Jordan's Track Talk

Tag: Rene Rast

  • Rene Rast leaves NEOM McLaren

    NEOM McLaren and Rene Rast have parted ways after a season together at the start of Formula E’s GEN3 era.

    NEOM McLaren had signed Rast at the close of Season 8, with the German the first of the team’s driver line-up to be announced ahead of its Formula E bow in Season 9.

    Rast made his return to Formula E after a full time spell with Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler back in Season 7, with a best result of second in Puebla.

    The Minden-born driver’s first appearance in the series came back in 2015/16 and was followed by a stint with Audi back at the Season 6 six race nine-day finale in Berlin that earned him a full-time seat a year later.
    Rast scored his first Formula E silverware on home soil in the German capital, having impressed with his combative driving style.

    The triple DTM champion went on to score McLaren’s only podium of the season in Diriyah, and finished just eight points behind rookie Jake Hughes in the sister car – winding up 13th in the Drivers’ World Championship.
    A tough run through the second half of the season from his home E-Prix in Berlin onwards saw him fail to finish higher than 12th.

    Rene has been an integral part of the team’s successes and learnings as its first season as the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. Rene has taken the difficult decision to pursue other opportunities, and the team fully supports his decision. We can’t thank him enough for everything he’s done for the team over the past year. Having said that, the team has been working in the background to secure the best possible driver line-up for Season 10, and we are excited to announce the full driver line-up for the 2023/24 season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in due course. Thank you again, Rene – you will be missed.

    McLaren on the news.

  • Neom McLaren confirm Rast

    McLaren Racing has signed Rene Rast with the German driver the first of Neom McLaren Formula E’s driver line up for its debut in Formula E starting 2022/23.

    Rast is making his return to Formula E after a full-time spell with Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler back in Season 7, with a best result of second in Puebla. His first appearance in the series came back in 2015/16 and was followed by a stint with Audi back at the Season 6 six-race nine-day finale in Berlin, that earned him a full time drive a year later.

    Rast is also a triple DTM champion, coming out on top in 2017, 2019 and 2020, and he has also claimed overall wins at the 2012 and 2014 24 Hours of Spa, 2-14 24 Hours of Nurburgring and class wins at the 2012 and 2016 24 Hours of Daytona.

    I am delighted to join the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. As a racing fan, McLaren has always had huge appeal. It’s an iconic name in motorsport with a rich history, so I feel privileged and proud to be able to represent McLaren in Formula E next season. I’ve done a season in Formula E before, it was a great experience, and I felt after that year I wasn’t done yet. I’m excited that I am now getting the opportunity to continue that journey. I’m extremely motivated and have no doubt we will create something great together. I can’t wait to get started!

    Rene Rast on joining McLaren.

    While we approach the start of a new chapter for the team, I am delighted to be able to add Rene to our driver line up for next season. Rene has shown his racecraft over and over again in every series he has competed in to date. He is not only extremely fast, but also consistent, and has valuable previous experience in Formula E, which will be of great help both to the team and himself. Season 9 promises to be an exciting challenge for the team and I’m happy to have one of our cars in the trusted hands of Rene.

    Ian James, Managing Director.

    Rene has impressed over the years in the series he has competed in. He is a true racer and has proven to be quick in any car he’s driven. His previous experience in Formula E will be invaluable as we head into this exciting new era of racing for McLaren Racing. I’m delighted to welcome Rene to the McLaren Racing family.

    Zak Brown, CEO McLaren Racing.