!NEW! All Systems Go for Opel Astra TCR’s Second Season

• Intensive further development of Opel’s customer racing touring car for 2017
• Technical partner Kissling Motorsport also takes over customer support 

Next step: Pierre-Yves Corthals, winner of last season’s TCR Trophy Europe, and Belgian team DG Sport Compétition are working on using two Opel touring cars in the TCR International Series.

Before the start of the 2017 international circuit racing season, the Opel Astra TCR is currently undergoing the last phase of technical development. Based on lessons learned from the 2016 debut season, a number of details were optimized on Opel’s 350 hp customer racing touring car during the winter in preparation for the 2017 homologation this March. After this takes place, the Opel Astra TCR can be used in all TCR series around the world. The TCR spectrum encompasses the global TCR International Series as well as a total of eleven national and regional championships, which include the ADAC TCR Germany. In addition, a number of endurance races such as the Nürburgring 24-hours, Barcelona and Dubai feature a class for TCR vehicles as does the most popular privateer sport series in the world, the VLN Endurance Championship Nürburgring on the legendary Nordschleife.

Enhanced Astra TCR: Opel’s 350 hp customer racing touring car has been further optimized over the winter.

The vehicle homologation will be preceded by the “Balance of Performance” (BoP) test on March 1-2 at the Adria International Raceway near Venice. During this test, the performance of all participating brands’ TCR vehicles is tested by a professional driver engaged by the TCR organization and the cars are then given a base classification. This ensures the competitiveness of all participating vehicles. If necessary, BoP adjustments will be made during the season to assure well-balanced starting fields and exciting touring car racing with large brand diversity.

Opel Astra TCR with driver Pierre-Yves Corthals

In addition to private use in various national championships, the Opel Astra TCR is also to perform on the international stage again this year. The Belgian team DG Sport Compétition – with driver Pierre-Yves Corthals and the Astra TCR the first title holder in the TCR Trophy Europe last season – is working on using two Opel touring cars for the TCR International Series. The season start is on April 2 at Rustavi International Motopark in Georgia.

2016 Opel Astra TCR on Nürburgring

To offer customers support that is as comprehensive as possible, Opel is intensifying cooperation with its longtime technical and development partner Kissling Motorsport. In future, in addition to developing and building the Astra TCR customer vehicles, the touring car specialists from Bad Münstereifel near the Nürburgring will also be responsible for all customer support. “We thus bundle all building blocks necessary for our customer racing program under one roof. This ensures streamlined processes, direct communication channels and efficient service for Astra TCR customers,” says Opel Motorsport Director Jörg Schrott.

!NEW! Opel at Nürburgring 24 Hours Race – The legend lives on

Nürburgring 24 hours: ten Opel Astra OPC Cup cars compete in the world’s toughest endurance race on June 21 and 22. 

There are venues that hold an outstanding place in their respective sports. Without a doubt, the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife is one of the world’s most famous motor racing circuits – especially when the legendary ADAC Zurich 24h-race takes place there for the 42nd time on June 21 and 22, 2014. Opel, one of the most successful marques in the race at the “green hell,” will be represented by ten Astra OPC Cup cars, alongside numerous privately owned race cars.

Opel Astra OPC Cup - Racing car

Successful racing cars from Rüsselsheim have a long tradition in the 36-year history of the VLN endurance racing championship. Nine champions have driven to victory in an Opel, with the Rüsselsheim-based manufacturer responsible for 17 outright wins. With 594 class victories, Opel is the third most successful brand. The overall victory at the 2003 24 hours by Manuel Reuter, Timo Scheider, Marcel Tiemann and Volker Strycek in their Opel Astra V8 Coupé remains a memorable moment in motor racing.

Opel Astra V8 Coupé winning the 24 hours race at the Nürburgring in 2003.

Last year, Opel revived this grand Nordschleife tradition with its Opel Astra OPC Cup. The racing version of the Astra OPC, which has been optimized for the 2014 season to combine high performance and professional technology at an affordable price, provides the technical basis for the Cup models.

Opel Astra OPC Cup - Racing car

However, the 24-hour race on the Nordschleife is more than just an extremely demanding race. It is also the site of one of the largest events in international sports and attracts some 200,000 fans every year to a gigantic party for everyone lucky enough to be there.

