No matter how great a team performs in the motorsport arena, they will still face the most daunting enemy of all, financial constrains. Once the word has been given by the higher-ups to pull the plug, there is nothing that one could do about it, like the recent surprising withdrawal of MINI and Ford from the WRC. But even with the uncertainties of the economic situation over in Europe, things are a bit different with Opel as they had just announced their return into the world of motorsports.
First in the lineup of Opel’s comeback is the Opel Adam Cup. Set to enter the ADAC Rally Masters for the Opel Rally Cup Trophy, the machine will follow closely on the FIA R2 specifications. Special coaching will also be provided for the drivers younger than 27-years-old that had shown potential in the “junior rally” system. And of course to make the competition far more attractive, cash prizes are also set to be won.
Opel had also prepared for a proper circuit showdown with the Astra OPC Cup that features the Opel Astra OPC. With the cars engineered to match the “VLN Endurance Championship” standards, the highlight of the season will be a 24-hour race taking place at the famed German circuit, the Nurburgring.
Through these attempts, Opel is showing its confidence in gaining profits through such programs despite a bleak situation clouding the European car market. But with a pretty impressive rap sheet that Opel held on in previous races such as claiming the European Championship title in 1974 and 1979 for rallying, a constructor’s championship in the DTM back in 1998, and an overall victory in the 24-hour endurance race at Nurburgring in 2003, Opel seems to know what they are doing, and we wish them all the best in climbing through the ranks in proving that they still have the edge in motorsports.
