Schatz and Schagerl are the dominators of the mountain classic

The anniversary race was an absolute success

A weekend full of new records and top performances on the track

A huge stone falls from the heart of the triumvirate at the top of the organization: “We expected an enormous response, but what happened from Friday to Sunday here on the Rechberg exceeded our wildest expectations!”

Peter Eibisberger: “We can only say thank you. To the authorities – above all the Styrian provincial government and Governor Christopher Drexler. The district authorities, the two Municipalities of Fladnitz an der Teichalm and Semriach. The supporting associations KDW Motorsport and Auer Power Motorsport with all their helpers, the fire departments with their great private commitment and the blue light organizations – they all contributed significantly to the success of this event. Landowners who made a significant contribution to ensuring that everyone had their place – whether participants or visitors.”

Mario Klammer: “I can only agree with Peter. The FIA – the highest motorsport federation in the world – had extremely complimentary words this year, which motivate us even more for the next edition in 2025. Personally, my biggest thanks go to the fans who came to us in droves. They were so disciplined, thoughtful and thus helpful for the entire process, which is something you only see in motorsports. We have only received the best feedback from our police – thank you for that!”

Christian Ferstl: “I now know every street post on the Rechberg by its first name, because I’ve been living virtually on the mountain for the last two weeks. Our cooperation with the road maintenance department, the support associations and all landowners was borderline brilliant! Everywhere we were welcomed with open arms and really everyone helped out where they could. This makes work fun and I take my hat off to the entire population from Tulwitz to Rechberg-Dorf! They live with the naturally arising restrictions that this mega-event brings with it, and at the same time use every opportunity to contribute somewhere helpful.”

The ceremonial opening with Governor Christopher Drexler and many other guests of honor was accompanied by the children of the Fladnitz/Teichalm elementary school with the flags of the 18 nations, the Fladnitz/Teichalm Music Association played hearty marching tunes and Willi Gabalier performed the Austrian national anthem live.

On the sporting side: There was a lot going on on the 4,440-meter race track this weekend. Already Saturday with its three practice runs offered the fans a glimpse of what they can expect on Sunday – namely hillclimb racing at its best.

235 starters (including 10 ladies!) tackled the Rechberg. Many established Rechberg connoisseurs competed for the best training times with “first-timers” who had come to eastern Styria for the first time. However, the top pilots have not yet shown what they are really capable of. There were also a few technical failures and slips, all of which were minor.

Karl Schagerl came to the start of the first race in top form and thanked all the fans and his team with a new touring car record (1:54.240). And it was to get even better – more on that a little later.

Second fastest was Ronnie Bratschi (1:58.968) in a Mitsubishi Evo 7 RS, third time went to Jörg Weidinger (2:00.459) in a BMW Z4 GT3.

Rupert Schwaiger was also fast in his Porsche (2:02.755) – although he drove in the D/E2-SH/+3000 class on the Rechberg because the FIA rules do not allow the Porsche to be entered in a performance class. Rupert took it easy: “I just want to have fun. It’s not about points for me. That’s why I’m racing here for the fans – and of course also because it’s my favorite mountain!”.

And Kerstin Taus celebrated a truly brilliant performance. She beat her Subaru Impreza P4 Turbo so courageously and mercilessly up the Rechberg that she was even celebrated as the fastest lady of the anniversary race, ahead of Tereza Machova and Sigrid Ferstl.

A look at the proto-types shows us a new race winner with the Frenchman Geoffrey Schatz, who showed off his new car (Nova NP 01-2 C Honda Turbo) without much opportunity to test it and also set a new track record (1:43.424).

Christian Merli (1:44.780) on his Osella FA 30 Judd LRM had to settle for second place, just ahead of the fast Spaniard Joseba Iraola Lanzagorta on his Nova NP 01-2 C Honda Turbo (1:45.074).