The tension increases: The legendary ADAC Zurich 24h-race takes place on the Nürburgring for the 42nd time.

The 42nd ADAC Zurich 24 hours starts at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2014.

!NEW! Opel Astra OPC EXTREME: Uncompromisingly Sporty

• Study for low-volume production run: World premiere at Geneva Motor Show
• From the racetrack to public roads: Fastest-ever Astra on its way
• Turbo power and carbon fiber: Over 221 kW / 300 hp, 100 kilograms lighter than OPC
• Breathtaking looks: High-tech lacquer highlights sculptural Opel design

The new Opel Astra OPC EXTREME  - The fastest-ever Astra boasts more than 2.0 liter turbo engine with over 221 kW / 300 hp and is 100 kilograms lighter than conventional OPC.

The Opel Astra OPC EXTREME that makes its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in six days is a real race-bred performance car. Developed on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the most challenging race track in the world, it is powered by a 2.0 liter turbo engine with over 221 kW / 300 hp and equipped with all the key high-tech components from its racing peer, the Opel Astra OPC Cup. The Astra OPC EXTREME was developed directly from the Cup version and brings pure racing technology to the road. If public reaction is as positive as expected, Opel plans a low-volume production run for the super sporty, street-legal EXTREME.

2.0 liter Turbo Direct Injection engine with over 221 kW / 300 hp

Over 300 hp will be unleashed from under the EXTREME’s carbon fiber hood. Its 2.0 liter turbo gasoline engine, with Direct Injection and variable camshaft phasing, is quite simply the most powerful four-cylinder unit Opel has ever produced. The all-aluminum engine is mated to a slick, six-speed manual gearbox transmitting power through a limited-slip differential. This race-proven powerplant will have an easy time of it with the OPC EXTREME, because the super sporty car is 100 kilograms lighter than a conventional Astra OPC thanks to its high-quality, carbon fiber components.

Widely used in Formula 1 racing to reduce weight, carbon composite is incorporated throughout the EXTREME. This high-strength, ultra-light material is used for the aerodynamically-optimized rear wing, the diffuser, front spoiler, hood, suspension cross-bracing, the engine cover, complete wheels, rear wheelhouse ventilation and roof. The carbon wheels are 20 kilograms lighter than their aluminum counterparts. This is weight saving in a decisive area because unsprung mass is substantially reduced – much to the joy of engineers and driving fun of drivers. The inhouse manufactured carbon fiber roof is almost as light as a feather. It weighs just 2.6 kilograms, compared to a steel roof’s 9.3 kilograms, and noticeably lowers the Astra EXTREME’s center of gravity. The fenders are made of aluminum and weigh only 800 grams a piece instead of 2.2 kilograms in steel.

Weight reduction in key areas greatly improves agility, overall handling and, of course, the car’s power-to-weight ratio. As a result, the street-legal EXTREME sweeps through fast curves as playfully and quickly as its racing brother in the Nürburgring Endurance Championship (VLN). Opel has also given the EXTREME breathtaking stopping power to match, with a Brembo six-piston brake system including 370 mm diameter discs up front race car. Ultra high-performance, 245/35, 19-inch tires, specially developed for the EXTREME, also play a key role and give almost as much grip as those on the race car. In addition, the chassis (spring/damper) is adjustable, just like in a real touring car racer.

The pursuit of uncompromised performance continues in the design of the EXTREME’S cabin: the back seats are out and a safety roll bar is in. The driver and co-driver are perfectly positioned in specially-designed Recaro bucket seats, complete with six-point safety belts from Schroth. In the Astra OPC EXTREME, the crew doesn’t just sit in the car, they are fully integrated as part of the vehicle itself. The driver also has the tactile pleasure of gripping a superb, carbon-fiber-reinforced, suede-covered steering wheel with fine yellow decorative stitching.

Opel Motorsport’s core color also dresses up the Astra OPC EXTREME elsewhere, for instance in the exclusively designed logo and as lacquer on the side sills and front spoiler lip.

