The 38th Jännerrallye in Freistadt, Austria, has kicked off with intense action and challenging conditions.

Snow and ice have made the rally treacherous, with drivers facing tough decisions on tire choices.

Hermann Neubauer, a two-time champion, joined the event spontaneously, aiming to enjoy the race but still determined to win.

Meanwhile, the rally introduced new features, including a spike-tire ban on certain stages and a marathon special stage of World Championship caliber.

The event also saw its first electric car entry, driven by Luca Pröglhöf, who struggled with the snowy terrain and finished 68th out of 70 cars.

A serious crash on Stage 5 involving Hungarian driver Kristof Klausz led to the stage being neutralized, though no life-threatening injuries were reported.

Despite the challenges, the Jännerrallye continues to captivate motorsport fans with its mix of innovation and high-stakes competition.