Post by Ulrich Eberle, Ph.D.

Walter Röhrl’s First Major Title 51 years ago: Together with his co-driver Jochen Berger, the exceptional driver won the European Rally Championship 1974 – with a maximum possible tally of 120 points. They have already scored 100 points – Walter Röhrl and Jochen Berger are clearly leading the overall standings when they arrive in the canton of Ticino in October 1974. At the 13th Rallye Internazionale di Lugano, the two Opel drivers can secure the European Championship title early. And it is going well. Right from the start, they take pole position among the 52 competitors. The tough special stages in the mountains between Lugano and Lake Maggiore take their toll. One team after the other is eliminated – only 18 vehicles cross the finish line on October 13th. As usual, the Opel Ascona with Walter Röhrl and Jochen Berger is in the lead. After 1,000 kilometers, the duo crosses the finish line more than 10 minutes ahead of the second-placed team. With their sixth overall victory and 120 points – the highest number of points ever achieved up to that point – they won the 1974 European Rally Championship.  https://lnkd.in/eUHxvmsu