Apropos lacquer, the Astra GTC body format – the base model for the OPC EXTREME – ideally embodies Opel’s sculptural design philosophy. Its flowing, sculpted shapes and precise accents blend into dramatic proportions. The Astra OPC EXTREME’s multi-layer paint lacquer is combined with high-quality decal details to give a three-dimensional effect, further emphasizing the car’s clean edges, bold lines and athletic proportions.

“With the new Astra OPC EXTREME we show the pure joy of driving! This study is quite simply spectacular and driving enthusiasts will appreciate its looks, which are head-turning without grandstanding. Its interior is superb and typically Opel – exciting, precise and quality-made in Germany. The EXTREME is the new top-of-the-line model in our Astra family with all the attributes of a super sporty car,” says Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann.

!NEW! Opel Astra OPC EXTREME - Teased again before Geneva debut

Are you ready for EXTREME storm from Opel ? Stay tuned !

Opel Astra OPC EXTREME - Equipped for pure passion

Opel Astra OPC EXTREME - New aerodynamically optimized rear wing

Opel Astra OPC EXTREME - Equipped for the racetrack

Opel Astra OPC EXTREME - New bonnet with Carbon elements and two Air intakes

Opel Astra OPC EXTREME - New front grill with Carbon elements 

Opel Astra OPC EXTREME - Brake intakes with Carbon elements

Opel Astra OPC EXTREME - Lightweight Carbon wheels with High-Performance brakes 

21.2. 2014 UPDATE: All official photos of the new Opel Astra OPC EXTREME will be revealed during next week !

!NEW! Opel Astra OPC EXTREME: Super Sports Study for Geneva Motor Show 2014

Opel shows hot Astra OPC EXTREME as race-bred variant for public roads and track

Super sports car: This OPC EXTREME will be the fastest street-legal Opel Astra ever.

Opel will reveal a true super sports car at the 84th Geneva Motor Show (March 6 – 16). The study follows the tradition of the Astra OPC X-treme Concept shown in 2002. Then, as now, a real race car found its way from the racetrack to public roads. While the red OPC X-treme from 12 years ago remained a single specimen, the new EXTREME in typical Opel motorsport colors is to be the foundation for a low-volume production run. This OPC EXTREME will be the fastest street-legal Astra ever, true to the Opel Performance Center motto: “OPC. Pure Passion”.

Opel Astra OPC X-Treme Concept (2002)

The Opel Astra OPC EXTREME is a direct derivative of the Astra OPC Cup racecar from the Nürburgring Endurance Championship (VLN) – and street-legal ! High quality, carbon components reduce its weight compared to the 280 hp Astra OPC launched in 2012. An integrated safety structure, racing seats and six-point seatbelts means it comes equipped for the racetrack.

Opel Astra OPC Cup - Racecar

Opel Astra OPC EXTREME sports coupé features uncompromised racing technology for use on public roads – including the occasional detour to the Nürburgring Nordschleife. That’s where the idea for the Astra OPC EXTREME was born, at the Opel Performance Center which is based right next to the legendary track. Be it the Corsa OPC, Astra OPC or Insignia OPC – all Opel sports stars must successfully complete extensive, full-throttle test drives and a grueling 10,000 kilometer endurance program under the toughest conditions on the Nordschleife.

More information about the Opel Astra OPC EXTREME will follow next month.

!NEW! Powerhouse: Opel Astra GTC Now With Mighty 200 hp

• Opel Astra GTC 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo with 200 hp from 25,250 euros
• New gasoline direct injection Turbo as sporty precursor to OPC Power Package
• Innovative IntelliLink system now brings high-tech into GTC onboard infotainment
• Opel Astra GTC with striking motorsports package radiates rallye charm

Opel Astra GTC 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo

The Opel Astra GTC is now available with the new-generation, 200 hp 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo engine. This powerhouse also drives the Opel Cascada and Zafira Tourer and now completes the gasoline engine portfolio. With its powerful performance, it underscores the compact coupé’s sporty character – only the OPC variant is stronger. The Astra GTC impresses with the high-tech under its hood and its unique, sophisticated high performance strut (HiPerStrut) front suspension layout. Modern infotainment technology is featured in all GTC models, with the Opel IntelliLink system offering simplified telephony and navigation while enabling the use of many smartphone functions in the car. Prices for the Astra GTC with the 147 kW/200 hp 1.6 liter Turbo start at 25,250 euros (RRP incl. VAT in Germany).

