In an electrifying finale at the Hockenheimring, driver Rast seized the spotlight, setting an astounding lap time of 1 minute and 37.077 seconds on the concluding day of the DTM preseason testing. This performance placed Rast at the pinnacle of the timesheets, overshadowing the efforts of his Schubert Motorsport teammates, Sheldon van der Linde and Marco Wittmann.
The conditions for the final day's session were near perfect, with the sun bright in the sky and the asphalt temperature soaring to 31 degrees Celsius, creating an ideal racing environment. Sheldon van der Linde followed closely behind Rast, missing the top spot by a mere 0.137 seconds, showcasing the competitive spirit and skill within the Schubert Motorsport ranks.
A significant change this year is the introduction of new BBS-supplied wheel rims for the BMW M4 GT3s, hinting at potential strategic advantages for the teams as the 2024 season unfolds.
Morning Challenges and Strong Contenders
Marco Wittmann, another frontrunner for Schubert Motorsport, registered his best time during the morning session of the second testing day. His performance is particularly noteworthy as he was unable to participate in the entire first session on Tuesday morning due to mechanical setbacks.
The Porsche cars, helmed by the Manthey EMA duo Ayhancan Guven and Thomas Preining, also made their mark by occupying the fourth and fifth spots, respectively. Both drivers set their fastest laps in the Tuesday afternoon session, indicating a strong comeback and setting the stage for a competitive season ahead.
Despite Rast's remarkable timing, it was observed to be almost three seconds off from Preining's pole lap recorded in the previous year's season finale, suggesting there might be more to see from the teams as the season progresses.
Mercedes and Audi Show Their Strength
Luca Stolz managed to position his Mercedes in sixth place, followed by teammates Maro Engel and Lucas Auer in seventh and eighth positions, respectively. This strong showing from Mercedes hints at a closely contested season.
Audi was not far behind in the competition, with the two Abt-entered cars rounding out the top 10. However, it was noted that the Abt team concluded their testing session earlier than anticipated, possibly indicating a strategic choice or a nod to their confidence in their pre-season preparations.
Rising Talents and Upcoming Tests
Jack Aitken emerged as the fastest Emil Frey Ferrari driver, while Luca Engstler stood out as the quickest behind the wheel of a Lamborghini. Clemens Schmid also turned heads with a respectable time in the Dorr-entered McLaren 720S GT3, showcasing the depth of talent across the teams and manufacturers as they gear up for the new DTM season.
In preparation for the battles ahead, most teams are slated to undertake private running at Oschersleben next week, allowing them to refine their strategies and machines before the season officially kicks off on April 27-28.
Rast Reflects on Return to Racing
Reflecting on his return to the driver's seat and the astonishing pace he managed to set after a six-month hiatus, Rast shared, "It's like if I never got out. I thought it would be difficult for me to get back on pace straight away because I haven't been in this car for six months." This statement underlines not only his intrinsic talent and adaptability but also sets a thrilling precedent for what fans can expect as he takes to the tracks this season.
In conclusion, the DTM pre-season testing at the Hockenheimring has set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating 2024 season. With new technological implementations, such as the BBS-supplied wheel rims for the BMW M4 GT3s, and the blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent across the teams, the upcoming season is poised to deliver high-speed thrills and tightly contested races that will captivate fans worldwide.
