Our
Story
It started with our father, competing multiple times in the Dakar Rally and founding his own team: 2Drive Adventures with drivers such as Ellen Lohr, Stephan Schott, Matthias Kalle and Raphael Sperrer.
The team operated a diverse fleet, including multiple competitive rally raid cars including self-developed prototype.
At Baja starting lines, the passion grew.
So, we wanted to continue this path by starting our own motorsport adventure.
Now, we write the next chapter.
Our
Vision
Our vision is clear: To compete at the legendary Dakar Rally and prove ourselves on the toughest terrain in motorsport.
2025/26
2026/27
beyond 2027
Building Confidence on Gravel in Rally4
We kick off on Europe's gravel stages with the Lancia Rally4.
Enter first Cross-Country races in Challenger class
After first desert test, we enter international long-distance events in the Challenger class.
Compete at selected W2RC events
Compete at selected events of the World Rally-Raid Championship and eventually Rally Dakar.
Follow the journey
From our first steps in motorsport to the dream of Dakar – join us on our Road2Dakar journey.
The Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
At 4Speed Racing we are a blend of experience rally veterans and motivated greenhorns that share the same passion for motorsport and vision to conquer the deserts of the Dakar Rally. Follow us grow together and have a good time as a team.
Robert Schmidt
Pilot
Experience: Robert goes backcountry skiing in Switzerland for the occasional adrenalin rush. He has been racing but only in the Sim. Let's see how he will transfer it to the real world.
Random Fact: Climbed & Skied his first 4000+ mountain with 16 years.
Paul Schmidt
Pilot
Experience: Paul might have no motorsport background but he is experienced racing against the clock on challenging terrain from his downhill mountain bike races.
Random Fact: When he was hunting for autographs at the Dakar start in Lisbon, he got rejected by Carlos Sainz.
Jeannette Kvick
Co-Pilot
Experience: With over 300 international rallies as co-driver, Jeannette will not only bring experience and routine in the cockpit but also crucial mentorship for Robert & Paul.
Random Fact: Always equipped with Monster Energy and a handful of candy for the volunteers.
Uwe Zaumseil
Lead Mechanic
Experience: "Zaumi" spent countless nights fixing salvaged rally cars and makes every repair work not matter the resource limitation - earning him the nickname "McGyver".
Random Fact: Zaumi was also co-driver in a race truck at the Dakar for X-Raid.
Lauan Bach
Mechanic
Experience: Despite lacking a few years of racing experience -Lauan easily compensate it with his skills, motivation and some dry jokes to boost team morale.
Random Fact: Lauan's dad was also part of the 2Drive Adventures team.
Andres Gonzalez
Race Engineer
Experience: Andres and Paul raced bikes together and now he brings his mechanical engineering background to make sense of the telemetry and engineering of parts.
Random Fact: His lively and energetic character earned him the nickname "Speedy Gonzalez"
Tino Schmidt
Team Principal
Experience: From 1995 - 2010 Tino had his own adventures in the desert from competing himself to operating the 2DriveAdventures team with self-constructed prototypes.
Random Fact: Still chases the off-road adventure in southern Africa.
Holm Schmidt
Team Co-Principal
Experience: Holm holds the team records for most Dakar entries with staggering 11 entries as a Co-Driver.
Random Fact: Swore to never be co-driver - let's see if that holds.
Bastian Hartmann
Social Media
Experience: Bastian has managed the social media channels and press relations for the Lausitz Rallye. He brings all the strings of our digital communication together to share our journey.
Random Fact: Sat as little kid in the Octavia WRC with multiple german champion Matthias Kahle.
Our Rallye Car
Few names in rally history carry the same weight as Lancia. It's a symbol of heritage, innovation, and emotion. We grew up with the stories of the Delta Integrale dominating the stages.
That’s why bringing a Lancia Ypsilon Rally4 into our team feels like the right choice. The Ypsilon Rally4 delivers modern rally performance in a lightweight, responsive, front-wheel drive package.
Lancia Ypsilon Rally4
The Lancia Ypsilon Rally4 HF was introduced in 2025 as Lancia’s official return to rallying, developed specifically for the FIA Rally4 category. Built by Stellantis Motorsport and shares its platform with the Peugeot 208 and Opel Corsa Rally4.
Technical Details:
Engine:
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1.2L 3-cylinder turbocharged engine
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Displacement: 1,199 cm³
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Max Power: Approx. 212 hp
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Max Torque: ~290 Nm
Transmission:
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5-speed sequential gearbox
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Front-wheel drive
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Mechanical limited-slip differential
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Hydraulic handbrake
Our Facilities
Built for Performance. Ready for Experience.
At 4Speed Racing, we don’t just race — we create experiences.
Our Headquarter is in Leipzig, where we have access to a workshop, storage, office space and a showroom.
The showroom offers a premium setting for partner events and media gatherings.
Just outside of Leipzig, we have access to a private testing location, which provides several kilometers of mixed-surface track, ideal for rally preparation, and exclusive driving incentives for partners and clients.
