Strong Field in ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup 2022

• The world’s first electric one-make rally cup made even more attractive
• Teams from seven nations are at the start at seven events
• Romanian Cristiana Oprea takes on the otherwise male field of participants

Preparations for the second season of the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup are entering the home straight before the battle for points resumes at the ADAC Actronics Rally in Sulingen from May 6. The world’s first electric one-make rally cup is even better positioned for the 2022 season than it was in its successful debut year. The Opel Corsa-e Rally was optimised with detail improvements over the winter. A newly developed multi-disc limited slip differential increases the traction of the 100 kW/136 hp electric rally car and upgraded software improves the thermal management of the 50-kilowatt-hour battery. In addition, a modified sound system enhances the acoustic appeal of the electric rally car.

The attractive schedule with seven rounds in the German Rally Championship (DRM) as well as guest outings in Austria, France and the Netherlands is enhanced by the very international field of participants. The German rally aces face competitors from six other nations. With Germans Lukas Thiele, Christian Lemke, Joe Baur, Max Reiter and Alexander Kattenbach as well as the Dutch veteran Timo van der Marel, six ”old hands” go into their second e-Cup year. Timo Schulz (22) makes his debut in the Corsa-e Rally with the support of ADAC Saarland.

They all face ambitious newcomers such as Swede Calle Carlberg and Finn Kalle Markanen, both of whom are competing for the experienced Schmack Motorsport team. With 22-year-old Luca Pröglhöf from Sittendorf, a promising young Austrian talent will compete with the Opel Austria Corsa-e Rally entered by Stohl Racing. Dutchman Jari van Hoof got such a taste for the sport at last year’s Sachsen Rally that he will contest a full Cup season in 2022 in the racing team of his mentor Timo van der Marel. And last year’s champion team Saintéloc Racing from France goes to the start with 30-year-old Romanian Cristiana Oprea, the only female driver in the illustrious field.

Two Corsa-e Rally from England in Cup plus VIP vehicle from TotalEnergies

Two highly interesting new entries come from the United Kingdom. The British Opel sister brand Vauxhall is entering a Corsa-e Rally, which will be piloted by rotating guest drivers. Excitement is being stirred up by the second British vehicle, which is even sponsored by the British government. The project is driven by Simon Moss, who teaches motorsport management at Myerscough College in Bilsborrow, Lancashire and uses the innovative concept of the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup as a showcase for his studies.

In addition, TotalEnergies‘ VIP car will be used at selected events as a rally taxi and course car or with guest drivers in competition. The global technology partner of the Stellantis Group is increasing its involvement in the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup this season.