René Rast finished fifth at DTM Oschersleben after a pit stop error cost him a likely second place. Starting from 15th, Rast’s team used a strategy that involved fresh tyres. Despite great efforts, a wheel nut issue during the second stop lost him crucial time, leading to a disappointing finish after a strong race.
René Rast was on the verge of a notable comeback during the DTM race at Oschersleben, climbing from 15th on the grid to a solid second place, until a significant pit stop error by his Schubert crew thwarted his chance for a podium finish. After the race, Rast found a moment to comfort a visibly upset mechanic, who had made the error. A mistake that resulted in a pit stop lasting over nine seconds instead of the critical few seconds that could have changed everything.
The pits can be chaotic, especially on a day when four stops are necessary, which was just not something the team was used to. “I’ve had really strong pit stops for two and a half years now,” Rast said, “but today I dropped back two or three positions. It can happen – I’m not mad at anyone for that.” This speaks volumes about his understanding of teamwork and the pressures of the race.
Coming into the second pit stop, Rast’s wheel wasn’t correctly positioned, causing a delay. Team principal Torsten Schubert explained that the split second mistake with the wheel gun means the nut doesn’t grip properly. That blunder allowed his competition, including Gounon, Pepper, and Preining, to pass him easily. “We win and lose as a team,” Schubert remarked, indicating the collective nature of racing.
Before this setback, Rast was enjoying a strong race, having executed an exceptional first pit stop. The strategy was clear – starting from 15th meant they could select fresh tyres, giving them a decisive edge over competition that had to manage with used ones. This clever choice put him into the top tier after his first lap.
As he engaged in this strategic battle, Rast was able to put a strong gap between himself and the chasing pack thanks to a rapid pit stop that clocked in at just 6.518 seconds. However, he found himself with old tyres after those first few laps, which eventually hindered his race pace. He tried qualifying tyres from Saturday, but they weren’t enough to bring him back to the front.
Despite these challenges, Rast seemed to accept the outcome, finishing fifth. After a disappointing qualifying performance earlier, this might not have been the dream result, but it’s a respectable placement. “I think we would have signed that before the weekend,” Rast concluded, reflecting on the race that was filled with ups and downs – a true testament to the unpredictable nature of motor racing.
René Rast’s fifth-place finish at DTM Oschersleben, after climbing from 15th, highlights the impact of a critical pit stop error that cost him significant positions. Despite the setback, Rast maintained a positive attitude, understanding that racing comes with its pressures and uncertainties. His performance, along with strategic decisions regarding tyre choices, underscored a valiant effort, nevertheless tempered by the unfortunate mistake that prevented a higher finish.
Original Source: www.autosport.com