Schubert Motorsport, hosting the inaugural round of the 2024 DTM season at Oschersleben, showcased a rollercoaster of emotions for fans just outside their headquarters. Amidst tactical maneuvers and unforeseen setbacks, the team navigated through the challenges to secure commendable finishes.
South African driver Sheldon van der Linde piloted the #31 Shell BMW M4 GT3 to a fourth-place finish in Saturday’s race and followed up with a sixth-place finish on Sunday. His consistent performance added valuable points to the team’s tally. René Rast, representing Germany, contributed to the team’s success with two seventh-place finishes across both races. However, Marco Wittmann, also from Germany, faced disappointment as fuel pressure issues forced him to retire just moments before the finish line on Saturday, despite leading the race.
Saturday’s race witnessed an enthralling tactical move by Schubert Motorsport, propelling Wittmann from 19th on the grid to a potential victory position. However, fortune turned sour as fuel pressure issues halted his charge, leaving him stranded just meters away from the finish line. Despite the setback, van der Linde fought valiantly to secure a fourth-place finish.
Sunday’s race brought its own challenges, with all three BMW M works drivers staging comebacks from the rear of the grid. Van der Linde faced an early setback with a collision at the start, relegating him to the back of the pack. However, he showcased remarkable resilience, gradually working his way up to a sixth-place finish, closely followed by Rast in seventh. Wittmann salvaged points with a tenth-place finish after struggling with pace and balance throughout the race.
In the support programme, the ADAC GT Masters and the ADAC GT4 Germany also commenced their 2024 seasons with success stories featuring the BMW M4 GT3 and BMW M4 GT4. Maxime Oosten secured pole position and victory in the ADAC GT Masters alongside teammate Leon Köhler. In the ADAC GT4 Germany, Gabriele Piana and Michael Schrey clinched pole position and victory in race one, with a repeat win on Sunday.
Björn Lellmann, Head of Customer Racing at BMW M Motorsport, expressed mixed sentiments regarding the DTM opener, acknowledging the strategic brilliance displayed by the team despite challenges. Team Principal Torsten Schubert echoed Lellmann’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of collecting points consistently throughout the season.
Reflecting on the weekend’s performance, Sheldon van der Linde expressed pride in the team’s achievements despite the challenging track conditions. René Rast echoed van der Linde’s sentiments, acknowledging the tough nature of the track but emphasizing the team’s commitment to podium contention. Marco Wittmann lamented the missed opportunity on Saturday but remained optimistic about the challenges ahead.
As the DTM season progresses, Schubert Motorsport aims to build on their experiences at Oschersleben, focusing on consistent point-scoring performances and podium aspirations, starting with the upcoming race at Lausitzring.
