INTERVIEW with Rallye-Team Kohler



"In our sport, it's all about tenths of a second!"
Wet roads and mud – no problem for the Kohler Rally Team from Bühlerzell. Together, Erhard Kohler, Maren Kohler, and Sven Kohler navigate their BMW E30s through the winding course to claim class victories. In an interview, they reveal how EMKA sponsorship supports them on their journey to the top.
What brought you to rallying? Was there a key moment?
My father, Erhard Kohler, began his motorsport career back in 1982 with an Opel Manta, competing in slalom racing. In the 1980s, a great interest in the sport developed among his friends, and they started attending rallies together – at first, just as spectators. Shortly afterward, they built their first rally car, and in 1983, Erhard competed in his first rally with his Manta. I, Maren Kohler, grew up with rallying and took my place in the co-driver's seat alongside my father for the first time in 2017. Sven got into rallying in 2014 through his father, Fritz Köhler, and has motorsport in his blood as well.
What fascinates you most about rallying?
Rally stages are usually public roads, but for us drivers, they remain completely unknown until the day of the event. During the reconnaissance, we must assess the course perfectly to set the best time in the race. If we’re inaccurate at this stage, it can ruin the entire competition for us.
How important is teamwork in rallying?
Teamwork and trust are crucial in rallying. The co-driver relies on the driver’s skills, while the driver depends on the co-driver’s precise instructions. The course can only be driven twice at low speeds during reconnaissance, where every detail is carefully noted by the team. These notes are then read out precisely by the co-driver during the race. The driver must listen attentively and execute the instructions with precision. Rallying is an absolute team sport—we have to rely on each other. Only then can we cross the finish line first.
How does EMKA support your team? Why do you trust EMKA products?
With EMKA, we’ve found a fantastic sponsor. We not only appreciate our great relationship with Rüdiger Fischer but also trust the products. During a rally, high RPMs lead to extreme oil temperatures, requiring high-quality oil. Not all products can handle these demands, but with EMKA, everything runs smoothly—an absolute success factor.
What has been your most unforgettable rally moment?
Fortunately, we experience many great moments and strong finishes that fuel our passion for the sport. One unforgettable moment was when an accident occurred during a stage, causing the rally to be canceled. But the best moments are in the evening when we raise a toast at the awards ceremony, exhausted yet smiling, celebrating our performance together.
How important is mental strength in rallying?
The team needs 100% concentration and must fully trust each other’s abilities—mental strength is key. Even the slightest distraction can lead to mistakes and mishaps. In our sport, it’s all about tenths of a second, so the focus must always be on the road. It’s exhausting, but that’s what makes it so thrilling.