René Rast “surprised” that McLaren called on him in Formula E

The Audi page has definitely turned for René Rast. The German driver did not take long to find new momentum after 12 seasons spent with the manufacturer with the four rings. The three-time champion of DTM was quickly made official as a factory driver at BMW last August, a week after the announcement of his separation from Audi. A logical choice to support the Bavarian team in the development and operation of its LMDh in Endurance. In addition to this, the day after the agreement between BMW and the German, McLaren announced the signing of René Rast for his stable Formula E.

“A huge privilege to drive for McLaren”

A fairly surprising decision for the native of Minden, who admitted to having been also surprised by McLaren's call. “To be honest, it was kind of a surprise, he confided for the Formula E website. Obviously, after my only full year at Audi [in Formula E, in 2021], I said to myself, 'It is not possible', but I wanted to come back to it somehow. » René Rast has competed in 21 E-Prixes in his career, all with Audi, but with a 13th place in the championship in season 7, in 2021. In the meantime, the German has maintained his involvement in Grand Touring and Endurance, and didn't expect to return to Formula E anytime soon. “Last year I competed in a full season in DTM and in WEC, but now I'm back in Formula E and I think it's a good idea to come back. Everything is new: new teams, new drivers, new cars. So for me it’s the perfect entry into a new challenge. »

Once the surprise passed, the former Audi resident had to acclimatize to his new environment during pre-season testing in Valencia. For his first ride with the British team, René Rast was delighted. “It’s a huge privilege to drive for McLaren, everyone knows his motorsport history, rejoiced the German pilot. They took over the old team Mercedes, so everyone has already reached a high level in terms of work ethics and professionalism. It’s a good team, a good manufacturer, and I already get along very well with my teammate, who is very fast. Overall, it's just a good combination. »

A new challenge at McLaren… while waiting for BMW

Previously accustomed to working in a German structure, the move to the other side of the Channel is also a new challenge for René Rast. “I’m still learning because they work differently than I’m used to. It’s an English team and I spent all my years driving for German teams. At least I could speak German, the three-time DTM champion joked. The work ethic is also different, so I have a lot to learn. »

The year 2023 risks being very busy for the German, with his double program Formula E – Endurance. At present, BMW has not yet communicated on René Rast's program with the LMDh next season. Although he has already carried out tests with the BMW M Hybrid V8, it is still unclear whether he will be present at the 24 Hours of Daytona or in the championship. IMSA. The idea of ​​an additional year in LM P2 with WRT cannot be ruled out either, as well as participation in GT competitions (in DTM in particular) with the Bavarian brand.

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