Breathtaking excitement was the order of the day for the second storm on the Rechberg and the fans could hardly wait for it in the glorious weather. The first race was well timed and the second session of the mountain artists began punctually at 2 p.m. in the beautiful Almenland.

First things first: Geoffrey Schatz also dominated the second run and conjured up a clean run on the mountain in a time of 1:43.550 – that’s an average speed of 154.3 kilometers per hour.

Top speed: 258.7 Km/h

Karl Schagerl was unbeatable in the touring car category. He drove his VW Golf R TFSI mercilessly to the top of the pass in the second heat in a sensational 1:54.177 and that means that he improved his own track record from the first run once again…and that with an average speed of 140.5 kilometers per hour.

The all-important second race run was started as usual with the participants of the historical classes. This year, as in the previous year, the Rechberg race was part of the historic European Championship and the many fans were treated to a veritable firework display of different vehicles – from the touring cars to the open-top “oldies”, which really stepped on the gas.

The overall results after two race rounds:

HHC (Historic European Championship)

1. Mario Massaglia (ITA – Osella PA9/90) 4:21.115
2. Franz Hilger (DEU – Chevron B38) 4:37.050
3. Roberto Turriziani (ITA – Osella PA9/90) 4:44.842

EHC (Modern European Championship) – Category 2

1. Geoffrey Schatz (FRA – Nova NP 01-2 C) 3:26.974
2. Christian Merli (ITA – Osella FA30) 3:28.548
3. Joseba Iraola Lanzagorta (ESP – Nova NP 01-2 C) 3:29.666

EHC (Modern European Championship) – Category 1

1. Karl Schagerl (AUT – VW Golf R TFSI) 3:48.417
2. Ronnie Bratschi (CZE – Mitsubishi Evo 7 RS) 3:55.487
3. Jörg Weidinger (DEU – BMW Z4 GT3) 4:00.115

ÖBM Historic (Austrian Mountain Championship)

1. Gerald Glinzner (AUT – Porsche 911 Carrera) 4:46.342
2. Reinhard Sonnleitner (AUT – VW Golf Rallye G60) 4:47.494
3. Harald Neuherz (AUT- Audi Quattro S1) 4:49.370

ÖBM Modern (Austrian Mountain Championship)

1. Geoffrey Schatz (FRA – Nova NP 01-2 C) 3:26.974
2. Christian Merli (ITA – Osella FA30) 3:28.548
3. Joseba Iraola Lanzagorta (ESP – Nova NP 01-2 C) 3:29.666

Fastest Austrian: Christoph Lampert (8th place overall)

Fastest Styrian: Rupert Schwaiger (20th place overall)

Fastest Styrian: Kerstin Taus (40th place overall)

Scored: Total 197

Failed/Not started: 38

Photo credit: Rechbergrennen/HCF-Hillclimbfans

The fans experience a dream day at the European Mountain Championships in Tulwitz

The best are stacking deep, so everything is open for race day.

The spectators came in droves, saw and were amazed: “What the organizing team has put together again this year is wonderful. We came all the way from Bavaria and were really blown away. Everything was spruced up, an incredible amount of information from the brilliant presenters and three video walls, wonderful natural grandstands and excellent regional delicacies – plus a pure racing feeling – what more could you want!” said a group of fans from near Passing.

The organizational trio Mario Klammer, Peter Eibisberger and Christian Ferstl are also very satisfied with the first day on the Rechberg. “Several thousand fans were here today and praised us for our work. But we would also like to say thank you – because without spectators such an event simply doesn’t work. The atmosphere was already great today and we are already looking forward to tomorrow!”

Now to the sporting side:

236 starters gratefully accepted the three training runs and showed from the second training session what they had in mind on race day.

The schedule held, as all the vehicles arrived back in the paddock shortly after 7.00 pm.

