14.4.2003
OPC focuses on the DTM
Opel will continue to focus motor sport commitment on the DTM in the 2003 season. The new OPC DTM Center, new driver/team combinations and a newly developed Opel Astra V8 Coupe comprise Opel's commitment.
New OPC DTM Center
The company's commitment to DTM is signified by the new OPC DTM Center in Bobingen, near Augsburg, Germany. This is where engineering design, research and development, production, quality assurance, logistics, vehicle preparation as well as an independent OPC test team have been consolidated under one roof for the first time.
Six Astra V8 Coupes and new driver/team combinations
Opel will enter six identical Astra V8 Coupes in the DTM. Under the direction of Wiet Huidekoper, major aspects of the thoroughbred touring car have been completely re-developed. As such, the 2003 DTM Opel is marked by improved drivability, a more powerful four-liter V8 engine that now delivers 470 hp, more efficient aerodynamics and an improved chassis.
The driver/team combinations have also been realigned. Manuel Reuter and the Swiss Alain Menu will be driving for OPC Team Holier (Germany), Joachim Winkelhock and 21-year old DTM rookie Jeroen Bleekemolen from the Netherlands for OPC Euroteam (Italy), whilst Timo Scheider and his newly signed teammate Peter Dumbreck from Scotland will be competing for OPC Team Phoenix (Germany).
Formula 3: more powerful engine for new Euro Series
The Formula 3 Euro Series, which will stage seven of its 10 races as part of the DTM package, replaces the German Formula 3 Championship. To address the growing international competition in Formula 3 racing, Opel has increased the power of the second generation of the Formula 3 engine, which achieved five victories in its successful 2002 debut season, to 215 hp.
Opel, the most successful engine supplier to Formula 3, also makes the compact power pack available to customer teams. Fourteen of the 30 Formula 3 racing cars will be powered by Opel in the Euro Series, making Opel the brand with the highest market share of all five-engine suppliers represented.
Corsa Super 1600 in Junior WRC and six national championships
In rallying, the Opel Corsa Super 1600 will enter its second season. Two teams fielding the Corsa will participate in the Junior World Rally Championship, which is open to drivers up to 28 years of age. Team Palmer from the UK have signed Irishman Kris Meeke and the Italian Team Titancall have signed Alessandro Broccoli from the Republic of San Marino to contest the seven Junior WRC rounds. The front-wheel-driven rally Corsa, which now delivers 224 hp will compete in national championships in Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Portugal, and Great Britain.
Nürburgring 24-hour-race: preparations for entering two V8 Coupes
As a special highlight for nearly 150,000 spectators along the legendary Nordschleife, OPC is preparing two Opel Astra V8 Coupes to contest the International ADAC 24-hour-race at the Nürburgring.
In a comprehensive development and testing program OPC Team Phoenix, who are responsible for the 24-hour project, are preparing the two former DTM cars for the exceptional demands of this endurance race on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. The drivers planned to pilot the two 24-hour Astras are DTM regulars, Timo Scheider, Peter Dumbreck and Jeroen Bleekemolen.