From zero to 100 in 7.9 seconds: The 1.6-liter Turbo with 200 hp makes it happen

Opel Astra GTC with the new 200 hp 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo engine -  top speed 230 km/h

The new Opel Astra GTC with the 200 hp 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo engine reaches a top speed of 230 km/h. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds and sprints from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear also in only 7.9 seconds with impressive elasticity. The new-generation gasoline direct injection Turbo is a real powerhouse, with 300 Nm maximum torque (with overboost) enabling its superb sporty performance. Its power output per liter of 125 hp makes it the leader in its class. The power that the Astra GTC brings to the road with this top engine is tastefully visible on the outside. The coupé leaves other road users watching its taillights and admiring its two chrome exhaust tailpipes. There is only one area where the gasoline direct injection unit is miserly: with fuel consumption. In the combined cycle, it needs just 6.6 liters fuel per 100 kilometers and emits 154 gram CO2 per kilometer.

The 200 hp Turbo completes the series production Astra GTC’s engine portfolio. Its counterpart on the diesel side is the high-performance 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI with 143 kW/195 hp and 400 Nm torque. The only engine that surpasses these two top-of-the-line units is the 206 kW/280 hp OPC power plant – a very mighty trio!

Infotainment that is fun: Opel Astra GTC with IntelliLink system

Opel Astra GTC now comes with a high-tech IntelliLink system which integrates smartphone functions into the car via a seven inch high-resolution color monitor that guarantees simple operation and ease of reading.

But the Astra GTC doesn’t only boast a high-tech engine; the infotainment system in all Astra GTC models is also state-of-the-art. With Opel’s IntelliLink system, easy operation of the navigation system and all functions is guaranteed via a seven-inch, high-resolution color monitor that also displays images from the optional rearview camera. Voice control, Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming are possible. 

The top-of-the-line Navi 950 IntelliLink contains maps of all of Europe. Map updates can be downloaded via USB. The driver can also have the system read out incoming text messages. In addition to voice control over IntelliLink, the new Opel system also supports and integrates smartphones’ own voice recognition functions.

Racy model: Opel Astra GTC in motorsport outfit available with all engines

In addition to the introduction of the 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo engine in its high performance version and the IntelliLink infotainment system in all GTC models, a new special GTC model will also be introduced in 2014. From the spring of 2014, Opel offers motorsports enthusiasts the Astra GTC with an especially attractive package modeled according to the vehicle that successfully participated in the VLN Endurance Championship on the Nürburgring. The characteristic yellow-black-grey striped motorsport stickers give the smart model the right flair. The black grille and logo bar stand in sharp contrast to the white body color, and the graphite black side mirror casings underline its bullish motorsports character. An additional eye-catcher is the Opel motorsport emblem in the form of a stylized racing driver against a yellow background on the B-pillars. This model is available with the entire spectrum of powertrains, ranging from 140 to 200 hp on the gasoline side and from 130 to 195 hp on the diesel side.

Opel Astra GTC in motorsport outfit

Opel Astra GTC is absolutely unique in its motorsports outfit, combining elements from various sports and OPC model versions. The striking front is from the BiTurbo, while the side skirt and rear design come from the OPC Line Package. When opening the door, one’s eye immediately goes to the black running boards. Inside the interior cabin there is also pure rallye and racing ambience. Opel Astra GTC features optional aluminum pedals as well as specially designed floor mats with yellow stitching, and Astra GTC drivers open and start their car with a special motorsport-style key.

!NEW! Season Results: Opel Celebrates Successful Return to Motorsport

Big sporting event: New Opel ADAM R2 impresses at ADAC Three Cities Rally

Fast youngster: Marijan Griebel and Fabian Kreim win young talent competition

Best prospects: ADAC Opel Rallye Cup 2014 with 14 more ADAMs in starting line-up

Green Hell: Opel Astra OPC Cup successful on the Nürburgring Nordschleif

Mario Merten and the Bonk Motorsport team bring home a victory in the Opel Astra OPC Cup. Merten finished the season alongside Jürgen Nett, following the passing away of his original partner, Wolf Silvester (photo) during the course of the season.

What an exciting first season in Opel's comeback to motorsport! With two brand trophies up for grabs in 2013, the German carmaker returned to the national stage. It continued its great touring car tradition with the 300 hp Opel Astra OPC, for which there were nine rounds of the Astra OPC Cup on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife within the framework of the VLN Endurance Championship. Two drivers shared an Astra for these marathon races through the "Green Hell". At the season’s final last weekend, Mario Merten and Jürgen Nett were ultimately victorious in winning the Astra OPC Cup from their toughest rivals Jannik Olivo and Elmar Jurek by a wafer-thin margin of 29 points.

Opel Astra OPC Cup: On average, in the first season of the Opel Astra OPC Cup, 18 Cup-Astras started out on the Nürnburgring. Four teams shared the wins of the nine races and Mario Merten was the most successful driver with five victories

For Jörg Schrott, Director Opel Motorsport, the racing was excellent: "Congratulations to Bonk Motorsport and Mario Merten on the championship win in the Opel Astra OPC Cup! We have experienced an incredibly exciting and toughly-contested first season. Plans for the 2014 season are already underway: “We will continue to build on our involvement in the coming year. We would like to make the Cup even more attractive with a further six vehicles.”

The little Opel ADAM shows big form

The ADAC Opel Rallye Cup season ended with three key outcomes. At the Three Cities Rallye, the ADAM pack had an overall Cup victor, Markus Fahrner, there was a junior driver award winner, Marijan Griebel, and a free starting place in a brand-new Opel ADAM R2 for next season.

A junior-evaluation: Opel motorsport director Jörg Schrott (left) and ADAC Sportspresident Hermann Tomczyk with the fastest of the young talent team: Griebel/Rath (middle). Kreim/Engel and Allkofer/Götzenberger (right).

Of the five youngsters – Christian Allkofer, Timo Broda, Dominik Dinkel, Marijan Griebel and Fabian Kreim – Griebel and Kreim were ultimately able to assert themselves. The young driver will thus receive an ADAM R2 especially prepared by Holzer Rennsport in Augsburg for the brand Cup next year. This latest, 185-hp rallye version caused a sensation as a course car at the Three Cities Rallye with ADAC Sport President Hermann Tomcsyk at the wheel. This second prototype (number one had its world premiere at the Deutschland Rallye in August) has been further enhanced, and now roughly approximates the status Opel will homologate on January 1 with the international motorsports federation FIA. This means that the foundations have already been laid for the 2014 season.

Rallye-champions: Opel motorsport director Jörg Schrott (left) and ADAC Sportspresident Hermann Tomczyk with the three fastest of the rallye-team 2013: Griebel/Rath (middle). Kreim/Engel and Allkofer/Götzenberger (right).

Stronger engagement in the Opel Rallye Cup 2014

In collaboration with the ADAC, Opel will be intensifying its promotion of young drivers in rallying. The current R1 vehicles, with upgrades and slight modifications, will remain in the competition and will be joined by 14 brand-new R2s. The highly attractive price of the ADAM Cup variant remains unchanged at 24,900 euros. Like this year, participants will take delivery of their cars directly at the Eisenach plant, where the Opel ADAM is built. It is, in fact, the only small car from a German manufacturer that is actually made in Germany.

The flying Rallye-ADAM: After damage to the axle driving shaft, the team Fahrner/Wenzel put all their eggs in one basket. A record time in the last time trial was decisive in the win of the ADAC Opel Rallye Cup.

The Opel Rallye Cup will consist of eight races within the framework of the ADAC Rallye Masters 2014. Young drivers up to 27 years old are eligible to take part. Older drivers can take part outside of the brand trophy and will be assessed in a joint division in the ADAC Rallye Masters. This is well worth winning, given that the senior winner will receive a new series production ADAM as a prize at the end of the season. For the Opel Rallye Cup itself, the prize money is increased: first place receives 30,000 euros, second place 20,000 euros and third place 10,000 euros. A junior rating winner who qualifies for a free ride in 2015 rounds off the package. Motorsport could hardly be more attractive for young drivers.

