Opel Corsa Rally Electric Celebrates Switzerland Debut

• Anticipation ahead of second round of ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “"powered by GSe”
• The world’s first electric one-make rally cup starts at the Rallye du Chablais
• Former racing driver and presenter Cyndie Allemann makes rally debut

After the exciting start at the ADAC Rallye Sulingen, the teams of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” are now looking forward to this season’s second instalment – and in more ways than one. On the one hand, because the electrifying rally entourage with the Opel Corsa Rally Electric will be celebrating its Swiss debut at the Rallye du Chablais around Aigle in the canton of Vaud on June 2 and 3. On the other hand, because the attractive special stages, characterised by large differences in altitude, in the foothills of the Alps south of Lake Geneva make every rally fan’s heart beat faster. And thirdly, because the successful start to the season of the world’s first electric one-make rally cup in northern Germany was mouth-watering.

From a sporting perspective, the Swiss round of the competition offers exciting action with an open outcome. The season opener in Sulingen already showed that there are several candidates for victory or a place on the podium. The winner of the opening round, Max Reiter (23, Germany), cannot afford to be complacent if he wants to maintain his lead. Because behind him the cup veterans Calle Carlberg (22, Sweden) and Christian Lemke (22, Germany) as well as the French newcomer Terence Callea (26) are waiting for the slightest weakness. Not to forget challengers like Joe Baur (24, Germany) or Luca Pröglhöf (23, Austria), who already caught the eye by setting top times in Sulingen.

Elsewhere, the field will be keeping a close eye on Sarah Rumeau from France. The 27-year-old celebrated her debut in the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup in Sulingen with an impressive best time on the first special stage and finally finished in fifth place together with co-driver Julie Amblard. Her team colleague Cindy Gudet (26), who has caused a stir in hillclimbs to date, also impressed in her first important rally alongside Cécile Marie.

The two all-French female crews and Romanian duo Cristiana Oprea/Alexia Parteni will face “unique” competition at the Rallye du Chablais – coming from a prominent guest entrant: Cyndie Allemann celebrates her rally debut in the Opel Motorsport VIP vehicle. The 37-year-old made a name for herself in the Formula 3 Euro Series, the US Indy Lights Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and now works successfully as a presenter. “I’m super excited,” admits the Switzerland native. “For me, the result is completely secondary. I want to experience my very first rally, enjoy it and have fun.” The rally novice is accompanied by rally veteran Horst Rotter.

The electrifying Corsa field will cover a total distance of 565 kilometres at the Rallye du Chablais, including 10 special stages over 98 km.

Standings ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup 2023 (after 1 of 8 rounds):

1. Reiter, 30 points
2. Callea and Carlberg, both 27
4. Lemke 20
5. Rumeau 16
6. Pröglhöf 15
7. Van Hoof 14
8. Rott 10
9. Tarta and Baur, both 8
11. Gudet 6
12. Oprea 5
13. Wittenbeck 3