I lately had the privilege of visiting Schubert Motorsport’s headquarters in Oschersleben, Germany, simply because the staff returned from their victorious 2024 DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) season.
Schubert Motorsport had clinched the staff title for the second time since 2022, and their 7,500 m² state-of-the-art facility situated subsequent to Motorsport Area Oschersleben serves because the hub of their operation.
Underneath the management of staff principal Torsten Schubert, a former European autocross champion, the staff arrived recent off the season finale at Hockenheimring, the place René Rast secured a third-place end within the #33 BMW M4 GT3. That podium spot sealed the staff championship for Schubert Motorsport, capping off a powerful season wherein drivers Rast, Sheldon van der Linde, and Marco Wittmann notched 4 wins and three extra podiums.
Entering into the ability, I used to be instantly immersed in Schubert Motorsport’s wealthy historical past and achievements. Based in 1999, the staff rapidly turned a dominant drive in German motorsport, first in touring vehicles and endurance racing. The staff has solid a novel partnership with BMW, changing into a factory-supported buyer staff in 2012.
The showroom was a treasure trove of previous victories, lined with trophies and racing memorabilia that inform the story of the staff’s racing legacy. Among the many machines on show was the enduring Want for Pace-sponsored BMW Z4, a fan favourite with particular significance within the Speedhunters neighborhood, and a automotive with sentimental and historic significance to Torsten Schubert.
Accompanied by Gints Metra, Schubert Motorsport’s public relations consultant, I used to be taken behind closed doorways into restricted areas, the place three BMW M4 GT3s had been being prepped for the following chapter of their racing life. The vehicles carried the scars of their final race – filth, scratches, and dents, all proof of their hard-fought battles on monitor.
Gints kindly provided a more in-depth have a look at the vehicles, even eradicating some panels to disclose their internal workings. Whereas I couldn’t dive too deeply with my digital camera to keep away from revealing any setup secrets and techniques, it was unimaginable to not admire the spectacular P58 inline-six with M TwinPower Turbo expertise — an engine able to producing as much as 590hp.
Marco Wittmann’s cockpit left an impression as nicely. It’s arduous to fathom how drivers can function the advanced array of buttons on the steering wheel – and even look on the tiny monitor map sticker marked with flip numbers – whereas holding their give attention to the monitor. On the passenger facet, I observed gear used completely by DTM race organizers to trace the vehicles and monitor essential race information.
Within the workshop, I additionally met Daniel Schreiner, a carbon fiber specialist who works on each fabricating new components and repairing broken ones. “We attempt to not waste something,” he defined. “Most broken physique panels discover a second life throughout monitor checks or follow classes.”
Reflecting on the 2024 season, Torsten Schubert shared his ideas: “It is vitally good for your entire staff that on the finish of this season with highs and lows, we will have a good time a title win.”
After 16 races, Schubert Motorsport collected 361 factors, securing the staff championship with a 35-point margin over their nearest rivals. Rast’s season included two victories and a number of podium finishes. Sheldon van der Linde and Marco Wittmann additionally proved to be fierce rivals in one of the vital demanding fields in motorsport.
Trying forward, the long run is vivid for Schubert Motorsport. As they proceed to refine their GT3 race vehicles, their partnership with BMW stays a key to success. “Now we have an in depth relationship with BMW because it’s a semi-supported racing cooperation,” defined Florian Rinkes, Schubert Motorsport’s technical supervisor and Rast’s race engineer. “We’re continuously giving suggestions on automotive efficiency, and BMW is responding with updates that make our vehicles even higher. They’re getting ready an Evo equipment for the GT3 and GT4 vehicles primarily based on enter from all of the groups, which is able to enhance the automotive’s drivability and efficiency.”
Along with their DTM efforts, Schubert Motorsport plans to compete within the GT Masters sequence. They may probably enter the Nürburgring 24 Hours, too, relying on scheduling. “The 2024 Evo replace will likely be thrilling,” Rinkes added, hinting at how the developments may improve the staff’s capabilities throughout a number of race sequence.
Visiting Schubert Motorsport was an inspiring glimpse into the internal workings of a championship-winning staff. Now that the 2024 title has been secured, the staff is already centered on new challenges. With BMW’s ongoing help, Schubert Motorsport is poised for continued success.
Vladimir Ljadov
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