Opel will be an electric brand – that much is clear. From 2024 there will already be an electric version for every model, and from 2028 the entire portfolio will be electrified. It is only logical that sparks fly in motorsport too. And properly.
Flashback: Opel is the first manufacturer in the world to deliver a battery-electric rally car for customer sport. Based on the Corsa-e. The e-racer was applauded at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in 2019. Since 2021, the rally cars have been competing in the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” – the world’s first one-make rally cup for electric vehicles.
The world’s first electric one-make rally cup, held for the first time in 2021 with the Opel Corsa Rally Electric, is new territory in every respect.
Electric motor, battery and recuperation are series technology, lightweight construction, roll cage and rally chassis were specially developed.
The TotalEnergies VIP vehicle is present at selected events as a rally taxi, advance vehicle or with guest drivers.
Perfect entry into rallying: the finest racing technology is used, especially in safety-relevant areas.
Halfway through the 2023 season: Four of the eight rounds of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup have been completed and the battle for the title is in full swing.
Opel Motorsport is pursuing two missions: On the one hand, it is about pioneering work, namely to establish electric cars in rallying. The second point: consistent talent promotion. The ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team was able to secure five Junior European Championship titles. Respect! “The Opel Electric Rally Cup has established itself as a real talent factory in the motorsport scene,” says Opel Motorsport Director Jörg Schrott.
Pioneer work with endorphin rush
Under the motto: “Do good and talk about it”, Opel Motorsport invited 35 selected journalists from eight countries to Pachfurth in Austria at the end of June to see for themselves the talents of the Corsa-e Rally. The invitation included some fast laps on excellent gravel roads with the electric car. Not only in the passenger seat, the guests were also allowed to drive themselves. The journalists agreed on the conclusion, but read for yourself.
Olaf Schilling Extra More Media:
“The Opel Corsa Rally Electric is an electrifying experience. You look forward to every drift over the gravel road. This not only ensures adrenaline and driving fun, but also kicks up a lot of dust. In short: simply great.”
Flavio Serra Turbo Magazine:
“Sweat, dust and mosquito bites were the price of an afternoon of fun behind the wheel of the Corsa Rally Electric – well worth it!”
Franz Rother Editor-in-Chief Edison:
“Unfortunately, my encounter with electric rallying comes a little late. But when I was young I would have worked on Jörg Schrott after the test drive to get a place in the team next season: rushing such a small car with so much dynamics over a gravel track – I’ve never had more fun with an electric car.”
July 2023
Text and photos: Dani Heyne