Audi Sport Team Rosberg’s René Rast believes his future is still in the DTM series, despite winning two championships in three years, and having an interest in other opportunities.
The German racer secured his second DTM title at the Nürburgring after a season long battle with Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline’s Nico Muller and BMW Team RMG’s Marco Wittmann.
After taking the championship, Rast remains overwhelmed by his title triumph and still admits to a level of surprise.
“It’s a great feeling,” explained the Audi driver, “Totally different from what I felt when I won my first DTM title in 2017.
“The title at that time came somewhat unexpectedly. This year, I was able to mentally prepare myself because I was touted as a favorite.
“When I entered the DTM I didn’t expect to clinch two titles within the space of three years.”
With such success in one of the world’s most competitive touring car series, it is to no surprise that opportunities away from the series have opened up for the 32-year-old. Despite this, Rast is set on continuing to compete in the DTM.
“I feel very comfortable in the DTM,” described the two-time champion, “I enjoy it a lot. That’s why I see my future in the DTM.”
Rast joins Wittmann, Mattias Ekström, Gary Paffett, and Timo Scheider in the record books with two titles, but is four championships short of legend Klaus Ludwig, and the 2019 champion reveals he is interested in chasing down that record.
“I didn’t use to pay a lot of attention to records in the past,” confessed Rast, “But when you get closer to the benchmarks it starts to become relevant.
“Especially the 23 victories that Mattias (Ekström) clinched for Audi, plus a third DTM title. Only Bernd Schneider and Klaus Ludwig have won more than two titles.
“If you have the chance of becoming one of the three most successful DTM drivers of all time it’s a goal worth pursuing.”