Jos Verstappen looking forward to competing in ‘unpredictable’ rally championship

Jos Verstappen will drive a Citroen C3 Rally2 in the Belgium Rally Championship in 2022.

Dutch racing driver Jos Verstappen is set to jump back behind the wheel of a race car, but this time he will try his hand at rallying.

Verstappen scored two podiums in 106 Formula 1 starts between 1994 and 2003, and his son Max entered F1 12 years after Jos’ retirement.

He has watched the 24-year-old claim 20 race wins in the sport on his way to a dramatic championship victory in 2021, but has now decided that he wants to give racing another go.

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He will contest the 2022 Belgium Rally Championship, which gets underway on 26 February at Haspengouw.

He will be driving a Citroen C3 Rally2 alongside navigator Kris Botson.

The 49-year-old revealed that he has developed a keen interest in this unique motorsport discipline.

“I am really looking forward to it and I have noticed that I really like rallying,” he said in an interview with Verstappen.com.

“Especially because it’s very unpredictable. Of course I am very driven by nature and I have the support of a top team, but I will have to find my own limits again, together with my navigator.”

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The Dutchman said he of course wants to do well, but maintains that he is entering the championship for the enjoyment and thrill of rallying.

“I want to get it right, but the reason I am stepping into this rally adventure, is that it brings me joy,” he explained.

The former Arrows driver recognises that rallying will pose a challenge far distinct from anything he has done in his racing career up to now.

“Rally driving is really done on experience. Gaining this experience, will be the biggest challenge,” added Verstappen.

“This not comparable to anything from my motorsport career, for me everything is new: from the car to the method of working, creating and using pace notes, listening to instructions whilst driving and getting to know all the stages.

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“There is no or very little opportunity to explore the circuit, so you have to be up to speed right away, whilst on the other hand avoiding unnecessary risks.”

The championship will be held over 10 rounds this year, and ends at Spa on 4 December. So far, Verstappen has confirmed his entries in the first round in February and the South Belgian Rally on 19 March.

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