

There are 88 registered crews led by a pair of Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT teams in Neuville and his co-driver, Martijn Wydaeghe and Tanak and Martin Jarveoja. Rovanpera and Jonne Jalttunen will represent Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT.