One of the first major announcements for the 2023 DTM, now under the leadership of the ADAC is the four car, two team plan for BMW M Motorsport.
Schubert Motorsport and BMW M works driver Sheldon van der Linde will return in defence of their 2022 titles in the driver and team standings.
The second seat at Schubert goes to René Rast, the three-time DTM title holder is set to make his debut in the BMW M4 GT3 in the upcoming season after switching to BMW M Motorsport from Audi.
As a new DTM team, FIA WEC regulars Project 1 will also be competing with two BMW M4 GT3s, with two-time DTM champion Marco Wittmann already confirmed at the wheel of one of the cars. The second driver will be announced at a later date.
Project 1 has competed in the BMW family for the past two seasons in the BMW M2 Cup as part of the supporting programme for the DTM.
The team has also taken the teams title in the DTM Trophy with the BMW M4 GT4.
2022 DTM contenders with BMW, Walkenhorst Motorsport are set not to return to the Championship in 2023.
Vanthoor to replace Rast in Zandvoort.
A calendar clash for René Rast with his involvement in Formula E means that he will miss the DTM race weekend at Zandvoort. BMW M works driver Dries Vanthoor will stand in for him for that event.
Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport: “First of all, we are delighted that the DTM will be taking place once again in 2023. BMW M Motorsport and the race series have a shared history spanning many decades. It would have been a shame if the DTM had fizzled out. Thankfully the agreement between Gerhard Berger and the ADAC prevented this from happening so we are pleased to have the opportunity to defend our titles with Schubert Motorsport and Sheldon van der Linde. The team and drivers did an outstanding job as the ones to beat at the 2022 season finale. René Rast is a great signing for the Schubert team’s second BMW M4 GT3. Obviously, it is a shame that he will miss one of the race weekends due to a clash with Formula E, but we have confidence in René’s class and believe that he will still be one of the main players in the championship. Project 1 is a very exciting new BMW M Motorsport DTM team. The journey the team’s professionalism has taken them on in recent years has impressed us all. We are intrigued and are really looking forward to this joint project. In our opinion, a champion like Marco Wittmann is the perfect choice as a team leader.”
Sheldon van der Linde, Schubert Motorsport: “It’s fantastic that I have the opportunity to defend the first title of my career with the Schubert team. Everyone says it is harder to defend a title than it is to win one for the first time. I’m excited to see how it goes. The new DTM will be a big challenge for everyone. Whoever can adapt to the new conditions the quickest will do well. I’m trusting in the abilities of my team, who will no doubt be even stronger than last year. It’s fantastic to be driving with a major champion like René Rast. I have no doubt that we will be able to push each other.”
René Rast, Schubert Motorsport: “I’m delighted to be racing in the DTM again in 2023; it has become my second home over the years. Schubert Motorsport has proved what a terrific team it is. I have known Sheldon for a very long time – he’s a great guy so I’m really looking forward to the collaboration. It goes without saying that a new environment and a new car, which I am not familiar with yet, will be a big challenge for me. But one that I am looking forward to taking on.”
Marco Wittmann, Project 1: “I’m really pleased to be competing in the DTM again in its new configuration. I believe and hope that the fans will be the winners of the restructuring, since the planned joint events with the ADAC GT Masters will no doubt be particular highlights. On a personal note, I am highly motivated and very much looking forward to taking on the new challenge with Project 1. Naturally, being successful as a new team will require coming together quickly, but everyone who knows me is aware that I am always hungry for success and have brought home top results early on with new teams in the past. I have known Hans-Bernd Kamps since my youth at the Speed Academy and the team from its successful period in the Porsche one-make cups. It’s funny that things are coming full circle now and we are finally working together directly. The hard work starts now, so that if everything goes according to plan I can start the new season the same way I ended the last one – with a win.”
