With the new season approaching, we thought it would be a good idea to sit down for a proper conversation with champions Richard Pex and his co-driver Anouck Preda. Here we go:
Richard, a classic opening question: how did it all start for you in rallying?
“Believe it or not, but I only made my debut a few years ago, at 58! Professionally, I ran and expanded our family business in roofing and solar energy. A familiar story: always busy, always on the move, and too little time for hobbies and interests. When my sons joined the company and eventually took over the leadership, it dawned on me that it was now or never. I’ve always loved equestrian sports, so maybe the step to motorsport isn’t that strange. And it had to be rally. Circuit racing is fun, but ultimately not as exciting. Rallying is much more challenging. I know the Verstappen family well — we’re practically neighbours — and I followed Max’s steep climb to F1 with great pleasure. When Jos started making plans to go rallying, all the pieces fell into place. A bit later Roger (Hodenius) joined in, and suddenly we had a great bunch to go on adventures with. And adventures they certainly were in the beginning.”
Anouck, what about you?
“Well, I started when I was 19!” (laughs) “Actually against my will. I worked in a garage where a rally car needed to be tested. Whether I wanted to join for a ride? Absolutely not — I’m a real scaredy-cat, there was no way I was getting in. But after a lot of convincing, they literally pushed me into that Skoda. Terrified at first, but once I got over that, a whole new world opened up for me. Driving myself didn’t appeal to me immediately, but navigating did. One thing led to another, and in 2021 I made my debut in the Kasterlee Rally in a Manta A. Then in a 911 among the slowly’s, and afterwards a whole list: Christophe Merlevede’s M3, and with Jeroen Vanhoutte an Impreza, 208 R2, Lancer Evo and Clio Rally 3. That’s what you call gaining experience quickly, right?”
So how did the two of you end up together?
Anouck: “A typical story over drinks. The rally world is small, so you get to know each other quickly. We clicked immediately. During one of the traditional afterparties we joked that we should drive a rally together someday, but at the time it was just a vague promise.”
Richard: “Exactly. Those afterparties are another reason why I love driving in Belgium! And a vague promise is still a promise. When Thijs unexpectedly had to cancel, I wanted to give Anouck a chance. In the 2024 Hemicuda Rally the ball started rolling. Things went well right away in the car: the notes were correct and at the right pace, so we had instant trust.”
Richard, you made your rally debut straight away with a Rally2. How did that go?
“Extremely exciting, I can tell you. I had driven on circuits many times, lots of karting too, and occasionally played around with a Mk.2 and some Porsches. I could have built up experience with a smaller car first, but you can just as well do that with a Rally2, as long as you take it easy at the start. My first season was a tough learning year with the necessary mistakes and hot moments, but gradually you get to know the car and push your limits. By driving a lot, you also gain knowledge of the stages, and in the end I’m quite satisfied with the progress we made — it was needed. Especially when that FIRC title started to come into sight and we really had to push in the final rounds against that other Richard (Weatherley). A very nice reward, that victory in the Challenge.”
How did you end up in FIRC?
Anouck: “Being Belgian, I had never really thought about it. But thanks to a tip from a friend I took a look. When it turned out that having a foreign driver was enough, we went for it — Richard was immediately on board.”
Richard: “Exactly. I only drive for fun and I don’t feel like stressing over a title. With your VAS, ASAF and BRC championships it’s also a bit complicated at first. FIRC is more like a championship among friends, if I may say so. Very friendly, and it’s great to get to know all those English competitors. Although the end of the season did get serious, because Weatherley was always right behind us. This year he’s coming back with more experience, so that promises something. And I hear the Quigleys are planning a full season too. The competition will be tougher, but I’m definitely defending my title!”
We all know why the British and Irish love coming to Belgium. How about a Dutchman?
Richard: “I can happily confirm everything that’s said about Belgian rallies. First of all, the great mentality — call it your typical friendliness. It’s different with us. There’s always a good atmosphere, lots of spectators, and of course the party afterwards. The bond with our English rivals, the challenging stages, the variety of special stages when you combine VAS and ASAF… all strong points. And I simply find your country very beautiful: the Ardennes, Hainaut, especially the region around Ypres. On top of that, I live barely two hours from almost every event. Very convenient.”
What car do you drive actually?
“My daily car is an Audi RS6 — those horses, right! I just like getting everywhere quickly. I’m used to my Rally2 and I still need to do something with my rally Escort, though I don’t yet know what, where or when.”
Finally: what do your future plans look like?
Richard: “Simple: none. I drive purely for fun and I’ll keep doing that as long as I enjoy it. I’d like to do a rally in France or Spain someday, combined with a holiday. Got to spoil my wife a bit too. I drive two rallies a month and spend two weekends at home — let’s keep it that way. I also still hang around the business and help my son Stan, who runs an international karting team with quite some success. His rally projects are also purely for fun. You can’t make money in motorsport, and trying to build an international career mainly costs a lot of time — which we simply don’t have. Even if you reach the top, which only few do. Keep both feet on the ground.”
Anouck: “No WRC ambitions for me either, if that’s what you were thinking. I’m already happy to be driving with a top team. My priority right now is my studies, and in rallying I mainly try to enjoy myself and create great memories. I don’t rule out focusing more on organising or working behind the scenes later. I’m still young, and together with a group of peers we’re slowly growing into a new generation within rallying. I also have a lot of admiration for the strong women who are claiming their place in the sport. The more female involvement, the better — I’m definitely doing my part.”
Thank you both for this conversation, and see you soon at the Salamandre.