René Rast experienced a highly emotional weekend at the DTM finale in Hockenheim.
First, the BMW works driver announced his retirement after eight seasons, then he fought for his fourth title. Rast was unable to fulfill this dream after a premature race exit – yet with him, one of the most successful drivers in the series’ history is leaving the DTM stage.
“I would have loved to have fought for the title on the track, but unfortunately, the race ended early for me,” Rast recalled. “I had actually planned to thank all the fans and do donuts in front of the packed grandstands. Regardless of the championship battle, I would have loved to experience this farewell lap after eight DTM seasons. Especially because the entire Schubert Motorsport team put so much heart and soul into the season. I’ve rarely had a crew at my side that was so passionate about it.”
Rast registered three DTM championships and 31 victories during a splendid career in the series. He was asked about his favorite moment.
“Definitely my first championship in the 2017 season,” he explained. “Back then, there was a radio ban in the DTM, so I wasn’t allowed to receive any information from the team. When I crossed the finish line, I didn’t even know I was the champion. Because I didn’t hear any cheers shortly afterward, I thought it wasn’t enough.
“My joy was all the greater two corners later when I heard the screams from the team. This moment will stay with me forever. Just like my first race win in 2017 in Budapest and the perfect Nürburgring weekend a year later, when I won both races in addition to the two pole positions.
Rast will have more family time moving forward.
“Above all, I’m looking forward to being home more often and experiencing my family’s everyday life much more intensively,” he explained. “Taking the children to kindergarten or school in the morning, but also attending parent-teacher meetings or supporting the kids in their sports. These are all everyday things that I want to be more involved in.”
He’s also comfortable in his decision to retire.
“The days following the final were emotional for me,” Rast said. “But I stand by my decision, although you should never rule anything out. Currently, I’m very happy with the situation. Nevertheless, I would like to drive that last lap in front of the fans at some point, in whatever form. It’s still missing from my CV.”
