Rast Signs for BMW Ahead of 2023 Season

Rene Rast has signed for BMW and will start racing for the Munich manufacturer next year following his departure from Audi.

The three-time DTM champion and multiple 24-hour race winner will join the roster of BMW M Motorsport factory drivers, with his exact driving program to be revealed along with the others at a later date.

Rast is leaving Audi at the end of the current DTM season, ending a long partnership that included victories at the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa, Nürburgring 24 and Rolex 24 at Daytona in GT3 machinery, as well as Formula E and 24 Hours of Le Mans LMP1 drives.

While no programs have been confirmed, the 35-year-old’s brand switch coincides with the start of BMW’s LMDh program in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and its preparation for an FIA World Endurance Championship return in 2024.

BMW M Motorsport is also heavily involved in GT racing, including the DTM, with the BMW M4 GT3.

“I know Rene Rast very well from my time at Audi and I am delighted that we will work together now at BMW M Motorsport,” said Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport.

“Rene is a very versatile racing driver and a fantastic addition to our squad of drivers. His success speaks for itself.

“He has immediately been fast in every car he has driven so far. He also has a meticulous approach to his job, which has always impressed me. I am confident that he will be a great help to us in many areas, whether it be racing or developing our cars.”

Rast previously tested for BMW ahead of the German manufacturer’s DTM return in 2012, and also raced in Formula BMW during the early stages of his career.

He described the move to BMW M Motorsport as a “logical step” for his next chapter.

“After so many successful years at Audi, I am looking forward to a new challenge,” said Rast.

“I followed what has been going on at BMW M Motorsport in the past years and a long time ago, I took my first steps in motor racing in Formula BMW.

“Returning to BMW now, almost 20 years later, is a great story and a logical step for me.”