During the international media launch of the new Mokka GSE in Madrid we spoke to Junior European Rally Champion Calle Carlberg and reigning ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup Champion Tom Heindrichs about Opel’s ongoing commitment to grassroots rallying, their ultimate goals and the close bond with their co-drivers. Both drivers agree that they would not be where they are today without the support from Opel Motorsport.

Opel Post: First of all, thank you for taking the time and congratulations to both of you on your achievements this season. If you both had to pick one personal highlight of the year, what would it be?

Calle Carlberg: For me, it has to be the win in the Czech Republic. The rally was really difficult for us, but when we crossed the finish line and realised, we had secured the European championship together with Opel and everyone who supported us, it was just an amazing feeling. I’ve never experienced emotions like that before. It felt unreal – but incredibly special.

Tom Heindrichs: For me, it actually came down to the last stage of the season. We arrived there second in the championship and everything was riding on the final power stage. Unfortunately for Sito (Alex Espanol), he crashed. Once we heard he was ok, the emotions came out. It was a great moment and felt so good.

Opel Post: Unlike many other motorsports events rallying does not just come down to the driver. How important is the relationship between driver and co-driver in rallying?

Calle Carlberg: It’s absolutely crucial. If you look at the results we’ve had this year and throughout my career, it always comes down to teamwork. You spend so much time together in the car, under pressure, and you need to be perfectly connected. . Every second counts and ultimate precision is required. It’s not just about pace notes, it’s about trust, communication and understanding each other. (smiles) It’s almost like having a girlfriend – but in a rally car. You have to really connect and be able to collaborate. You spend more time with your co-driver than with many people in your personal life.

Tom Heindrichs: Yes, exactly. You’re together for so long, you have to understand each other completely. And I see more of my co-driver than of my girlfriend. And it’s not only the driving part – it’s also about preparations, organisation, and everything that happens outside the car. Without that connection, it would be impossible.

Opel Post: You both seem very calm and grounded. How important is that for success in rallying?

Calle Carlberg: Every character is different, but I think staying grounded helps you grow. When you think you’re better than everyone else, you stop learning. I always try to learn from others, even from my competitors. That mindset is what helps you reach higher goals.

Tom Heindrichs: Speed doesn’t make you a better person. What matters is how you treat the people around you – your team, your supporters, your fans. You need to stay human and respectful, no matter how fast you are.

Opel Post: You both came through the Opel Motorsport grassroots system. How important are competitions like this for young rally drivers?

Calle Carlberg: For me, it was absolutely crucial. Motorsport and rallying in particular is incredibly expensive. I didn’t have big sponsors or family money, so the Opel Electric Rally Cup was the only realistic way forward for me. It gave me the chance to show what I could do. Without it, I honestly wouldn’t be here today.

Tom Heindrichs: It was very similar for me. I had competed before and even won championships in Belgium, but there was no clear next step. So being able to race in the Electric Cup was exciting. The level of competition in the Cup is really high. Every stage counts and you cannot afford to make any mistakes. Thanks to this, you really develop as a driver. Winning the Opel Cup has now opened the door to the European stage, and I am already looking forward to the next season.

Opel Post: What are your long-term goals in rallying?

Calle Carlberg: The ultimate dream is, of course, to become World Champion. But we know it’s a long road. For now, it’s about setting realistic goals and progressing step by step. Rallying is my profession, and I want to continue doing this for many years.

Tom Heindrichs: The World Championship is also my biggest goal, but right now the focus is on development and the ADAC Opel Junior Team. Taking each step properly and improving every season.

Opel Post: How big is the difference between the Opel Corsa Rally Electric and the Opel Mokka GSE Rally?

Calle Carlberg: The step is massive. The Mokka GSE has double the power. On a race track it feels perfect, but on rally stages it’s very intense. I had the pleasure to drive it at Central European Rally this year. It’s fast, stable and incredibly exciting, and it’s getting close to world championship-level performance. With a top speed of 200 km/h it is crazy to see the trees flying by on the small road we use for rallying.

Tom Heindrichs: The first time I drove the Mokka GSE Rally was somewhat intimidating. Cold tyres, wet conditions, and suddenly all that power. But once you get used to it, it’s so much fun to drive. It gives you exactly the adrenaline and excitement you look for as a rally driver.

Opel Post: Journalists had the chance to join you in the car. How did they react?

Calle Carlberg: When you watch from the outside, you don’t get the real sensation. Inside the car, everything moves, the speed feels extreme, and you have to make decisions every fraction of a second. I had quite a few journalists tell me that they can now understand why I am the European champion. That said, a rally stage is completely different and even more intense.

Tom Heindrichs: I had a few journalists who were in a rally car for the first time and seeing their reaction was great. They all got out with a big smile on their face which was really cool to see. Like Calle said, experiencing this car on a track is one thing but it has been designed for rallying – and driving it on a rally track is even more impressive.