MARCO Wittmann of Schubert Motorsport secured a dramatic victory in the DTM race at Zandvoort on Sunday, marking his first win since the 2022 season finale and the team’s first triumph with the BMW M4 GT3. Wittmann, starting in 14th position, maneuvered his way through the field to claim the top spot, successfully defending his lead in a tense battle against Mirko Bortolotti despite a damaged tire.
This win was the culmination of an eventful weekend for the BMW M Motorsport DTM drivers, including René Rast, who earned a second-place podium finish on Saturday, and Sheldon van der Linde, who consistently finished in the top ten. The trio had just returned from a test session for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France, highlighting their dedication and adaptability.
Rast, starting seventh on Saturday, demonstrated a strong performance to reach the podium, while on Sunday, he fought his way from last place to finish seventh. Van der Linde finished sixth and eighth in the two races, showcasing consistent skill and the potential of the BMW M4 GT3.
Wittmann’s win was a testament to his perseverance and the car’s performance. “I am, of course, overjoyed. What a race!” Wittmann exclaimed. “To drive from 14th to the front is unique, to pull out the victory in the process.”
The victory was also a significant achievement for Schubert Motorsport. Team Principal Torsten Schubert expressed his delight, stating, “It was a great team performance, the tactic to drive long with the new tyres and then to make the overcut on Mirko Bortolotti worked very well.”
Bjí¶rn Lellmann, Head of Customer Racing at BMW M Motorsport, congratulated Wittmann and Schubert Motorsport, highlighting the strong performance of the BMW M4 GT3 and the team’s strategic approach.
While the weekend was filled with challenges, including a damaged tire for Wittmann and starting from the back of the grid for Rast on Sunday, the BMW drivers showcased their resilience and ability to adapt. Their performance at Zandvoort underscored the potential of both the drivers and the BMW M4 GT3 in the DTM championship.