A few slips and technical problems were quite manageable, only the crash of Franco Berto (ITA) shortly before the “Schitterdorf” section caused a moment of shock. Fortunately, the involuntary slip at around 200 km/h had no health consequences for the pilot. Franco Berto was uninjured during his excursion into the botany, but his vehicle probably needs some new parts.

Karl Schagerl (VW Golf Rallye TFSI) was the fastest in the touring car category. He was followed by Ronny Bratschi (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 7 RS) and Jörg Weidinger (BMW Z4 GT3).

The fastest Styrian is Rupert Schwaiger with his Porsche 911 3.5 Bi-Turbo, the fastest Styrian is Sigrid Ferstl with her Formula Tatuus Master S2000. She also leads the overall list of the 10 ladies on the Rechberg after training.

The top pilots were very deep in the pile… none of them really let themselves be seen in the cards and so we will be able to see some more time fireworks on race day. So excitement is well provided for.

Frenchman Geoffrey Schatz is in first place in the overall standings after 3 training sessions. He fired his Nova NP 01-2 Honda Turbo up the pass in an incredible 1:44.440, leaving the top favorite Christian Merli (ITA) 0.501 seconds behind with his time of 1:44.541.

The fast Joseba Iraola Lanzagorta (ESP) was third fastest with a time of 1:47.351.

So the fans can look forward to Sunday. The first race starts at 09:00, the second race has been scheduled by the Rechberg team for 14:00.

Um 08.30 Uhr startet die feierliche Eröffnungszeremonie mit Landeshauptmann Mag. Christopher Drexler, dem Präsidenten der AMF Prof. Dr. Harald Hertz, den Bürgermeistern Peter Raith (Fladnitz an der Teichalm) und Gottfried Rieger (Semriach), sowie der Spitze des Organisations-Teams.

Willi Gabalier wird die Bundes-Hymne singen, begleitet wird der Festakt von der Musikkapelle Fladnitz/Teichalm und Kindern der Volksschule Fladnitz/Teichalm als fröhliche Fahnenträger.

For the livestream there is the link on the homepage, Facebook and Instagram, for the livetiming there is the homepage of Delta Timing.

Photo credit: Rechbergrennen/FIA/H.Rieger/HCF-Hillclimbfans

56 Styrian men and 4 Styrian women are very good.

The fact that our popular and well-known seed oil is not only healthy, but apparently also makes you fast, is probably one of the many reasons why 60 starters from Styria – the green heart of Austria – are competing in the time hunt on the Rechberg.

Sigrid Ferstl (#8), Kerstin Taus (#54), Stella Ocherbauer (#103) and Birgit Huber-Gschanes (#187) are the Styrian racing amazons and compete with 56 seasoned Styrian boys for the internal title of “Fastest Styrian participant“.

“According to unconfirmed rumors, the famous Stoanis are even planning to change the name of their hit song “Steirermen san very good” for our racing ladies,” says Peter Eibisberger with a mischievous smile on his lips. But he immediately waves it off and adds: “We are mighty proud of our Styrian power, which we find in the entry list – no matter who is behind the wheel!”.

Across all classes, our Styrians are divided and will thus almost continuously provide for cheers – especially for the Styrian fans.

All of them have resolved to really step on the gas on “their home mountain” in order to keep the Styrian flags flying high.

“We definitely have some contenders for victory in individual classes and with Sigrid Ferstl probably also the fastest lady on the Rechberg,” says Mario Klammer.

And the aforementioned Sigrid Ferstl says with a laugh: “Of course I want to shine with good times at my appearance, but it’s always something special to start at my home race. That’s why: let’s see – then we’ll see!”

