Opel Announces Participation in Formula E Opel is opening a new chapter in its long history in motorsport by announcing its engagement in Formula E starting from next season. Let’s take a look back at the memories…
Opel’s Racing Beginnings 125 Years Ago Opel’s racing journey dates back to 125 years ago when Heinrich Opel won the Königstuhl hill climb race near Heidelberg on March 31, 1901, driving a modified Motorwagen. This victory marked the brand’s first official success in competition and laid the foundation for a long sporting tradition.
Early Racing Successes In 1899, Heinrich Opel participated in the Aachen–Coblence race, although he did not finish. These early experiences allowed the Opel brothers to improve their vehicles, particularly in terms of reliability. Two years later, Heinrich Opel achieved another victory at the Königstuhl, showcasing the vehicle’s performance and his remarkable driving skills.
Opel’s Golden Age in Rally and Circuit Racing Over the decades, Opel achieved numerous successes in rally and circuit racing. Notably, Walter Röhrl secured the European Rally Championship in 1974 and later the world title in 1982 with an Ascona 400. On the circuit, Manuel Reuter claimed the ITC championship in 1996 with the Calibra “Cliff.” Opel’s triumph at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in 2003 with the Astra V8 Coupe further solidified its racing legacy.
Transition to Sustainable Mobility Today, Opel is fully embracing the transition towards more sustainable mobility. Since 2021, the brand has been organizing the world’s first all-electric rally monobrand cup. This commitment to sustainability is also reflected in its production models like the Mokka GSE, designed to offer rally-inspired sensations in an electric version. The next step is the Opel GSE Formula E Team in Formula E, marking a new chapter in a story that began 125 years ago.
Source: Opel
