Tarek Hamadeh-Spaniol wins DRM Nationals for the second time
ADAC Rallye Stemweder Berg season finale becomes decider
26 and 27 September 2025 marked the final of the Deutsche Rallye Meisterschaft (DRM) around Lübbecke. For rally driver Tarek Hamadeh-Spaniol from Saarbrücken, the DRM Nationals title was at stake – with an incredibly narrow lead in the overall rankings. Alongside co-driver Anna-Lena Mergen, he competed in the final race of the season to chalk up crucial points.
The first special stage was already threatening to put a dampener on the weekend: after a braking mistake, the Citroën C2 Challenge refused to start.
We knew that we needed to set a very fast pace right from the start if we wanted to win our class in the final race, as this time we were up against numerous strong opponents in our class with some strong vehicles
Anna-Lena Mergen explained. It took nearly a minute to get the car started again – a setback that initially dropped the pair to the bottom of the class rankings.
Back in the race and tactical strengths
On Friday evening, Hamadeh-Spaniol and Mergen worked their way back up to fourth place. The Saturday section with ten more special stages then marked a turning point: two of the leading teams in the NC4 class had to withdraw their vehicles due to technical faults. The HYLO® team took advantage of this opportunity to regain the lead and then defended it right through to the end – two minutes ahead.
Six starts, six wins – title secure
This victory in the ADAC Rallye Stemweder Berg tops a flawless season for Tarek Hamadeh-Spaniol: six starts, six class wins – a tally that has secured him the Deutsche Rallye Master Nationals title. The final DRM Nationals rankings put him on 46.19 points, ahead of Walter Gromöller (44.86 points) and Axel Schütt (35.98 points). The official results can be found at ADAC Motorsport.
After a fairly messed up Friday, I never could have imagined that we would still have a chance at the championship title
Hamadeh-Spaniol said.
‘We knew that we needed to win the class if Walter Gromöller was at the front of his NC2 class. Unfortunately, he also suffered technical issues on Saturday afternoon, which we are very sad about, because I know what an incredible fighting spirit Walter has. On the other hand, that took the pressure off us in terms of the championship and we were able to enjoy the remaining kilometres.’
Team effort throughout the season
This success is the result of not just top-quality driving, but also a well-oiled team structure. Hamadeh-Spaniol was accompanied by Henry Wichura in the first half of the season and Anna-Lena Mergen in the second. Both co-drivers played their part in the title win – with precise navigation, tactical understanding and solid cooperation in the cockpit.
‘We also owe this to everyone around us. Starting with my family team, who are always behind us and support us at and alongside the events. Huge thanks go to our sponsors, who allow us to complete this programme in the first place. We would also like to thank all of our friends, helpers and fans on the routes. Your commitment and passion are what make rally sport so unique’, Hamadeh-Spaniol said at the finish line.
By winning the DRM Nationals 2025, Tarek Hamadeh-Spaniol has secured this title for the second time after first clinching it in 2023. HYLO® SPORT would like to congratulate Tarek, his co-drivers and the whole team for a consistently strong season and a well-earned championship title.