Patrik Dinkel: First-class season in 2022

The 2022 season could not have gone better for 25-year-old Patrik Dinkel from Großheirat near Coburg! In addition to the Bavarian Rally Championship title and winning the Junior Championships, the youngster was able to claim six overall victories in the national field. Victory in the Youngtimer classification at the prestigious "Rally Clásico Isla de Mallorca Puerto Portals" and the division win at the guest appearance in the German Rally Championship at the "Rally ADAC Mittelrhein" are further highlights of the 2022 season.

After the shortened seasons in the two Corona years 2020 and 2021, a full season with ten events was on the agenda for Dinkel this year. As in the previous year, he started at the Rally Mallorca. On the demanding mountain roads to "Sa Calobra" and "Cap Formentor", Dinkel was able to take victory in the youngtimer classification and second place overall in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III.

In addition to victories at the national events "Hof", "Grönegau", "Main-Kinzig", "Untergrönigen", "Haßberg-Rallye" and the "Scheßlitzer Rallyesprint", Dinkel also had a retirement at the Easter Rallye in Tiefenbach.

Another highlight followed in the summer with the division victory on the spectacular vineyard stages of the Rally ADAC Mittelrhein - on which the drivers of the World Rally Championship caused a sensation over the years. Looking back, Patrik's eyes light up: "This scenery is breathtaking - on one side the vineyard, on the other the slope down to the Moselle - the challenge to go to the limit on the narrow roads in between inspires the teams and the many spectators alike - this rally is unique!"

Finally, the Rallye Fränkische Schweiz was on the agenda - the top event in the immediate vicinity! Here Patrik and his regular co-driver Tamara Lutz also convinced as best placed with a non R5 bolide. They only just missed the podium.

"I would like to thank my co-driver Tamara for always doing an absolutely flawless job at my side. Likewise, I want to thank sponsors and supporters, without whom none of this would be possible" explains Dinkel. "As well, of course, to my family, who are always by my side, and the entire team, who work with me to prepare the car and keep it running at the bigger events. Also to my friends and fans for keeping their fingers crossed and cheering me on at the special stages. Together, we will also put together a strong program in 2023!" continues Dinkel.