Season Kickoff in the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup: Valuable Lessons from the First Two Rounds for Tom Heindrichs and Jonas Schmitz

The start of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” season did not go entirely as planned for Tom Heindrichs and co-driver Jonas Schmitz. Nevertheless, the duo showed strong pace and promising potential during the opening rounds, proving that they will be ones to watch this year.

Rallye Sulingen: Strong Start Hampered by Technical Issues

At the Rallye Sulingen, Tom and Jonas began their campaign in style, setting a fastest stage time right out of the gate. Over the next three stages, they lost some time but managed to end the first day in second place overall.

On the second day, however, technical difficulties emerged. An overheating battery caused a loss of power, forcing the team to ease off the pace. Despite their best efforts, they finished the rally in fourth place.

Following the event, the car was returned to the workshop for a thorough inspection to identify and resolve the issue.

ELE Rally: Steady Progress and Another Stage Win

Heading into the ELE Rally, the car was back in perfect working order. However, challenging conditions made it difficult for Tom to find his rhythm. Even so, the crew once again showcased their speed by winning another special stage.

They eventually finished the event in fourth place, gaining valuable points and experience for the rest of the season.

Conclusion

While the season opener brought its share of challenges, Tom Heindrichs and Jonas Schmitz demonstrated impressive determination, adaptability, and outright speed. With two stage wins already under their belts, it’s clear that once everything comes together, a podium finish is well within reach.