ENG - Brother Duo Completes Their First Rally Together
- paulschmidt66
- 23. Apr.
- 2 Min. Lesezeit
Brother Duo Completes Their First Rally Together
After Paul kicked off his rally career last year, his brother Robert is now following in his footsteps. Having successfully completed his first rally in March, the next step was already on the agenda — though not quite as planned, with Jeannette Kvick in the co-driver's seat. This time, he had to "listen" to his big brother, who took the hot seat beside him.
How did this unique cockpit pairing come about?
With Jeannette Kvick, Team 4Speed Racing has one of the most experienced and talented co-drivers in Europe. With over 300 rallies under her belt, the Danish navigator brings exactly the experience and coaching ability that any rally rookie could wish for. After Robert had competed alongside her in his first rally, his brother had to step into the co-driver's seat this time around, as a scheduling conflict arose with Jeannette.
Demanding stages with changing conditions
On 18 April, the ADAC Roland Rallye in Nordhausen marked Robert's second rally appearance. The weekend began in relaxed fashion on Friday evening with scrutineering, documentation checks, and a Thuringian Roster — before things got serious early on Saturday morning for Robert and Paul.
Shortly after 7 a.m., the road books were handed out, followed by the recce — this time in a rather special vehicle: a Polaris RZR. After the recce, one thing was quickly clear: this rally would not be easy. Fast gravel sections across open field roads gave way to tight junctions on tarmac. With a gravel-to-tarmac ratio of 80/20, the Roland Rallye presented a particular challenge.
The first run through the three special stages went smoothly. Robert's goal was clear: build confidence in the car, get to know the pacenotes, and above all — rack up the kilometres and reach the finish unscathed.
The weather adds an extra twist
Right on cue for the start of the second run, a heavy rain system moved in over northern Thuringia. By Special Stage 5, the downpour had well and truly arrived. The rain turned the dust kicked up during the first pass into a slippery affair, catching more than a few crews off guard — to the delight of the spectators, though fortunately without serious consequences.
In the end, Robert brought the Lancia Ypsilon HF Rally4 home in 3rd place in class RC4, celebrating the successful completion of his second rally.
Next up for him and Jeannette Kvick: the Rally Adriatico in Italy next month.
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