Regulations FIRC:
Your car should have an MSA passport (if not you can apply for an exception to the rule), but very few modifications have to be made to enter the FIRC rallies. However, Clubman cars may not be allowed. In this case please contact us for further details. HANS is mandatory. The FIRC regulations can be downloaded here. Please contact us if you desire more information. A great support for all UK newcomers is www.thebelgianconnection.co.uk, where you will find all the necessary technical info and some ideas on a short stay.
Accomodation guide: You can find a list of the most popular hotels per rally here.
Questions and answers:
1. What is the Flanders International Rally Challenge ?
The 'Flanders International Rally Challenge’, shortly FIRC, was founded at the end of 2009 by five Flemish rally organisers. Many foreign drivers, often regular guests in Flemish rallies, wanted such a championship. FIRC became an instant hit and had from 2016 onwards also events in Wallonia joining in. All rallies in the Challenge count for the Flemish or Walloon rally championship VAS/ASAF.
Competitors in FIRC will do the full rally distance and therefore be part of the general classification. They will only score points for FIRC. Teams who enter a rally might get special offers from the organisers, who always have a contact person for the foreign teams to help with accomodation, regulations, etc. Check the list at the 'contact' page. Needless to say you can ask any question directly to FIRC too, via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
2. Who is eligible for the FIRC?
Every non-Belgian driver can score points in the FIRC. A foreign driver and Belgian co-driver are also allowed. A Belgian driver and foreign co-driver not. The UK delegation is the biggest, giving some stiff competition to regular Dutch crews and the occasional French who prefer to do selected rounds. No Germans until now...
3. Can my car enter the FIRC?
There are three main categories, modern 4x4 , modern 2WD and historic, open to all sorts of cars : gr.N, gr.A, gr.R, gr.F, gr.M, S2000, S1600, WRC, … (modern) and MSA/FIA/FFSA/KNAF (historic). Make of car and make of engine have to be equal, but Flemish events have a category for UK TOURING CARS that do not fit in any class, the so called 'open class', where make of car and make of engine can vary, with a limit of 3600cc and 6 cylinders. Turbos are only allowed if they were standard on the road version. In case of doubt, feel free to contact us, but if your car is MSA approved, there should be no problem. However, kit cars, tubular framed cars and gr.B's are not allowed.
4. Do I have to register in advance?
Yes, from 2013 on. This can be done by mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or to be confirmed personally at an event. Registration will cost 100 euros per team for a full season, to be paid cash at an event or by bank transfer if desired. Only registered drivers will score points for the Challenge, this way we avoid many one-shots taking points from the regulars. Unregistered drivers are very welcome off course, but they will not get any points.
5. Do I have to drive all of the rounds?
No, every competitor choses the amount of rounds he wishes to drive. The points system is set up to reward regulars. Uptil now, virtually all Challenge Class Championships got decided in the last event, in 2012 and 2016 even on the last stage of the last rally! The format from 2017 onwards is best five results, to be scored in 7 events spread out over the year, so it's easy to plan your annual schedule.
6. How does the point system works?
There are three main classifications: Modern 4x4, Modern 2WD & Historic. Classes might be added depending on the number of competitors per class. This will be communicated via the FIRC Facebookpage, where all drivers can give their opinion and do suggestions to make the Challenge work well for everyone.
1st - 10 points
2nd - 7 points
3rd - 5 points
4th - 4 points
5th - 3 points
6th+ - 2 points
There are also points given according to the place in the general Classification, as specified in the points table above. So you score twice: once per class, once in general classification. This means the bigger cars do not automatically have the biggest advantage. Regular results are very important.
7. Wich documents do I need to drive the FIRC?
The FIRC is an open championship. Documents needed to drive the FIRC are: Road Scrutineering & Road Insurance, National A or International Rally License. Do not forget to have a copy of each document available at scruitineering. The MSA National A license is ok, International too off course.
8. How do the rallies look like?
The nominated rallies are all ran on closed public tarmac roads, usually the typical country lanes : narrow, very fast and technical, often used and bumpy with many blind turns. Thanks to the reference points in the landscape, making pacenotes is relatively easy. All rallies have the same structure : the first day for recce and scrutineering, the second day for racing against the clock. They all have 2 to 4 stages, ran in 3 to 4 legs, with an average of about 100 stage kms and about 80 kms road section. Road sections are limited, the rythm is high, serviceparks are usually situated central in the rally area. Recce is done with road cars at road speed, the timing allows you to do about three runs on each stage, so there is enough time to make good notes and the local drivers are helpful too.
9. Is there a bit of fun?
Yes. Rallying is big in Belgium, each event attracts a lot of spectators and a party is never far away. FIRC-rallies easily get 100 to 150 teams, the athmosphere is very familiar, foreign teams are warmly welcomed, nearly everyone speaks English too. Needless to say you will get enough support in case of trouble. Every servicepark has a beer tent and catering, usually BBQ is allowed too. Gathering at the pub with the regulars has already become a well respected tradition. You will make many new friends...
10. How about mileage and accomodation?
Most Flemish rounds are situated near the Belgian Coast, about 1h drive from Calais, Dunkirk, or Zeebruges. In Wallonia the events are situated near the French border, south of Charleroi, but the extra distance is only one hour drive. Check the map on the 'calendar' page to get situated. FIRC-competitors do not have to leave their car in parc fermé after the rally, only a check-in will do, so usually everyone makes their way back in time for the crossing without to much stress. Every rally offers a wide choice in accomodation near to the rally centre. You will get assistance by your local FIRC-responsable when needed, but it is very easy to find a hotel, B&B or campsite in the direct area.
11. What can I win?
Every rally has cups for modern 4x4, modern 2WD and Historic, the winners in those three classes win two free starts for the next season unless there are other classes added. The awards are also presented at the prize giving ceremony, along with cups for most spectacular driver, most unlucky team, codriver champion, best female, driver award, rookie of the year.... Prize money or gifts can be given as well, depending on the sponsorship FIRC gets.
12. Can I combine a rally with a short stay?
Absolutely, all the Flemish events are situated in the coastal area of Belgium, near to well known cities such as Ypres and its green Heuvelland surroundings, Bruges, Ostend, Ghent, and Lille in France. Wallonia is known for its great nature, and the art cities are never far away. Should we mention our beers and gastronomy too?
13. How much do I pay for a rally?
The usual entry fee is about 150 to 200 euros, depending on the stage miles. Add about the same amount for the competition insurance which covers you on all incidents or damage caused on the stages and you will end at about 300 to 400 euros per rally, all-in. Pretty affordable, right?
