Stirling’s first motoring event overseas since his accident was to attend one of Europe's most prestigious, the Ennstal Classic in Austria, which ran from 14th – 17th July. He was joined by Sebastian Vettel, who was taking time out from his preparation for the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim, David Coulthard, Gerhard Berger and five-time Le Mans winner Derek Bell in a celebration of classic motor sport in Gröbming.

The Ennstal Classic is Austria's premiere classic car rally, which celebrated its 18th birthday this year with thousands of fans watching the three-day rally along the route, which culminated in a 514km marathon on a circuitous route from Gröbming to Schladming. With Stirling still recovering from his accident he limited himself to the hill climb in a 1967 Porsche 911S with Susie, his wife, navigating. Derek Bell opted for the 1960 Porsche 356 B GT Carrera in an event that showcased over 50 different makes and models of cars, some dating back to the 1920's with a 1924 Buick Speedster being the oldest this year.

On the Saturday morning Stirling participated in the drivers parade through Gröbming passengering in a 4.5 litre Maserati, led by Vettel, who had the privilege of driving a Porsche Type 804 F1, with both clearly enjoying the occasion. "The Ennstal Classic is an amazing event," Vettel said. "I like the old cars, but the sad thing is, that they aren't built anymore!" For Stirling he was pleased to be at an event he has attended regularily, saying of the Ennstal “it’s always a very friendly atmosphere and keeps on getting bigger every year.” This was also the first time that Stirling has meet Sebastian properly and spent time in conversation with him.

The winners of this years event were Sebastian Klackl and his navigator Gernot Kronberger in their 1963 Porsche 356 B S-90. Navigator Kronberger said of the win “It is the great to win the Ennstal Classic, because it is the hardest rally for the navigators. I have driven more than 100 rallies and we always said: ‘To win the Ennstal – that would be the greatest!’ Now we made it!”

In excess of 200 drivers took part in this year's rally, that also benefited the Wings for Life charity, represented by BBC F1 pundit David Coulthard. He also performed a demonstration run in the Red Bull Toyota Camry NASCAR, a highlight, along with the superb win by Klackl & Kronberger, of the 2010 Ennstal Classic.

Picture © Markus Kucera