Opel Corsa Rally Electric: Early Decision in Title Fight?

• Seventh round of ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe”
• Reiter or Carlberg: Who will win the world’s first electric rally cup?

Tension in this year’s ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” is rising. ADAC Rallye Stemweder Berg on September 29/30 around Lübbecke can already bring early decision. World's first electric one-make rally cup is contested by drivers of identical Opel Corsa Rally Electric cars. With his third win of season at Rallye Mont-Blanc Morzine in France, Swede Calle Carlberg (23) has extended his lead over the German Max Reiter (also 23) to 11 points.

This means that Carlberg could secure title at ADAC Rallye Stemweder Berg. If he is more than 35 points ahead of Reiter at the end of the asphalt event, the German will no longer be able to catch up with him at season finale at end of October (as part of the Central European Rally WRC-qualifier).

But the calm Scandinavian, who as always competes alongside his father Torbjörn, does not want to rely on that: “Fight between Max and I was extremely close all year long, and I see no reason why it should be different in Stemwede. To claim title early, Max would also have to retire, and I hope that won't happen. I want to become champion because I was best, not because others were unlucky. I continue to believe that the title will not be decided until the final round.”

Luca Pröglhöf only has a theoretical chance of winning cup title. Together with his co-driver Christina Ettel, 24-year-old Austrian, who has already been on podium twice this year, is aiming for more good results and duel for third place overall with fast Frenchwoman Sarah Rumeau. 28-year-old and her co-driver Julie Amblard recently celebrated their first podium finish at Mont Blanc.

Program foresees 11 special stages over a total of 113 kilometres. Action starts on Friday at 17:09 with three stages, restart takes place the next day at 09:01. First of fast electric cars is expected at the finish in Lübbecke at 17:19. .

Standings ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup (after 6 of 8 rounds):

1. Carlberg, 191 points.

2. Reiter 180.

3. Pröglhöf 126.

4. Rumeau 114.

5. Lemke 91.

6. Van Hoof 76.

7. Baur 72.

8. Gudet 46.

9. Mendoza 43.

10. Tarta 39.