Defending DTM champion René Rast will race an Audi RS LMS in the Nürburgring round of the FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) next month for Audi Sport Team WRT.
Rast will not only tackle the FIA WTCR but will also face a double commitment on the notorious Nürburgring Nordschleife as he tackles the 24-hour race in an Audi R8 LMS as well.
“René will drive our GT3 sports car and additionally tackle the challenge in the WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup,” said Chris Reinke, Head of Audi Sport customer racing. “This enhances Audi Sport customer racing’s pinnacle event of the season surrounding the 24-hour race by another attraction.”
Rast, who has been a regular in the 24-hour race, is looking forward to joining in with some of the greatest names in international touring car racing.
In 2014 the German took overall victory in the famous race and set a distance record that has still not been beaten.
“Meeting with the world’s best drivers in a touring car now is fantastic,” added Rast. “I’m looking forward to competing against four world champions and many other title winners.”
Rast’s addition to the grid takes the number of Audi cars to seven, with three cars from WRT and four from Comtoyou Racing.
The WTCR entry marks a return to front-wheel drive racing for Rast, who took part in the 2005 ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup (where he was champion) followed by the SEAT León Supercopa in 2006.
Eurosport Events’ François Ribeiro has previously made no secret of his desire to see manufacturer-funded top-level drivers entering into the WTCR.
“It’s an honour to confirm René Rast’s participation at WTCR Race of Germany,” said Ribeiro. “It can only raise the sporting level of what is already a super-highly competitive grid.
“With a very impressive track record in touring cars and sportscars, plus strong knowledge of the Nürburgring Nordschleife, he’ll probably be one of the strongest wildcards we can throw at the all-season WTCR racers.
“This will be the first meeting of three touring car giants, a great message for all touring car fans around the world.”