Zellhofer comeback: 20 years after the last rally adventure!

Zellhofer comeback: 20 years after the last rally adventure!

On April 5, 2025, Martin Zellhofer is preparing for his comeback at the Lavanttal Rally. After a 20-year break, the experienced rally driver will take part in this prestigious event together with his brother Christoph, which will take place on April 11th and 12th, 2025. The Lavanttal Rally is considered the toughest and most difficult rally in Austria, which only increases the anticipation of the challenge. Zellhofer describes the route as one of the most demanding, especially because of the changing ground conditions.

Zellhofer has a powerful vehicle in use for the event. He will compete in a Ford Fiesta Rally2 after finishing fifth in 2005 in a Mitsubishi EVO VI. For him, returning to this rally is not only a sporting challenge, but also the desire to live out his passion for motorsport again.

Rally challenges and tradition

Over the years, the Lavanttal Rally has developed a reputation as an extremely demanding event. Zellhofer's comments on the special challenges suggest that, in addition to speed, technical skill and handling of the vehicles will also be crucial. This places special demands on the drivers, especially in the changeable conditions that are typical of this rally.

The event has attracted many leaders of the Austrian rallying scene over the years. Numerous drivers have shone in recent years, including multiple national champion Raimund Baumschlager, who drove to victory in a VW Polo R WRC in 2017 together with Thomas Zeltner. In previous years he dominated with various vehicles such as the Skoda Fabia S2000 from 2010 and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX.

Insights into history

The list of previous state champions in recent years shows the championship to be a highly competitive area where every title has to be fought hard. The statistics prove the dominance of certain drivers and vehicles, such as the successes of Baumschlager and Zeltner or Neubauer and Ettel in the Ford Fiesta WRC RS. These successes underline the quality and competitive spirit that is typical of the Austrian rally scene.

Zellhofer's return to the Lavanttal Rally represents a significant moment in his career. The anticipation of the upcoming two rally days, combined with the tough competition and the demanding track conditions, promises an exciting weekend of competition. Both athletes and fans are looking forward to a spectacular comeback and the race for valuable points on the way to the Austrian rally championship.

For more details and current updates on the Lavanttal Rally, you can NOEN and Laola1 visit.