Do we learn from DTM-Champions?

We have been accompanying René Rast on his merchandise journey since the 2019 season, developing his fan collection and operating the www.rene-rast.shop. Between the first Formula E races and his training in the simulator, we had the opportunity to exclusively speak to René about his time during corona, his final season in the DTM and the person René Rast himself.

René, you are currently one of the DTM champions. No, you are THE champion. You have brought the trophy home three times now. Three titles in four years, plus a vice championship, is unbelievable. In the previous year 2020, you once again swept the board, and are therefore the most successful DTM pilot in history.

1. How did you manage that?

 By ambition and perseverance and a strong will. I came to the DTM only after a succession of detours. Only after taking part in various racing series, such as Formula BMW, the ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup and the Porsche Carrera Cup did I join the DTM, really late, in 2016, as a reserve. Then, in 2017, I was able to secure a cockpit in Team Rosberg. I would certainly have never achieved that without my long-serving companions. But once I’ve got something into my head, I also want to achieve my goal. I therefore analyse each race precisely, whether I won or not, as there are always still things that can be improved. In motorsport, you can never be satisfied, and must always try and coax out every last drop from yourself, the material but also the entire team.

2. What characteristics would you use to describe yourself?

 I’m definitely ambitious and team-orientated, but also extremely focused and also very meticulous. I’d also describe myself as being very grounded.

3. What would you say to other people wanting to pursue a similar path?

 Never give up, and always follow your goals and your dream. But it won’t happen by itself. You need to be prepared to always give your all for it, and to actually do so. And to continuously analyse yourself, as well as wanting to improve, and to question yourself.

Racing drivers need to be able to concentrate, in order to achieve their very best performance. They are able to shut out stress, and also therefore able to successfully master challenging psychological situations.

4. How do you manage to keep so focused?

 I concentrate on the important things. For four years in the DTM, I had the incredible good fortune to have a legendarily good team behind me, that I could rely upon at all times. And now in Formula E too, the setup is right – let’s see what the season will bring. But I also know that I always have to be physically fit and be able to deliver the goods when required, but thank God I’ve always had a good grip on that, and so can control that myself. Last but not least, my family gives me complete support for the job that I always wanted to do. It’s either all or nothing.

5. What’s the last half hour before the start of a race like?

 I’m in full concentration mode, clearly structured and I know what I have to do. In those final minutes before a race, I don’t allow myself to be distracted by anything or anybody. I go through everything again in my head: the starting grid, setup, weather and tyres etc, and then it all usually gets going really quickly.

2020 was overshadowed by the corona pandemic. Races and championships had to be cancelled – no spectators.

6. How was the last year for you?

 It was extremely frustrating, as it surely was for lots of other people all over the world. The season was ready to kick off, but from one day to the next, everything was postponed and nobody knew when things would get going again, and in what form. During this time I didn’t run in a single race, which really was anything but satisfactory, and thoroughly frustrating. Even the short excursion into the world of e-racing was only able to provide a little bit of relief, even though it was fun to compete against my colleagues, if only virtually.

The corona pandemic, as well as lost races and championships, put a brake on your motivation. Of course, we all gave everything, but it was nevertheless not enough.

7. Do you ever lose your motivation, or are you rather a ‘get up and do it’ person?

 Definitely the second. The ambition always grabs me. I simply always just want to win. But I always accept it if someone else turns out to be better; either because he raced better, or had a better car, then that’s how it is and that’s OK by me. It’s my inner drive and ambition to always get the best out of everything, but I don’t need success just for my ego – I also win races and collect trophies for my team. Even though I sit alone in the racing car, the success is only achievable in a team. Without a good team, it simply wouldn’t be possible.

You wouldn’t be able to win the title on your own. There’s lots more behind it. Lots of helping hands, lots of co-thinkers, lots of organisers – an entire team that works together perfectly. Every move has to be just right.

8. How important is teamwork to you?

 Without the team, nothing. That starts with my family, and continues with my management and right down to the lads on the track. I’m part of the whole: we win, lose and fight together!

Two years ago, working in close partnership with you, we developed your merchandise collection. Your merchandise shop shot out of the starting blocks in April 2019, and is still very much in demand and successful to the present day. There people can find rather stylish products in René Rast design.

9. What products do you have in your shop?

 Definitely only products I’d use myself, and I do use them, no question about that. Right from the start, that was the requirement of the entire collection. I always played a part in the decision-making process, and helped develop the designs. I stand behind every item; I think they’re all cool. The collection is small, but perfectly formed.

10. Which item is your absolute favourite, and what does it mean to you?

The hoodie is my absolute favourite item. Here I paid special attention to the material thickness and quality. And I love wearing it myself.