2.12.2002
OPC revs up for DTM 2003

In preparation for the new 2003 German Touring Car Masters (DTM) racing season, Opel Motor Sport creates a new structure, introduces the advanced development of the Astra V8 Coupé Opel and renews contracts with Manuel Reuter and Alain Menu.

In preparation for the new 2003 German Touring Car Masters (DTM) racing season, Opel Motor Sport creates a new structure, introduces the advanced development of the Astra V8 Coupé Opel and renews contracts with Manuel Reuter and Alain Menu.

"The DTM has seen another boost of in national and international standing. Immense popularity with trackside fans as well as TV audiences and the high caliber of technical and sporting competition are distinctive traits of the series," says Volker Strycek, Opel motor sport director.

New structure headed by technical director Wiet Huidekoper

Wiet Huidekoper has been appointed technical director. The 49-year-old Dutchman, who played a major role in various touring car, sports car and formula projects, assumed overall responsibility for development, engineering design and vehicle assembly within the DTM last month. Huidekoper heads a highly motivated team of engineers and technical staff.

The development, engineering design and vehicle assembly as well as logistics and quality control are now consolidated in the OPC branch in Bobingen near Augsburg, Germany. "This clearly raises our level of efficiency," says Strycek. Despite outsourcing aerodynamics development to Fondmetal Engineering in Italy and engine development and assembly to Opel's long-standing partner Spiess near Stuttgart, these functions will continue to be directed by OPC.

Five new Opel Astra V8 Coupés

The 2003 Astra V8 Coupé features a modified frame and is powered by a refined Opel four-liter, eight-cylinder engine that has also undergone additional development.
For DTM 2003, a total of five new Opel Astra V8 Coupés will be built. Two of the new cars will be run by Opel Team Holzer (Augsburg) and Opel Team Phoenix (Meuspath). The fifth will be used as a test car. Opel Euroteam (Arese/Italy) will be racing two 2002 cars.

Menu and Reuter confirmed as drivers – plans include junior driver

OPC has renewed contracts with Manuel Reuter and Alain Menu for 2003. Opel's contract with Manuel Reuter (40), a native of Mainz, Germany, now living in Austria, dates back to 1992. In 1996, the two-time winner of Le Mans won the FIA International Touring Car Championship (ITC) in an Opel Calibra V6. In 2000, he was DTM vice-champion in an Astra V8 Coupé. The Swiss Alain Menu (39) now living in the UK, has been racing for Opel since 2001. His track record includes winning the British Touring Car Championship on two occasions.

"We'll definitely be seeing a new face among Opel's line-up," says Strycek on plans to include a junior driver. During test drives in Albacete, Spain, and in Vallelunga, Opel reviewed nine drivers. "There'll be at least one young talent included in our ranks. Someone we intend to promote and develop within the Opel Euroteam. For us, this means the continuation of our long-standing effort of promoting young talent."

Learn more about OPC at www.opel-performance.com