Marijan Griebel Sets Early Pace at ADAC Saarland-palatinate Rally
St. Wendel, germany – Rally enthusiasts were treated to a thrilling start at the ADAC Saarland-Palatinate Rally. Marijan Griebel,coupled with co-pilot Ella Kremer,has seized an commanding early lead. The duo powered their ŠKODA FABIA RS Rally2 to victory in all four timed stages on Friday.
The event, a key fixture in the German Rally Championship, drew meaningful crowds to spectating points offering clear views. Sunny skies and temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius created an ideal atmosphere for the rally’s opening day. The wind farm stage, in particular, provided stunning aerial displays from the competing vehicles.
Close Competition Fills the Top rankings
Following Griebel closely are brand colleagues Julius Tannert and Helmar Hinneberg, who secured second place.They trail Griebel by a margin of 13.4 seconds. Philip Geipel and Jennifer Lerch round out the top three in their Toyota Gr Yaris Rally2.
Notable presence in the rally includes former Dutch Formula 1 driver Jos Verstappen, navigating alongside Belgian passenger renaud Jamoul in a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2. Verstappen’s team currently occupies fourth overall and leads the DRM2 Masters special classification.
Dennis Rostek and Stefan Kopczyk, also piloting a ŠKODA, are positioned fifth overall and second in the DRM2 Masters.Their performance indicates strong competition within this specialized category.
Class Victories and Emerging Talents
In the DRM3 class, Carsten Mohe and co-pilot Andrea delivered a dominant performance. Piloting a renault Clio Rally3,they secured victories in all four stages of the day.They finished well ahead of their competitors, including second-placed Ben van de Laar and Marlon Krieger from the Netherlands.
The DRM4 class saw impressive driving from Colin Dünker and Jonas decker. Their Ford Fiesta Rally4 proved superior, building a lead of over thirty seconds against rivals Max Schumann and Annault in a Renault clio Rally4.
Jonas Ertz and Maresa Lade navigated their Opel Corsa Rally4 to a respectable third place in the same class.
Classic and National Categories Highlight Diverse Racing
The DRM Classic and DRM National categories also presented exciting racing. Walter Gromöller, with co-driver René Meier in an Opel Ascona 400, leads both classifications. They are closely pursued by Steven Gisch and Kevin lennartz in a Mitsubishi Evo 9 RS.
Andreas Dahms and Paul Schubert concluded the first stage in third place in the popular sports series, driving a Porsche 996 GT3.
What to Expect on Day Two
The ADAC Saarland-Palatinate Rally continues on Saturday at 8:37 a.m. The final leg of the competition comprises eight timed stages, covering a total distance of 98.68 kilometers. The rally will conclude with an awards ceremony on the Schlossplatz in St. Wendel at 5:40 p.m.,where the top three finishers in each category will be celebrated.
| Position | Driver(s) | Car | Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Marijan Griebel / Ella Kremer | ŠKODA FABIA RS Rally2 | Overall |
| 2nd | Julius Tannert / Helmar Hinneberg | ŠKODA | Overall |
| 3rd | Philip Geipel / Jennifer Lerch | Toyota Gr Yaris Rally2 | Overall |
| 4th | Jos Verstappen / Renaud Jamoul | Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 | Overall / DRM2 Masters Leader |
| 1st (DRM3) | Carsten Mohe / Andrea | Renault Clio Rally3 | DRM3 |
| 1st (DRM4) | Colin Dünker / Jonas Decker | Ford Fiesta Rally4 | DRM4 |
| 1st (DRM Classic) | Walter Gromöller / René Meier | Opel ascona 400 | DRM Classic |
Rallying: A Test of Skill and Endurance
The ADAC Saarland-Palatinate Rally is a prime example of the demanding nature of motorsport. Success in rallying requires not only a powerful and reliable vehicle but also exceptional driver skill, strategic co-driving, and meticulous preparation. The constant adaptation to changing road conditions, weather, and mechanical challenges tests the resilience of every team.
Did You Know? The German Rally Championship (DRM) is one of the oldest and most prestigious rally series in Europe,with a rich history dating back several decades. many legendary drivers have competed and won titles in the DRM.
Pro Tip: for aspiring rally enthusiasts or drivers, understanding vehicle dynamics, pace note systems, and the importance of teamwork with a co-driver are crucial first steps. Following professional rallies provides invaluable insights into the dedication and expertise required at the highest levels.
This event showcases a diverse range of vehicles, from the latest rally-spec machines to classic models, highlighting the evolution of rally technology and the enduring appeal of motorsport heritage. Events like these are vital for grassroots motorsport growth, inspiring future generations of drivers and engineers.
What do you think of Marijan Griebel’s dominant performance on the opening day? Share your thoughts on the ADAC Saarland-Palatinate Rally in the comments below!