Rallye-champion Fahrner: after eight races of the season with a total of 91 time trials, it was in the end a single second in the very last time trial of the year that was decisive in settling the duel of titles between Markus Fahrner/Michael Wenzel and Marijan Griebel/Alexander Rath.

Opel Chief Marketing Officer Tina Müller agrees: "The young, committed drivers in our trendy, quick Rallye ADAM are a perfect fit to Opel. This is hands-on motorsport. It’s gripping for the spectators and exciting for the participants. So it is a highly emotional experience for all involved and all takes place on a very high technical level."

!NEW! Opel celebrates with his fans comeback at the Endurance classic

• 210,000 spectators enjoy Opel comeback at the Nürburgring
•  Fritzsche / Fritzsche / Wolter / Gusenbauer win the Class Cup 1
• 54th Class victory for the Opel brand in the 24-hour race

The Opel traditional racing colors of white and yellow.
Opel Astra OPC Cup - Team Kissling Motorsport with starting number 110

The Opel brand is back in motorsport 210,000 spectators around the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife, the brand celebrated with the flash at the 41 ADAC Zurich 24-Hour Race a great comeback. In the endurance classic in the Eifel proved the used Opel cars - from the brand new Opel Astra OPC to iconic Manta - perseverance to the end. Support for the hunt by the 'Green Hell' were the racers of the many fans of the brand, the camp at the Nürburgring for days. So fans can easily follow the race from the best seats at the Nordschleife, Opel has approached the tent and storage spaces and distributed 1,000 Opel folding chairs.

Longtime partners: Opel and Kissling Motorsport Motorsport with drivers starting number 110 (from left to right). Rear: Michael F. Meyer (Opel), Alex Hofmann, Stefan Kissling, Kroher Thomas, Thomas Sedran (Opel board), Hannu Luostarinen, front: Gerry Diel, Helmut Kissling, Jörg Schrott  (Opel Motorsport).

"The Opel fans at the Nurburgring are just great," says Alex Hofmann, who has gone into a prepared Kissling Motorsport Opel Astra OPC at the start. "The most emotional moment for me was the introduction round with the many fans along the way. In the dovetail I felt like in, Opel Country '-. Those who cheered me and the other riders everywhere people with yellow T-shirts "

Opel is back in motorsport. With well over a dozen privately inserted Opel cars, the brand is celebrating its comeback with the flash in the 24-hour race

Inspired by the racing comeback at the Nürburgring is also Dr. Thomas Sedran, Strategy Management Board of Adam Opel AG, who followed the race on the spot and the team pressed the thumb. "This is my first 24-hour race and I'm really impressed. The atmosphere is unique and the whole atmosphere authentic. The atmosphere in this race is comparable to any other event. "

Opel Astra OPC Cup - Team Motorsport Düchting with starting number 305
                   Background: The legendary Opel Manta in the box.

"The 24-hour race is a fascinating event and it is important that in this great Opel Motorsport Festival where", Sedran said. "Our numerous Opel teams offer viewers great motorsport. Our commitment to the grassroots is the private teams possible at a manageable budget. This combination is also reflected in our brand philosophy. The racing cars of Opel show our guests and the many fans around the Nurburgring Opel's sporty image and promote our series products. "

With experience and routine to Victory

Great joy after 24 hours: The victory in the Cup Class 1 won the Opel Astra OPC with the starting number 303 Appointed by the Union Race Teichmann Racing Cup racer with the driver and crew Hans-Jürgen Otto Fritzsche, Thorsten and Werner Wolter Gusenbauer crossed after 76 rounds the finish line as the winner. For the Opel brand, it is the 54th Class victory in the history of the 24-hour race, the twins Fritzsche it is the sixth. "We've already been run many victories, but is particularly beautiful," said Otto Fritzsche was happy at the finish. "In the end, 'Green Hell' conquered 'experience in the most difficult conditions in the. Without a doubt this race will still remain long in your memory. "

This was preceded thrilling door-to-door duels, some long battles every few seconds, and many lead changes. One of the biggest competitors were Alex Hofmann, Thomas and Hanno Luostarinen Kroher. The trio in the yellow-white Astra, the traditional colors of Opel Motorsport, with the starting number 110 came in second to the finish - and former MotoGP rider Hofmann not only delighted with the podium. "I've driven a few 24-hour race, but never finished the race. The race was great fun and the finish is a dream come true. Thanks to the team of Kissling Motorsport who made this possible. "

The third place Maximilian Hackländer, Christian Gebhardt, Pierrehumbert and Daniel Bohr counted. The driver line-up of the Opel Astra OPC with the starting number 305 had led the class for a long time and was thrown back by an accident. At the end they lacked 8.484 seconds in second place.

