- 21 teams of the Mitropa Rally Cup (MRC) compete for points at the season opener in Southern Styria.
- Participants from 4 nations will fight for victory in the classification categories across 16 special stages totaling 166 kilometers.
- Selective stages around the wine village of Leutschach await teams and spectators.
On Friday, March 13, the Mitropa Rally Cup (MRC) begins its 61st season with the Rebenland Rally in Southern Styria. Out of a total of 61 competing crews, 21 teams are registered for the Mitropa Rally Cup.
In the classification for vehicles complying with the current FIA regulations, 11 participants will start. Among them are the winners of the Mitropa Rally Cup classification at this rally in the last two years, Albert von Thurn und Taxis with co-driver Jara Hain. Carrying start number 4 in a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, they will compete among the elite of Austrian rally drivers.
In the MRC classification for historic vehicles according to FIA Appendix K, four Mitropa Rally Cup teams will compete for points. This category is led by Italian driver Rino Muradore in a Ford Escort RS2000. Muradore is the reigning champion in this classification.
In the internal Club Championship, six registered teams in the category for non-homologated vehicles will tackle the 16 special stages through the vineyards.
At this event, which also counts toward the Austrian Rally Championship, Mayor Erich Plasch and his team are looking forward to welcoming the competitors. The rally starts on Friday at 13:30. The winner will be expected on Saturday evening at 18:20 at the finish in the wine village of Leutschach after completing 16 special stages covering 166 competitive kilometers and a total rally distance of 311 kilometers.
