The Austrian rally scene is one of Europe’s most compact and characterful. Highly competitive, technically demanding, and deeply rooted in tradition. It may not attract the same level of attention as its Finnish, French or Italian counterparts, but one, mostly pink, pairing, through a combination of strong results and growing social media presence, is starting to bring this small part of Tyrolean life to a much wider audience.
At its core, sport in this part of the world is shaped by climate and geography. Events required to wind through narrow alpine roads, dense forests, and rural farmland, producing rallies that can switch character dramatically, sometimes within a single stage. Individual events, like the New Year’s Jännerrallye, often feature icy winter conditions, whilst others, such as the Herbst Rallye, are run on dry asphalt or mixed surfaces. This variety demands versatility. Drivers must adapt quickly to changing grip levels, elevation changes, and unpredictable weather. It’s not uncommon for competitors to face snow, mud, and tarmac, all on the same weekend, and it’s precisely conditions like these that make Austria such a strong proving ground for emerging talent; both drivers and navigators being compelled to develop instinctive car control and technical/situational awareness.
The scene itself is also noticeably accessible; privateer teams, many family-run, form the championship’s backbone. In turn, they compete alongside a handful of more established outfits, creating a friendly, low-cost culture where emerging talents can build supported experience without the budget demands required elsewhere.
Known for his work on the life of Formula 1’s Roland Ratzenberger, filmmaker Peter Levay went to meet the girls, film them during an event, and learn more about their rise through the ranks:
See Peter’s reel here:
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PL: “Pure determination. That’s what I saw. Pia has been immersed in motorsport since an early age; first riding motocross bikes, then following her father into drifting. Both influence her driving style; uncompromising over gravel, she throws the weight forward, launches into oversteer, then confidently addresses hard throttle whilst correcting the steering. Her co-driver/navigator, Nina Spitaler, offers perfect balance. The hours spent by Pia’s side result in a clear understanding that not only controls and guides the energy within the cockpit, but also precision along the route.”
Together, they’ve built an ever more ambitious programme of events, including becoming the first all-female pairing for decades to compete at the prestigious Jännerrallye, a cornerstone of the Austrian championship, tackling nearly 20 special stages over more than 180 competitive kilometres. And whilst not yet challenging for outright wins, their stage times, progression, and rise through the rankings are ever more impressive. However, beyond the results, both are gaining recognition for what they represent. Their presence challenges long-standing norms, while their professionalism underscores that they are competitors first and foremost, and not just a novelty. Yes, the pink adds visibility, but it’s their driving and cohesion that’s earning respect.
Theirs isn’t a story about adding colour and glamour to the field; it’s about shaping the next chapter of the sport itself.
Film and images by Peter Levay
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