Bethonie WaringDTM champion Rene Rast got his first experience behind the wheel of the Audi Formula E car ahead of the return of the championship next month.
Rast will replace Daniel Abt for the final six rounds of the 2019-20 season, while Abt moves to NIO 333.
He and new team-mate Lucas Di Grassi began preparations for the three Berlin double-headers with an extensive two-day test at the Lausitzring.
“An open car, completely different sound and completely different focus while testing than compared to DTM,” he said. “There were a lot of new experiences during the past few days.
“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.”
Di Grassi, who heads to Berlin fifth in the title race, saw the test as an important part in his battle to climb up the championship order.
“After many weeks of video and telephone conferences, it was nice to be able to work with the team again in real life,” he said. “We have six races ahead of us that will decide the championship. Everything is open and, accordingly, we want to come to Berlin perfectly prepared. The testing is an important step on the way there.”
As well as the six FE races, Rast will be competing in six DTM races in August as he aims to defend his DTM title.
Image credit: Audi Communications Motorsport/Malte Christians
