Rene Rast visibly enjoyed his place at the top of the podium. He listened to the German national anthem and smiled – because it’s been a long time since the 35-year-old clinched a win in the DTM. The former dominator last struck on November 8, 2020, and on June 18, 2022 he followed up with the 25th victory of his career at the fifth race of the season in Imola. Sporty exclamation mark included.
“I didn’t expect it before the weekend, but of course we hoped for it after qualifying. The race went perfectly, just as one would wish. In the end, all I had to do was manage,” said Rast. Do we now see him regularly at the front again? “Sunday will be difficult with an additional 25 kilograms in the car. But we’re asking you to go up front again in qualifying.”
René Rast dominated Saturday’s DTM race in Imola.
Rast’s victory was safe. He built up a small lead right from the start, which he extended further after the pit stop. Good for Rast, bad for entertainment: There were hardly any hot duels in the heat of Imola, especially at the front.
In fourth place, Thomas Preining narrowly missed his first podium finish in the DTM with the Porsche.
Behind Preining, Kelvin van der Linde in the Abt-Audi was fifth in front of Clemens Schmid, who also delivered a clean race after his strong qualifying. In seventh place, Marco Wittmann was the best BMW driver ahead of Sheldon van der Linde, who defended his overall lead with eighth place. He now has 70 points, three more than Bortolotti.
DTM at Imola
1st race: result
2. Nico Müller (Switzerland) – Audi R8 GT3 +3.809s
3. Mirko Bortolotti (Italy) – Lamborghini Huracan GT3 +7.936
4. Thomas Preining (Austria) – Porsche 911 GT3 R +9.323
5. Kelvin van der Linde (South Africa) – Audi R8 GT3 +10.605
6. Clemens Schmid (Austria) – Lamborghini Huracan GT3 +13.289
7. Marco Wittmann (Furth) – BMW M4 GT3 +17.853
8. Sheldon van der Linde (South Africa) – BMW M4 GT3 +32.103
9. Dennis Olsen (Norway) – Porsche 911 GT3 R +32.733
10. Maro Engel (Munich) – Mercedes-AMG GT3 +33.394
Driver Rating
Standing after 5 of 16 races
2. Mirko Bortolotti (Italy) – Lamborghini 67
3. Nico Müller (Switzerland) – Audi 58
4. René Rast (Minden) – Audi 49
5. Lucas Auer (Austria) – Mercedes 48
6. Luca Stolz (Brachbach) – Mercedes-Benz 37
7. Maro Engel (Munich) – Mercedes 34
8. Kelvin van der Linde (South Africa) – Audi 30
9. Felipe Fraga (Brazil) – Ferrari 20
10. Marco Wittmann (Fuerth) – BMW 19
Manufacturer rating
1. Audi 153 points
2.Mercedes 131
3. BMW 102
4. Lamborghini 74
5.Porsche 43
6. Ferrari 21
