Jos Verstappen powers on in WRC debut at Ypres

©Instagram

Jos Verstappen made his World Rally Championship debut on Friday at the 2022 Ardeca Ypres Rally in Belgium, the Dutchman clocking in a reasonably good 25th at the end of the day's eight special stages.

Ay Ypres, Max's dad is at the wheel of a Rally2 category DG Sport Competition prepared Citroen C3, with navigator Harm van Koppen calling out the notes.

"Everything worked well today," said the former F1 driver. "In the beginning it was pretty difficult, because a lot of things are still new.

"But I have learned a lot, as it’s the first time I’m contesting a World Rally Championship event. It’s really challenging to get the hang of the Ypres stages."

Verstappen Sr. said he was looking forward to the remainder of the weekend, but insisted his main ambition while competing among the WRC's elite is to have fun.

"The main thing is to have fun, but we go about it in a professional manner," he added.

"It’s all about gaining experience and getting the miles in. We’ll see on Sunday where we end up."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.