The starting numbers and classes of our Styrian mountain glowers:

Historic:

Class A1: #267-Jürgen Pachteu, #263-Christian Holzer,

Class A6: #252-Hans Jud,

Class B4: #243-Rudolf Sporer,

Class B5: #240-Andreas Schögler, #239-Patrick Knoll,

Class C2: #225-Thomas Tkaletz, #221-August Gratzer,

Class C3: #218-Reinhold Prantl,

Class D3: #214-Harald Neuherz,

Class D5: #212-Johann Krammer,

Class D6: #209-Gernot Bittner,

Class E5: #191-Bernhard Pongratz

Modern:

PF 6: #190-Markus Gruber, #187-Birgit Huber-Gschanes, #186-Stefan Mehlmaier, #185-Josef Schögler, #183-Maximilian Adlmann, #181-Ronald Reiß, #178-Wolfgang Schutting, #174-Rene Auner, #173-Bernd Mayer

PF 5: #172-Erich Rossegger, #171-David Zottler, #170-Johann Harrer, #164-Manfred Suppan, #163-Dominik Rabl, #162-Florian Neuherz, #161-Patrick Flechl, #149-Chris-Andre Mayer

PF 4: #147-Karl Heinz Schauperl, #146-Daniel Sailer, #145-Thomas Papst, #137-Tobias Weberhofer, #130-Werner Jud, #129-Hans-Jürgen Januschkowetz, #126-Michael Taucher, #125-Andreas Mussbacher, #121-Dieter Holzer

PF 3: #115-Stefan Karl, #112-Andreas Höfler, #111-Markus Gruber, #110-Michael Auer, #109-Thomas Weberhofer, #108-Manfred Fuchs, #105-Heiko Fiausch, #103-Stella Ochabauer, #92-Christian Schweiger, #90-Diethard Sternad

PF 2: #82-Werner Karl, #75-Markus Binder, #64-Felix Pailer, #63-Kevin Raith, #62-Peter Probhardt

PF 1: #57-Franz Kogler, #54-Kerstin Taus

Group E2-SH, class +2000: #40-Rupert Schwaiger,

Group CN, E2-SC, Class -3000: #24-Andreas Hasler,

Group D, E2-SS, Class -2000: #8-Sigrid Ferstl, #7-Christian Ferstl

Voices of some of our Styrian participants:

Sigrid Ferstl“This is my second time competing on the Rechberg. Although I’ve been active since 2016, it only worked out last year. But I’m not going to put any pressure on myself, instead I’m going to use Saturday for good training runs to get the feel for the Rechberg again. And on Sunday I’ll try to really step on the gas. The title “Fastest woman on the Rechberg” sounds tempting.”

Kerstin Taus: “I’m really looking forward to my home race. I have to give it my all just because of the fans. I definitely want to put on a great show…and if the times are right too, then I’ll be a very happy Kerstin!”

Felix Pailer: “I’m really impressed that so many Styrians are stepping on the gas here. But on the other hand, it’s not surprising either. The Rechberg is something very special on the racing calendar – and obviously everyone wants to be there.”

Rupert Schwaiger: “Very cool! I’m happy about every starter from Styria, even if that means I have to work even harder. But I’m happy to do that, because I want to prove that even the “old guys” can still give it a good go.”

Kevin Raith“This is exactly what so many great people have been working so hard for here for weeks. So that our compatriots can take home an unforgettable experience from the Rechberg. My goal is to finish well in my class. It would be really cool to be in the top 5. It won’t be easy, but with the help of the fans I’ll give it my all!”

The ultimate hill climb on the Rechberg starts on April 26th with the administrative and technical scrutineering of all participants around the community and fire station in Tulwitz from 07:00 to 19:00.

Saturday, April 27, will be dominated by the three scheduled training runs, with the first run starting at 08:00.

Two races are scheduled for Sunday, April 28. First start at 09.00, second start at 14.00.

The official opening ceremony starts at 08.30 a.m. with Governor Christopher Drexler, the President of the AMF Prof. Dr. Harald Hertz, the mayors Peter Raith (Fladnitz an der Teichalm) and Gottfried Rieger (Semriach), as well as the head of the organization team.

Willi Gabalier will sing the national anthem, the ceremony will be accompanied by the Fladnitz/Teichalm music band and children from the Fladnitz/Teichalm elementary school as cheerful flag bearers.

