Championship Glory for Tom Heindrichs

A dramatic season finale in the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” at the Central European Rally.

Alex Español loses the title after a crash on the final stage, while Tom Heindrichs celebrates his first championship crown. Marcel Neulinger takes his maiden Cup victory at the World Championship event.

The 2025 ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” could not have ended in more dramatic fashion.

Heading into the final stage of the season, Spain’s Alex “Sito” Español and Belgium’s Tom Heindrichs were locked in a tense, point-by-point battle for the championship title.

Español, who had led the standings for much of the year, found the going tougher than usual at the Central European Rally. A broken shock absorber during Saturday’s eighth stage cost him precious time and confidence.

As the crews lined up for the decisive Power Stage (SS10) on Sunday afternoon, Español still held a narrow advantage - setting up a “winner takes all” showdown.

Final Stage Drama

For Español, the finale ended in heartbreak. Just a few kilometres from the finish, the Opel España driver lost control in a high-speed section, sending his car into a multiple rollover.

He and co-driver Borja Odriozola escaped unharmed, thanks to the exceptional safety standards of the Opel Corsa Rally Electric, though Español was taken to hospital for precautionary checks.

The crash meant that Tom Heindrichs secured the championship title - a fitting reward after an intense and hard-fought season.

“It will take some time for it all to sink in,” said the 21-year-old from Belgium’s German-speaking region, who once again relied on the precise notes of co-driver Jonas Schmitz.

“It’s been a tough season with plenty of ups and downs. We faced challenges, but we never gave up and always tried to make the best out of every situation. That made us stronger and helped us stay calm in this incredibly close finale.

I feel really sorry for Sito - he was an amazing competitor. We also had some tense moments in the Power Stage, but we brought the title home, and we’re extremely happy about it.”

Stepping Up to the ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team

Thanks to his championship triumph, Tom Heindrichs now graduates to the ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team, where he will compete in the FIA Junior European Rally Championship behind the wheel of a Stohl Racing-run Opel Corsa Rally4.

“That was our goal from the very beginning,” Tom said. “We knew it wouldn’t be easy, especially since almost all the rallies this year were new to us. I’m incredibly proud of the whole team and of Jonas, who did a fantastic job all season.

I can’t thank our partners enough — none of this would have been possible without their support. I’ve learned more this year than ever before!”

With three victories, unwavering determination, and composure under pressure, Tom Heindrichs has written his name into the history books of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup.

The Belgian’s journey now continues on the European stage — where a new and exciting chapter is about to begin.