First victories with Opel (1987 to 1990)

Following some appearances in regional rallies, after having won the 1987 driver search course, Isolde contested the 1988 'Deutsche Rallye-Trophäe' with an Irmscher Opel Kadett GSi and finished fifth in the production car class G. Furthermore, she scored points in events held in her native Bavaria, and at the end of the year she was runner-up in the Bavarian Rally Championship.

The following year, Isolde finished sixth in the 'Rallye-Trophäe' and fourth in the German Junior Rally Championship. "For me it was crucial to spend as much time as possible behind the wheel and to gain as much experience as possible," says the two-time Rally World Champion.

In 1990, she made the next step up the rallying ladder. The 1990 'Rallye Trophäe' represented her first start as Group A competitor, behind the wheel of a Opel Corsa GSi. By clinching four class wins, she attracted the attention of sponsors and potential new teams. Furthermore, she contested her first events abroad, such as the Hungarian Budapest Rally.

"This was a crucial year for me," says Isolde. "The Corsa suited me well and I attracted a lot of attention, with the experience abroad being of particular benefit."

Supported by her experienced co-pilot, Monika Eckhardt, she improved rally by rally and her talent prospered. "It was time to clinch my first successes," says Isolde. "With the Corsa, I proved that I had what you need to battle for top positions. Now I was ready for the challenges that were about to follow."

back