Information for fans – constantly updated, of course – is available on the homepage www.rechbergrennen.co.at, as well as on the social media channels of Facebook and Instagram under #rechbergrennen.

Karl Schagerl (Touring car record holder, Motorsport Personality of the Year 2022): “We’re still tuning my car, but I’m already looking forward to the Rechberg. I like the track and I thank the organizers for their commitment. It would be a shame if the Rechberg didn’t exist. The atmosphere from the many fans alone is so motivating that riding the Rechberg is a must. My goal is to be the fastest touring car again. My team, my car and I – we are ready!”

Sigrid and Christian Ferstl (racing couple from Eastern Styria): “This is the second time we’ve competed on the Rechberg. Although we’ve been active since 2016, it was only last year that it worked out. We’ll be there again this year with our formula cars. And we’re really looking forward to our home race, the fans and the unique atmosphere that always prevails.”

Felix Pailer (a Rechbergrennen without him? Unthinkable!): I probably had the biggest and most emotional success of my career here on the Rechberg…the victory in 2007. It will stay with me forever. Since then, the Rechberg has been one of my absolute favorite routes. My goal is to finish in the top 3 – that would be really nice. I’m sure the fans will cheer me up the mountain…and then I’ll be even faster!”

Rupert Schwaiger (Porsche glowers in a class of their own): “It’s amazing what the organizers have put together again this year! Now it’s our turn as drivers and we’ll do our bit to make it a success. I think I have a good chance of a top place, my car is perfectly prepared by my son as always and I’m highly motivated. The best part is always the drive back down to the valley…the joy and emotion that spills from the fans into the car is pure goosebumps every time!”

Kerstin Taus (Driver and team manager): “The last few weeks have not been easy. We had several projects running at the same time. Among other things, the two rounds of the Hillclimb Rally Cup, which my dad drives, and of course the preparations for the Rechberg. I will be at the wheel myself on this iconic track, because the feeling here on our home circuit is indescribable. My goal is to achieve a great position in the women’s classification. It won’t be easy, but with the help of the fans I’ll give it my all!”

Hermann Waldy (formula hunter from Carinthia): “Do you see my smile? It’s such a pleasure for me to race up the mountain here on the Rechberg in front of tens of thousands of fans. What’s more, an incredible number of fast guys and girls from all over Europe come here.

I want to be the fastest Austrian – that’s my goal!”

The ultimate hill climb on the Rechberg will take place from April 26 to 28, 2024 as the first round of the

FIA European Hillclimb Championship (modern and historic). In addition, the Austrian Mountain State Championship (modern and historic) will also be held.

247 participants from 18 nations come to the Almenland

Organizer team anticipates a huge rush of fans

The Rechbergrennen, which has been held on the Rechberg in the Almenland region since 1972 and is being held for the 50th time this year, is one of the most important motorsport events in Austria and is obviously incredibly popular with the teams.

From historic vehicles and brand-new touring cars to brute formula cars, everything is represented that delights the motorsport heart.

247 entries received were received by the organizers up to the last second of the entry deadline: “Some teams made it really exciting, because we knew they were coming, but the entry didn’t arrive. But now we can proudly say that we are one of the biggest hill climb races in Europe!” said a visibly delighted Helmut Schöpf, the race director on the Rechberg.

The organizing trio Mario Klammer, Peter Eibisberger and Christian Ferstl “The fact alone that we are able to welcome drivers from 18 nations shows just how famous and sought-after our beautiful race track is throughout Europe. And everything is in place for our 50th race on the Rechberg. There will be even more entertainment for the fans in the form of helicopter flights and an additional video wall in the finish area on the Strobl straight.”

