Real laps

It’s almost time for ‘game off’ as the period of forced shutdown for the FIA Formula E ends and the simulated competition again makes way for the real thing. Like all international and domestic motorsport competitions around the globe, the COVID restrictions and lockdowns impacted the all-electric formula, but the countdown is now on for the resumption of racing next month.

Also counting down to the start of the revised competition is two-time DTM champion, René Rast, who will join Lucas di Grassi in the Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler team for the condensed, six race schedule to be held at Tempelhof Airfield in Germany from August 5th.

For the champion German driver, his recent stint behind the wheel of the FE06 e-tron was his first aside from time spent on the race simulator, and the move to ‘real time driving’ on track a welcome experience. 

“An open car, completely different sound and completely different focus while testing than compared to the DTM. There were a lot of new experiences during the past few days,” René Rast said after his first stint behind the wheel of the Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler car. 

“I was very well received in the team and in Lucas I have a very open and experienced teacher at my side. I had a lot of fun with my first kilometres and I’m looking forward to the races in Berlin more and more every day, even if I know that it will be a huge challenge and anything but easy.” 

Those who know Rast or have followed his career will recognise the humility in that statement, given his tremendous versatility in motorsport over a celebrated career. In addition to his tremendous success in the German touring Car Masters (DTM), he has featured prominently in a range of classes including GT3 behind the wheel of the Audi R8 LMS GT3 car at tracks around the world (including Bathurst).

For Lucas di Grassi, the most most experienced driver in Formula E and a former world Champion, the test session was a welcome chance to escape the confines of recent months and get back out on the track. 

“After many weeks of video and telephone conferences, it was nice to be able to work with the team again in real life.”

“We have six races ahead of us that will decide the championship. Everything is still open and, accordingly, we want to come to Berlin perfectly prepared. The testing is an important step on the way there.” 

It will be a welcome return to racing not just for the drivers but for the fans, and for relative newcomer, Rast, it will be a busy month. In addition to his his Formula E debut of six races, he will  also be back behind thew wheel of his DTM car for an additional six races in the same month.

Get ready for some serious 'game on' in the very real sense.