Now Rene Rast’s double commitment for 2023 is official: The ex-Audi driver will compete for the new McLaren team in Formula E – German as teammate?
Rene Rast will not only become a BMW works driver after his Audi retirement in 2023, but will also join the new McLaren team in Formula E, for which he will compete next season.
This means Rast, who has already contested one-and-a-half Formula E seasons for the Audi factory team from 2019 to 2021, will return to the electric racing series in early January 2023.
“I am very happy to join the McLaren Formula E team,” Rast is quoted as saying in the press release.
“Happy to continue on this path “
“I have already completed one season in Formula E,” he refers to his full Audi year in 2020/2021, in which he finished 13th overall. His Formula E highlights so far have been two podium finishes.
“It was a great experience – and I felt after this year that I’m not done yet. I am happy that I now get the opportunity to continue on this path. I am extremely motivated and have no doubt that together we will create something great.”
The McLaren brand also has a “huge appeal” for Rast as a “racing fan”, admits the three-time DTM champion, who is fighting for his fourth title with Abt in 2022. “It is an icon in motorsport with a great history. So I feel privileged and proud to represent McLaren in Formula E next season. “
How does Rast reconcile BMW and McLaren?
The question now will be how Rast will reconcile his two factory commitments at BMW and McLaren. In 2023, that shouldn’t be much of a problem. In addition to their involvement in the IMSA Sports Car Championship in Europe, the Munich-based company is only in the preparatory phase of its LMDh project and will not compete in the WEC and the 24 Hours of Le Mans until 2024.
The two brands are only in a limited competitive relationship, as McLaren focuses purely on the luxury sports car sector. In addition, the two manufacturers work together in the series time and again.
McLaren is now also pleased to have confirmed Rast as the first driver for the Formula E debut year. “Rene has proven his driving skills time and again in every series in which he has competed so far,” says team boss Ian James, who is convinced of his new driver.
Another German as Rast’s McLaren team-mate?
“He is not only extremely fast, but also consistent and already has valuable experience in Formula E, which will be a great help for us as a team and also for him. Season 9 already promises to be an exciting challenge for our team – and I’m happy that one of our cars is in the proven hands of Rene.”
Who will get the second cockpit is still uncertain: IndyCar driver Felix Rosenqvist was considered a candidate, but the Swede is currently looking around for other opportunities in the USA. In addition to Oliver Turvey, another German, Maximilian Günther, can also hope for the coveted seat.
