The rain clouds hang low over the Triwo Test Center. The Opel Mokka GSE Rally shoots out of the valley, sticks to the ground and disappears behind the next hill. Rally means: changing surfaces, hard braking zones, quick changes of direction. This is exactly what can be simulated in Pferdesfeld – controlled, reproducible and safe. That’s why Opel Motorsport took the next step towards homologation here: on the way from a development vehicle to a fully-fledged competition car. The Mokka GSE Rally Test Days were development work under full load – and at the same time a showcase for customer racing.
For five years, Opel and the ADAC have been proving that electric rallying can do more. The world’s first and to date only electric brand cup has established itself: dynamic, approachable, competitive. The ADAC Opel Electric Cup became the young engine of the sport, the Corsa Rally Electric became a proven work tool – fast and reliable. In 2026 this will become more. The competition will now be called the ADAC Opel GSE Rally Cup. The name says it all: Grand Sport Electric. Six countries are on the calendar. A further developed charging infrastructure with “remote charging” should enable more special stages, more kilometers, more rallies – electrically, but without compromises.
“OMG – that car is so fast!”
– Driver’s name –
Focus on homologation: Every kilometer provides important data for the next development step.
Electrical performance: The Mokka GSE Rally is already at Rally4 level.
Coaching at eye level: Junior European champion Calle Carlberg was there as a sparring partner for the test drivers.
Three vehicles in different stages of development: The test work enables systematic comparisons.
Opel Motorsport boss Jörg Schrott (left) looks at the next development steps of the Mokka GSE Rally and the GSE Rally Cup 2026.
The heart of the new season was ready in the Hunsrück: the Opel Mokka GSE Rally. It replaces the Corsa and takes the concept to a new level. 281 hp, 345 Newton meters of torque, racing electronics, chassis components from higher rally categories, FIA safety standard. A thoroughbred racing car – and yet deliberately close to the series in terms of electric motor, inverter and battery.
The Mokka is already at the level of a Rally4 vehicle, but is not yet at the end of its development. And that’s exactly why these days were crucial. Opel Motorsport has invited 27 rally drivers to the Triwo Test Center. Everyone got an hour in the car. Three vehicles, three development stages. A tight time window that required precision – and not just on the track. Steffen Schulz, responsible for event management, speaks of a special challenge: “Such a tight overall schedule was a major organizational challenge because we wanted to offer all drivers very personal and high-quality support.”
“I want to get back in right away and do more laps.”
– Driver’s name –
name
Test work at the limit: The Mokka GSE Rally shows its potential on the Pferdesfeld track.
Calle Carlberg was also there. Junior European champion, formed in the Opel talent program, sparring partner and advisor in the passenger seat. He explained lines, listened, gave tips – and showed how to make the leap into professional rallying. The program was technically secured by the Stellantis Motorsport Engineering Team and the Opel Motorsport Team.
The reactions didn’t take long to arrive. And they clearly failed. XY 1 sat in the Mokka GSE Rally for the first time and summed it up succinctly: “I’m really impressed.” XY 2 spoke of a tempo that was surprising: “OMG – it’s so fast.” And after the trip it was clear to many that an hour wasn’t enough. “I want to get back in right away and do more laps,” said XY 3 – a reaction that summed up many drivers’ first impressions.
[embedded content]
“We can all look forward to even more electric action.”
– Jörg Schrott, Opel Motorsport Director –
Preparations for the new season: The Mokka GSE Rally Test Days combine development, promoting young talent and customer racing.
name
Every driver is given enough time to get a realistic driving experience.
First-hand feedback flows directly into further development.
name
The feedback is now incorporated into further development. A lot of things are already in place, some things are being sharpened. Everyone agrees: interest is high, as is the quality of the applicants. The GSE Rally Cup 2026 promises excitement. Especially since Opel also competes with its own UK team, Vauxhall. The driver is Ioan Lloyd from the Junior European Rally Championship. “Professional, concentrated, calm,” says Opel Motorsport boss Jörg Schrott about the Brit. Qualities that win titles.
Schrott looks further: Six countries, more attractive than ever since the joint ADAC and Opel one-make cups began. A vehicle that inspires participants and fans – and more special stage kilometers thanks to improved charging infrastructure. “We can all look forward to even more electric action,” he says. Philipp Quanz, Head of Marketing Communications Opel Motorsport, is also convinced: The new Mokka GSE Rally consolidates Opel’s pioneering role. The Cup remains powerful and a springboard for talent. “I can’t wait to see some of them in the 2026 title hunt.”
Between work and the view: The taillights of the Mokka GSE Rally in the morning light of Pferdesfeld.
January 2026
Photos: RB Dörrenbächer, video: Neuland