Although BMW is still keeping the programme a secret, Rene Rast wants to stay in the DTM: Why there is also hope with regard to the race calendar
Will Rene Rast remain in the DTM in 2023 after his move to BMW? Although the Munich-based company has so far kept a secret about the 35-year-old from Minden’s upcoming programmes, that Rast will continue to compete in the DTM
Which is a challenge given Rast’s Formula E contract with McLaren and calendar planning. But the fact is that Rast himself wants to stay in the DTM. “Definitely,” he confirms that the chapter is not closed. “I won’t close the door after driving the last DTM race in Hockenheim. There’s still a lot that can happen.”
He is “no longer the youngest, but you can still drive DTM in your late 30s. Many colleagues before me have proven that. From that point of view, the door is not closed. “
Rast: Overlaps unacceptable for McLaren and BMW
The decisive factor now is whether the 2023 Formula E calendar matches the DTM calendar, which has not yet been published, and allows for a double programme. “Now we have to wait and see,” says Rast. “Hopefully there will be no overlaps. And then we’ll have to sit down and make a plan.”
The starting position is not easy, because Formula E occupies an average of two weekends per month in 2023 during the period relevant to the DTM, from April to the end of the season at the end of July.
When asked which race series and which manufacturer have contractual priority, Rast says that McLaren and BMW will coordinate when the calendars are published. And adds: “For sure, neither of them will accept collisions. “
Why a DTM entry would make sense for BMW
Since the McLaren contract only applies to Formula E and the LMDh development programme was a big incentive for Rast to switch to BMW, the DTM would probably fall by the wayside in such a case.
But they want to avoid this scenario at all costs, which is also clearly in the interests of the Munich-based company. “Of course it’s also good for BMW if you take someone away from the other squad – in this case Audi – and add them to your squad. Because then you make one brand weaker and your own stronger,” Rast explains.
“From that point of view, it’s probably also in BMW’s interest, if the calendars really fit together, that you maybe find a solution. “
DTM calendar: Berger hints at BMW’s wish
When asked what role potential overlaps with other series for the works drivers play in the DTM calendar planning, he answers: “The manufacturers tell us that their drivers usually run two programmes. One says that it is important not to have an overlap with Formula E, the others say that the endurance formats are important. “
The big 24-hour races at the Nürburgring, Spa and Le Mans are also an issue in this respect. In order to be well coordinated in this respect and not to have to reschedule afterwards, they want to wait with the publication of the calendar.
Also in the interest of the manufacturers. “If you don’t coordinate a little bit there, they have the problem that they have to engage more drivers,” explains Berger.
Rast retention would also be important for Berger
The fact that he specifically mentions Formula E can be interpreted as a reference to Rast: Because apart from him, only Rosberg-Audi driver Nico Müller has a contract with Abt for the coming season in the electric racing series from the current DTM driver field. But Müller combines the 2023 commitment after Audi’s departure with an LMH programme at Peugeot – and since the French are not active in the DTM, the signs clearly point to farewell.
Apart from that, it would not only be important for BMW to bring Rast to the start in the DTM in the M4 GT3, but also for Berger: because Rast is one of the few drivers from the manufacturer era who still competes in the DTM – and is currently the big figurehead. Especially if he wins his fourth title this year.