Schubert Motorsport dominates the DTM test at Hockenheim / DTM

More than six hours of testing time, 2,131 laps driven, numerous media appearances – the DTM drivers had a lot to do at Hockenheim both on and off the racetrack. The first public appearance of the popular motor racing series in 2024 included photo shoots, film recordings with exclusive TV partner ProSieben and interviews on Tuesday and Wednesday. In four test sessions on the traditional circuit in Baden-Württemberg, data was collected and various configurations were tested to fully prepare the cars for the start of the season in Oschersleben from 26 to 28 April.

René Rast (Bregenz) was one of the fastest drivers in the field from the start and set the best overall time in the Schubert Motorsport BMW M4 GT3 with 1:37.077 minutes. “It’s going well, but that doesn’t mean anything. We drove almost the same time as last year, but some could improve. We were able to complete our program, we did long and short sprints and balanced the set-up. After switching to BMW a year ago, now I know the car . Everything feels very natural,” explained the three-time DTM champion.

Behind his colleague, Sheldon van der Linde (ZA), who won the famous race series in 2022, took second place. Behind them, double title winner Marco Wittmann (Fürth) ensured that three BMWs from Schubert Motorsport finished the two-day DTM test in the top three positions. Ayhancan Güven (TR) proved himself in excellent form for his new Manthey EMA team and drove his Porsche 911 GT3 R to fourth place. The current champion Thomas Preining (A) showed in fifth place that he is sufficiently prepared for the start of the season.

The most active driver at Hockenheim was Arjun Maini (IND). The Mercedes-AMG HRT Team driver did not take his car lightly and completed the longest lap of all the drivers with 133 laps. “The test went well for us,” said the 26-year-old happily. “We tested many different settings in the car. In addition, it is important for a driver to start the season with a good feeling. That is the key to success. That is why I am happy that we were able to use the test well.”

2024 pre-season test results
1. René Rast (D/Schubert Motorsport), 1:37.077 minutes
2. Sheldon van der Linde (ZA/Schubert Motorsport), 1:37.214 minutes
3. Marco Wittmann (D/Schubert Motorsport), 1:37.382 minutes
4. Ayhancan Güven (TR/Manthey EMA), 1:37.414 minutes
5. Thomas Preining (A/Manthey EMA), 1:37.536 minutes