In 2022 René Rast will make his return to the DTM thanks to the agreement signed with the ABT Sportsline Team.
The Audi Sport driver curiously signed with the team against which he mainly fought in 2019 and 2020 when he won titles in the German series with Team Rosberg.
Last year Rast had focused on Formula E, but is now ready to board the three Audi R8 LMS as a teammate of the already confirmed Kelvin Dan Der Linde, plus one more to be decided.
“I am very happy to be back in the DTM after a year – says the 35-year-old German – I have never lost interest and hope to race again in this series, but Audi wanted me to focus on Formula E last year”.
“Despite this, I saw the 2021 races and I liked them. And then in the DTM we will have practically the same team that was at work in Formula E, my engineer will remain the same, as well as the technicians and the mechanics. We are a very team. well coordinated and it was logical to continue together “.
Rene Rast, Abt Sportsline Audi R8 LMS GT3
Photo by: Abt Sportsline
Rast is already familiar with the R8 LMS GT3, having driven it in endurance racing, but is aware that another challenge awaits him compared to when he was armed with the RS 5 DTM ‘Class 1’ he dominated.
“I’m realistic, the DTM has changed and it won’t be a walk in the park because now there are GT3s. I know the car, but less than Kelvin and the others. It will take me some time to adapt, perhaps learning a few tricks from who it is. has been driving for 7-8 years “.
“This is why I say it will obviously be tough, we also saw last year that experienced riders suffered. However, I hope to be able to learn quickly how to manage everything and reach the end of the year to fight for podiums and victories. The most important thing, however, will be. bring the Team title to ABT Sportsline “.
Team Principal, Thomas Biermaier, added: “We started testing the waters early for René. We know his strengths having had him in the DTM as an opponent. In Formula E we got to know and appreciate him even better last season. “
“We are extremely grateful to his managers, Dennis Rostek and Audi Sport, who made sure to give it to us by creating a true dream team in 2022 that can fight for the title.”
Rene Rast, Abt Sportsline and Thomas Biermaier, Team Principal
Photo by: Abt Sportsline
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