A look at the entry statistics

18 nations

Austria (152)
Czech Republic (26)
Italy (19)
Germany (9)
Slovenia (8)
France (6)
Switzerland and Croatia (5 each)
Poland and Slovakia (3)
Spain, Hungary and Montenegro (2 each)
Belgium, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia (1 each)

And the entry list features big names from the mountain elite:

Christian Merli (ITA), Alexander Hin (DEU), Christoph Lampert (AUT), Fausto Bormolini (ITA), Joseba Iraola Lanzagorta (ESP), Marcel Steiner (CHE), Kevin Petit (FRA), Reto Meisel (CHE), Jörg Weidinger (DEU)…to name but a few.

Since the opening of the entry options, entries from the racing teams have been pouring in. There are already numerous well-known European Championship participants such as Christian Merli, Joseba Iraola Lanzagorta, Alexander Hin, Fausto Bormolini, Petr Trnka, Sebastian and Kevin Petit and Laszlo Szasz.

The Beta Swiss Team with Reto Meissl and Michael Zempt has also reserved a place in the paddock. Just like the lightning-fast Macedonian Igor Stefanovski, who is coming to the Rechberg in a completely rebuilt Ferrari 488 Evo.

Of course, the huge armada of mountain drivers also comes from Austria, such as Christoph Lampert (fastest Austrian in 2023!), Hubert Galli, Hermann Waldy, Alexander Frank and Andreas Hasler in the open cars. Austria’s fastest couple, Sigrid and Christian Ferstl, will also be taking part again.

The touring car elite with Karl Schagerl, Felix Pailer, Rupert Schwaiger, Reinhold Taus, Didi Sternad and Andi Marko have already announced their interest in taking part in the anniversary race. Erich Edlinger is also trying to get to the iconic course. He has built a prototype with no less than 4 (!) BMW motorcycle engines and wants to present this car at his home race. But they all face strong competition from the European Championship camp with Ronnie Bratschi, Milan Bubnic, Martin Jerman, Luca Gaetani and Marek Rybnicek, to name but a few.

The ultimate hillclimb race on the Rechberg will be held this year as the first round of the FIA European Hillclimb Championship (modern & historic). The Austrian Mountain Championship will also be held.

Tickets for the race weekend and for the helicopter flights can already be ordered in the store(www.rechbergrennen.co.at/shop) or purchased at the advance booking offices. Tickets are of course still available on site for last-minute visitors.

The organizers have installed an additional video wall this year so that fans can follow all the action from anywhere along the route. In the finish area on the Rechberghöhe, this will ensure that the guests there can also experience live what is happening in the lower section of the route.

The Rechberg Race, which has been held on the Rechberg in the Almenland region since 1972 and is one of the most important motorsport events in Austria, will be breaking new ground again from 2024.

Mayor Peter Raith (Fladnitz an der Teichalm), Mario Klammer, Peter Eibisberger, Christian Ferstl and Werner Faustmann came to Tulwitz in glorious sunshine with over 1,000 tree seedlings to hand them over to the local foresters.

And Mayor Peter Raith also speaks of a very clever action, because: “This will help to make the cult race on the Rechberg as climate-neutral as possible directly in the beautiful Almenland. And that in turn strengthens our leisure space, which we are so proud of. I am very pleased that the organizers of the Rechberg race are so committed to their work. This shows a sense of responsibility, which of course I warmly welcome in this form.“

“We want to make a big statement about sustainability,” explains the quartet from Rechbergrennen GmbH in unison. “With this campaign, we are able to bind the entire CO² emissions of approx. 10.6 tons that are generated in racing operations.”

The recipients of the more than 1,000 tree seedlings are also enthusiastic about this campaign. After all, this will allow over 1 hectare of new forest to be planted, which will of course also benefit the overall image of the popular tourist region for many years to come. True to the slogan: Styria – the green heart of Austria!

