Opel e-Rally Cup rules

Started in 2021 and partnered by TotalEnergies, the Opel e-Rally Cup has been an instant hit. This is hardly a surprise, given not only its 100% electric concept – a highly innovative approach in rallying – but also its carefully-designed regulations that promote the involvement of younger competitors.

Excellent value – and fun – for your money 

Although this first edition of the Opel e-Rally Cup was won decisively by the French driver Laurent Pellier, a stalwart of Stellantis Motorsport and TotalEnergies’ rallying promotional formulas, it was almost exclusively contested in Germany. Its race calendar featured seven events in Germany, as well as a trip over the border into the Czech Republic for the famous Barum Rally, an event very familiar to regulars in the European Rally Championship.

Entry fees stand at €5,900 excl. tax, but these include the provision of overalls for the crew and Opel e-Rally Cup official clothing, as well as other benefits. Above all, entry provides competitors with the chance to win the substantial prize money that is given out at each round. In fact, there is some €6,900 up for grabs at every rally, split between the top ten. At the same time, in order to keep costs down, each Opel Corsa-e Rally driver may only select a maximum of six slick tyres and six rain tyres per race.

Points are awarded at each rally to the top fifteen, as well as the first five in the Power Stage, whilst the driver recording the most stage wins during the weekend earns five bonus points.

This is how the final standings of the Opel e-Rally Cup are determined. Junior standings, restricted to competitors aged twenty-six and under, are also established and the top three drivers share the tidy sum of €30,000 at the end of the year. The same three drivers are invited to take part in a driver selection process, along with other talented youngsters. The process is designed to identify the competitors who will join Opel’s Junior driver development programme, with the chance to take part in several international events in an Opel Corsa Rally4 the following season.