The checkered flag after the 24 hours also saw the very popular with the fans Opel Manta. In the SP3 class Olaf Beckmann, Volker Strycek, Peter hatred and Jürgen Schulten occupied sixth place. Dr. Thomas Sedran: "It's great that the 24-hour race sporty models from our current product range at the start are - above all the vehicles out of the Opel Astra OPC Cup. A contrast to this is the manta. The Manta has always been a very emotional car with all the fun. This is now our motto. "

The next performance by Opel Astra OPC at the third round of the VLN Endurance Championship Nürburgring 22 June 2013.

!NEW! Opel is back in the "Green Hell"

Brand with the flash emblem shows the flag at the festival of Motorsport

Seven Astra OPC Cup teams take part in 24-hour challenge

Opel Astra OPC Cup 

Opel is back "is the motto at the 41st series of the 24-hour race (May 17 - 20, 2013) at the Nürburgring. In one of the official return to the rally and circuit shows the brand with the flash also the festival of motorsport flag. Around 200,000 visitors expected may Opel to about a dozen privately employed - including the all-new Astra OPC Cup racer and the Foxtail Manta cult status - happy.

One of the Astra OPC racing touring car is used by long-time Opel partner Kissling Motorsport in the traditional racing colors of white and yellow. Thanks to on-board camera TV viewers come (Sport 1) to enjoy pictures from the cockpit. For exclusive information from the racing scene provide the live commentary of the Astra OPC pilot Alex Hofmann. The ex-motorcycle GP pilot has experience with this kind of live coverage: "I am looking forward to use in Astra OPC at the 24 Hours on the ring. The car can be driven to great and is still really fast. I will do my best to resist the many spectators back the racing atmosphere directly from the cockpit unfiltered. "

VLN Endurance Championship in Nürburgring is the most popular endurance racing series in Europe.

Also around the two-storey hospitality over the NGK chicane where Opel dealers, their partners, employees and guests receive the Hofmann Astra will be 110 main topic of conversation with the starting number. In addition to an entertainment "around the clock" with permanent information on racing events also ex-DTM driver and Le Mans winner Joachim Winkelhock will be available for interview rounds and autograph actions. Another highlight is the "place in the front row" action: Opel transporter control during the 24 hours the tent and camp sites of many Opel fans in the "Green Hell". Her cargo, 1,000 Opel folding chairs will be distributed free to the fans.

The customer cars will compete in all ten rounds of the VLN season and there's a brand trophy - Astra OPC Cup - extend each other. As a highlight of the season participation is provided at the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring.

"Such performances as here the engagement at the 24-hour race play a very important role in the restructuring of our company. We shape our brand profile, "says the strategy board of Adam Opel AG, Thomas Sedran. "Especially in width and sports clients, we build on a successful tradition. No other brand has so many enthusiastic fans at the track as we at the Nürburgring. These people are all in performance and quality orientation down to earth, honest and authentic - just like Opel ".

A total of seven teams go from the new Astra OPC Cup at the start. The use of the 300 hp Astra OPC are the loyal Opel fans on the "natural stands" around the Nordschleife as well with cheers and flag-waving reward as the pass-by of the legendary Foxtail Manta B, which already for the endurance classic 13 Takes time to attack.

The racetrack is a Opel's always been. The tour car sport the brand with the Lightning celebrated mainly on their "home track," the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, countless successes. Was in the professional field from 1993 driven by Manuel Reuter Calibra V6 an icon of fans, first in the DTM and eventually winning the title in 1996 in the successor series ITC. Other highlights: the brand championship in 1998 in the DTM / ITC series STW successor to the Vectra and the overall victory in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in 2003 with an Astra V8 Coupe.