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Opel returning to motorsport

RUSSELSHEIM, Germany - Opel is returning to motor racing in the form of an internationally oriented rally programme with the new Adam and a circuit series for its Astra OPC.

Opel deputy CEO Thomas Sedran said: "These new motorsports activities will play an important role in the strategic re-alignment of the company; they're a fundamental element of our brand profile."

A Rally Cup version of the new Adam, which has been closely specified to FIA R2 standards, will be used in the 2013 season.

OPEL RALLY CUP

As part of the ADAC Rally Masters race series the Adam customer cars will compete in its own series - ADAC Opel Rally Cup. The most successful drivers can expect cash prizes. There is also a special Junior rally points system for drivers younger than 27 years. The overall winner of a set of trials will receive special coaching.

Opel's racing plan will see the series run until 2016. After that a modular development programme has been envisaged where talented rally drivers can graduate from the ADAC Opel Rally Cup to an international level.

the Adam will be used for the first two of four stages. In stages three and four the next generation Opel Corsa is expected to be used as a rally vehicle.

ASTRA OPC CUP

The new Astra OPC will be used in 2013 as a racing version for customer sports. The Cup-specced cars are engineered to match the VLN Endurance championship standards, which are the most popular grass roots racing series in Europe. The cars will also compete in a brand trophy called the Astra OPC Cup.

The highlight of the season is expected to be a 24-hour race at the Nuerburgring.

RACING HERITAGE


The most successful era of the automaker's rally history was during the 1970's with legendary driver Walter Roehrl. During his time with Opel he won the European championship title in 1974 driving an Ascona A and again in 1979 with an Ascona B.

The crowning glory for Roehrl was his World championship title in 1982 in an Ascona 400.

Opel took overall victory in the 24-hour Nuerburgring race in 2003 with ab Astra V8 coupe.
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