Schulz impressed by finishing runner-up to Roberto Daprà on last month’s Rally di Roma Capitale for his first podium in the Hankook-equipped young driver category.
His performance, at the wheel of a Hankook-equipped Opel Corsa Rally4, followed a character-building start to his ERC career on the gravel-based rounds in Poland, Latvia and Sweden earlier this year.
“We had set our sights high for the first asphalt rally of this season, and I’m very happy that we managed to finish on the podium,” said Schulz, who turned 24 earlier this month. “Despite the initial minor problems, we quickly found a good rhythm in the cockpit and steadily improved. On [the final day] we showed that we can keep up with the pace of the frontrunners. This second place feels incredibly good.”
Opel Motorsport Director Jörg Schrott was impressed by his protégé and his co-driver Michael Wenzel. He said: “Timo and Michael have proven that they and the Corsa Rally4 belong to the best in this top field. This podium finish is a well-deserved reward for the hard work of the entire team; it gives everyone a boost and self-confidence. We now need to build on this great performance and then we can go into the last two rallies with optimism.”
Looking ahead to Barum Czech Rally Zlín and the penultimate event of the Junior ERC season, Schulz said: “Unfortunately we no longer have a realistic chance of winning the title so we can tackle the last two events of the season in the Czech Republic and Hungary more freely. I've never driven the Barum Rally, but the characteristics with the narrow, fast stages should suit us and the Corsa Rally4.”
Schulz’s Junior ERC drive with the Manfred Stohl-run ADAC Opel Rallye Junior Team is his prize for winning the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup last season.
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