Hemicuda Rally 2025 Report

Scott Barnes was back out on the stages following his Tour of Flanders crash and despite a tough start to the weekend, was able to fightback to bring home a strong result at the Hemicuda Rally.

Preparation for the event started just 6 weeks before. Following the accident at Omloop Van Vlaanderen there was an immense amount of work required, stripping, straightening and repairing the Peugeot 106 Rallye. Initially, it was looking unlikely that the car could be ready for the event, but Scott gave it everything to try and get the car back and ready for the next round of the Flanders International Rally Challenge. After an incredible effort, working right up to the final hour, the team got the car done and safely loaded for the Koekelare based event.

This weekend would see a new partnership in the car, with Andy Hollingham stepping in with Scott. The rally consisted of one stage run on the Saturday night, before a further 9 stages on the Sunday. With the recce and scrutineering complete, the crew headed out for the first stage.

After Andy’s accident with Bill Paynter at this years Ypres rally, coupled with the cars major rebuild, stage one was supposed to be a clean run through with no risks and no mistakes. Sadly, things quickly went sour. As soon as the light went green for the 106 to get underway, the car dropped onto 3 cylinders, not even a meter into the first stage and they were in limp mode, trying to nurse the car through and get back to service. Bags of time being lost in the process. Add to this a driveshaft issue, meaning that one of the shafts had popped out of the gearbox, it was not the start to the event that the team deserves after putting in so much effort.

The crew made it back to service and the team jumped into action to try and diagnose and fix the poorly Peugeot. It was a great effort from the service crew, managing to resolve both issues, however a poor electrical connection on an injector took significant time to find, and the team left service late, incurring a 2 and a half minute penalty.

It was a terrible start to the rally, now sitting in 115th place overall, and last in class, but they were still in the rally, and the Sunday fightback could commence with the 106 Rallye singing once more.

Following reseeding overnight, the pair now sat 55th on the road, and after a quick morning service to bolt on their best soft tyres, Scott and Andy headed out for the first loop.

The first stage of the day was cancelled due to another competitor having a collision with a telegraph pole, leaving it blocking the stage. So it was immediately onto SS3 Houthulst.

This was Andy’s first taste of the 106 at full power, and the team had a clean run through the high speed test. The car was running well and the new pair immediately settled into a good rhythm.

Stage 4 was next, Koekelare, one of Scott’s favourites. The fast flowing stage with traditionally big Belgian cuts went well as the 106 blasted past the fields filled with spectators.

A solid first loop as they started to climb their way up the leaderboard. They headed back to service to give the car a quick checkover and get ready for the second loop of the day. As confidence grew the team found themselves posting top 20 times and going fastest in the class, continuing to hike their way up the leaderboard.

Into the last service of the day and as grey clouds started to form over the area. Still there was no rain at this point although the forecast was showing the potential for some patches. The team rolled the tyre dice and stuck with their soft compound Michelin’s in the hope that the rain would hold off, or not be heavy enough to soak the roads. The skies seemed to darken as the crew left service for the final loop of stages, and they began to doubt their choice.

The first stage of the loop was dry, so the team went on a big push! Back at full speed and driving on the limit the guys were able to pick up a fantastic 16th fastest overall time. An amazing feat considering the competition.

However, now the rain came. As the Peugeot 106 Rallye arrived at the second stage of the loop, the heavens opened. The team were very unlucky, as most of the competition running higher up the road order were able to complete the stage in the dry, but for the BP Rally crew, it would be full wet conditions. They tip toed through, ensuring the slick shod 106 stayed on the road, but lost some time against their rivals.

Rain continued as they headed for the final stage, but at least this time the conditions were the same for all crews. Some teams had taken the gamble to run wet tyres for the last loop, and these came into their own on the last stage. However, Scott and Andy still showed a valiant effort, in the wet on slick tyres, posting a great 18th fastest overall time.

After lying 115th overnight, the team had managed to climb their way up to finish 32nd overall, and on the podium in the class. A brilliant result and a miraculous feat considering the state of the car just 6 weeks ago.

Scott added at the finish “I’d like to say a massive thank you to my partners who have helped to get the car back out, as well as the countless hours that friends have given to get us here. It really is a family sport, and a great result for everyone involved”.

Next up for the team is the 6 hours of Kortrijk in November, the final round of the Flanders International Rally Challenge. Scott is currently sitting 3rd overall in the championship, behind the two Rally 2 cars of Pex and Weatherley. The BP Rally team will engage full attack mode as they chase the Rally 2 cars to see whether they can take another step up the podium to end the year. Watch this space.