René Rast Bio
René Rast is a German professional racing driver and the 2017, 2019, and 2020 DTM champion. Born on October 26, 1986, in Minden, West Germany, Rast has established himself as a prominent figure in motorsports through his remarkable achievements across various racing series. His career began with karting and has included significant victories at prestigious endurance events, solidifying his reputation in the automotive racing community.
Throughout his career, Rast has demonstrated exceptional versatility and skill, competing successfully in Formula E, sports car racing, and touring car championships. He last competed in Formula E and continues to be recognized as one of Germany’s most accomplished racing drivers. His ability to adapt to different racing disciplines has earned him multiple championships and memorable victories at some of the world’s most demanding circuits.
Early Life and Background
René Rast was born in Minden, West Germany, and developed an interest in motorsports at a young age. Like many professional racing drivers, he began his journey in karting, where he honed his fundamental driving skills and learned the basics of competitive racing. His early exposure to motorsports laid the foundation for what would become a highly successful professional career.
Rast’s progression through the junior racing categories showcased his natural talent behind the wheel. He moved from karting into single-seater racing, specifically competing in Formula BMW. This step marked his transition into structured junior formulas and provided him with valuable experience in open-wheel racing before he eventually found his niche in sports car and touring car competition.
Path to Professional Racing
Rast’s breakthrough came in 2005 when he won the ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup, demonstrating his potential in touring car competition. The following year, he continued to impress by finishing as runner-up in the Seat León Supercopa Germany. These early achievements caught the attention of racing teams and established him as a promising talent in German motorsports.
In 2007, Rast made a strategic switch to sports car racing, a decision that would define much of his career. This move proved highly successful as he went on to win the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany in 2008 and again in 2012. During this period, he also competed in the Porsche Supercup, claiming three consecutive championships from 2010 to 2012. Rast simultaneously raced in the ADAC GT Masters from 2010 to 2014, culminating in winning the championship title in his final year of competition in the series.
René Rast Career
Early Career (2005-2015)
Rast’s professional career gained momentum with his success in the Porsche Carrera Cup and Porsche Supercup series. His ability to consistently perform at a high level in these prestigious Porsche one-make series earned him opportunities in international endurance racing. During this period, he began competing in major endurance events, including the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 24 Hours of Spa.
In 2012, Rast achieved a significant milestone by winning the GT class at the 24 Hours of Daytona, driving a Magnus Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup with co-drivers Andy Lally, Richard Lietz, and team owner John Potter. That same year, he claimed victory at the 24 Hours of Spa with a factory-supported Audi R8 LMS. These endurance racing successes demonstrated his versatility across different types of competition and race formats.
DTM Breakthrough (2016-2020)
Rast made his Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters debut in 2016, competing in two rounds with an Audi RS5. He finished sixth at Hockenheim II race 1, showing promise in the highly competitive German touring car series. In 2017, Rast joined Team Rosberg for his first full DTM season driving an Audi RS5. In remarkable fashion, he won the championship title in his rookie season, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the series.
The 2018 season saw Rast deliver an even more impressive performance. He achieved a record-breaking six consecutive race victories but narrowly missed the championship by only four points. Undeterred, Rast returned to form and won the 2019 DTM Championship. He continued his dominance by securing his third series title in 2020. This three-championship run solidified his status as one of the most successful drivers in modern DTM history.
Formula E Career (2016-2023)
Rast first entered Formula E in 2016, making his debut at the Berlin ePrix as a replacement driver for Team Aguri. His opportunity came when António Félix da Costa had a DTM commitment. Rast returned to the electric racing series in 2020, replacing Daniel Abt at Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler for the final six races of the season in Berlin. During this stint, he managed to secure a podium finish with a third-place result.
For the 2020-21 Formula E Championship, Rast became a permanent driver for Audi, partnering with Lucas di Grassi. After a season away, he returned to Formula E in the 2022-23 season driving for the McLaren Formula E Team. He scored one podium throughout the season and finished 13th in the standings. Rast announced his departure from McLaren following the season, marking the end of his Formula E journey.
Driving Style and Strengths
Rast is known for his aggressive yet calculated driving style, particularly excelling in endurance racing conditions where consistency and strategy are crucial. His ability to adapt quickly to different car types, from Porsche GT cars to Audi touring cars and Formula E electric vehicles, demonstrates his versatility as a driver. Rast particularly shines on technical circuits and has proven himself capable of delivering strong performances over long-distance races.
Notable Races and Milestones
Rast’s career includes memorable victories at prestigious endurance events. His wins at the 24 Hours of Spa in 2012 and 2014, both with factory-supported Audi R8 LMS entries, stand as highlights of his sports car racing career. The 2012 24 Hours of Daytona GT class victory further cemented his reputation in endurance racing. In the DTM, his three championships in 2017, 2019, and 2020 represent the pinnacle of his touring car achievements.
René Rast Career Wins
René Rast has compiled an impressive list of victories across multiple racing disciplines throughout his career. His wins span prestigious endurance races, touring car championships, and one-make series competitions. Rast’s ability to win in different categories demonstrates his exceptional skill and adaptability as a professional racing driver.
DTM Highlights
Rast won the DTM Championship three times during his career, claiming titles in 2017, 2019, and 2020. His championship-winning seasons included memorable performances, particularly the 2018 campaign where he achieved six consecutive race victories. This record-breaking streak remains one of the most dominant performances in recent DTM history. Rast’s three titles place him among the most successful drivers in the modern era of German touring car racing.
Endurance Racing Achievements
In endurance racing, Rast secured victories at the 24 Hours of Spa in 2012 and 2014, driving factory-supported Audi R8 LMS entries. He also claimed the GT class win at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2012 with Magnus Racing. Additionally, he achieved victory at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in 2014. His success in the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany included championships in 2008 and 2012, along with three consecutive Porsche Supercup titles from 2010 to 2012.
René Rast Family
Personal Life
René Rast maintains a relatively private personal life outside of his professional racing career. Information about his family background and personal relationships is not widely publicized, allowing him to keep his focus on his motorsports endeavors. His dedication to racing has been evident throughout his career, as he has consistently competed at the highest levels of various championships.
2025 Season Performance
Rast continues to compete at a high level in motorsports. Currently driving for Schubert Motorsport with car number 33, he remains active in professional racing. His extensive experience across multiple disciplines makes him a valuable asset to any team. Rast’s career achievements, including three DTM championships and victories in major endurance races, have established his legacy in motorsports.
The 2025 season presents another opportunity for Rast to demonstrate his driving skills and competitive spirit. While his specific racing commitments may vary from year to year, his proven track record suggests he will continue to be a competitive force in whatever series he enters. Fans and competitors alike recognize Rast as a driver capable of delivering strong results regardless of the racing discipline.