A new challenge for DTM Maister Renè Rast

After a long break due to this harmful pandemic, motorsport is beginning to get back on track, with what feelings and impressions did you come out of pit lane this time? Were there any differences that you might have noticed in addition to the differences in social distancing?

I was very happy to be back in the race car after such a long break. Especially since we didn't know when we can start again. After six months, I was not sure if I am still quick in the car. But, when I was in pit lane, everything was like normal, nothing was different. I was very happy that I didn't lose the feeling for the race car but, working with the team was completely different. Normally, we have all of the meetings with the team together in the briefing room. Now, we had Skype conference calls. Also, working directly with the team was very different. We were only allowed to have limited people in the garage. We are also not allowed to have contact with other drivers and team members from the other manufacture. Working with masks was also unique. I hope that these conditions are not for forever.

From the point of the view of being the champion, what do you think the future of the DTM series could be?

A: That's a difficult question. The ITR has tried the last 3-4 years to make the series even better. Unfortunately, we lost Mercedes after the 2018 season. Aston Martin stepped in, but they were out after only one year. Now, finally, Audi decided to step out after this season. At the moment, only BMW is left. I'm not sure how they can run with only one manufacturer in the DTM. I hope they find a solution so that they can continue. The platform still has much potential in Europe.

Now instead of looking at the technical aspects, Audi seems to have something more than BMW, a gap that was noticeable during the 2019 season. Do you think that this technical gap can be widened or could it shrink and allow closer battles between both manufacturers?

It seems that BMW picked up speed during the wintertime. They have made modifications and improved their pace. Maybe, some of us still remember that BMW was very strong at the beginning of last year. Then, they had technical problems and were forced to reduce the power of their engines. I think they are back now. I suppose they are very competitive and it will be closer than last year

Finally, as a last question, I wanted to know what you think of the starting grid of this 2020 season. There are veterans of the category like Wittmann, Eng and yourself. Young people like Aberdein, Muller and Habsburg, former F1 drivers like Glock and newcomer Kubica. Is there already a ranking in your mind and an opponent who might fighting for the crown?

The field has changed a lot in comparison to last year. But, I think it will be a normal rivalry. Marco Wittmann showed a very strong performance last year. Philipp Eng from BMW was also very competitive. Sheldon was the quickest BMW driver during the ITR Test at the Nürburgring. These three are very quick and have a lot of pace during the races. From Audi, Nico was very strong and consistent last year. I guess, these are the main competitors. But, in the end, it is a matter of consistency. Everybody is able to win a few races.