Arriving in Belgium in the lead of the IRC drivers' championship, Kris Meeke strengthened his advantage by a few more points by winning the classic Ypres Rally – and did so at his very first attempt competing in the Flanders-based race.

Taking victory was far from an easy matter however as the Peugeot UK driver battled throughout the event with Freddy Loix, the Ypres Rally record holder with five wins to his name.

Meeke came out on top in Brazil and in the Azores, making Belgium his third consecutive Intercontinental Rally Challenge success. The Ulsterman now holds a six-point lead on Freddy Loix, nine points on Jan Kopecky.

"When I came to Ypres, I never really thought I would stand a chance here," Meeke frankly admitted.

But things changed during the opening stages: "When I saw I could keep up with Freddy, I decided to go for it and it worked."

His winning performance in Belgium was the result of great continued efforts at the wheel of his Kronos Racing-prepared Peugeot 207 S2000, but the reputation of the legendary Ypres Rally itself brought additional shine to Meeke's trophy.

"This is actually my first real great victory in a rally with a legendary name," he proudly pointed out. "I have to thank Kronos for having supplied a perfect car and win on my first participation to this event."