The mayor also appeals to the fans; “Please try to organize car pools. This is a significant step in the right direction. After all, we also want to hold our Rechberg race in the future. And the more sustainability you create, the easier this endeavor will be!“

Rupert Schwaiger at the Rechberg race – © H. Rieger

The Rechberg Race, which has been held on the Rechberg in the Almenland region since 1972 and is one of the most important motorsport events in Austria, will be breaking new ground from 2024.

Live entertainment will also be improved:

• Larger video walls
• Clearer paddock
• Merchandising
• Gastro
• Fan Mile
• Entertainment in the marquee

Everything gets a little better and more exciting. Of course, there will also be a live stream during the entire event. It already had over 70,000 (!) hits last year and was also awarded top marks by the FIA.

Information – constantly updated, of course – is available here on the website, as well as on the social media channels of Facebook and Instagram under #rechbergrennen.

Since last year, the organizing committee of the Rechberg Race has been acting and thinking very sustainably!

A dedicated team of sustainability experts evaluated the 2023 race. In cooperation with AMF, the first steps towards environmental protection are now being promoted and appropriate measures implemented.

Based on this analysis, the organizing committee will take a first step towards active _CO2 binding in 2024:
The aim is to bind the direct emissions from “active racing operations” through a regional tree planting campaign. The OC team will purchase or provide 1,000 tree seedlings for various trees (larch, fir, beech, etc. – All in accordance with the recommendation of the Chamber of Forestry) and distribute them to private individuals from the “Rechberg” catchment area and the municipalities of Fladnitz a.d. Teichalm and Semriach.

The _CO2 emissions of approx. 10.6 tons of _CO2 per year associated with “active racing operations” are bound and thus neutralized.

“We want to and must evaluate the event in terms of climate protection, develop and implement ways to reduce _CO2 – so that we can continue to pursue our beloved passion, motorsport, with a clear conscience in 10 years’ time and beyond,” says Werner Faustmann, who is the sustainability officer on the organizing committee.

The Grand Prix of Austria thus takes on a leading role throughout Europe in the segment of mass motorsport, and the findings, evaluations and successes gained will be translated into an event guide by the AMF. This guide, in turn, is intended to help organizers of similar, national events to force a multiplication of the individual building blocks.

Sigrid Ferstl at the Rechberg race – © H. Rieger

The team with Mario Klammer, Peter Eibisberger and Christian Ferstl has been preparing for the legendary Rechberg race for some time now.
True to the motto “Never change a running system, just make it better“, a few adjustments are being made to offer fans and active players a wonderful platform.

“It’s like a racing car. You have to develop it further in order to remain effective. It is often only the little things that lead to success.”, says Peter Eibisberger. And Mario Klammer adds: “Looking back, we can certainly consider our premiere last year a success, and now the 50th anniversary of the Rechberg race is just around the corner. Our entire team is working hard to give this anniversary a worthy setting!“. Christian Ferstl says: “We set ourselves a very high bar last year, but we will still do everything we can to put our experience into practice and make a few changes here and there.”

Fans will now be able to experience this classic mountain race on the weekend of April 26 to 28, 2024 – the FIA has already confirmed the date. And it will be the 50th race on the Rechberg – no other mountain event in Austria can look back on such a history.

This year, the ultimate hillclimb race on the Rechberg will even be the first round of the FIA European Hillclimb Championship (modern & historic). As a result, we can expect an even higher-caliber field of participants than last year. The Austrian Mountain Championship will also be held.

“The Rechberg race is one of the biggest motorsport events in Austria and is also steeped in history and long-established. This is precisely why there will be some innovations again from 2024, after all we are celebrating the 50th race in beautiful Eastern Styria,” say the shareholders in unison, adding “Both participants and fans can once again look forward to something big… Tradition combined with modern times – that is our declared aim.”

The company is also very proud of the cooperation with the local motorsport clubs and associations, as well as the broad acceptance among the population. “We still have a lot to do, but we are highly motivated and confident that the Rechberg Race 2024 will be a complete success!” says the dynamic trio of managing partners Klammer, Eibisberger and Ferstl.