I just 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 Enviornment 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 formidable season by which drivers Rast, Sheldon van der Linde, and Marco Wittmann notched 4 wins and three further podiums.
Moving into the power, I used to be instantly immersed in Schubert Motorsport’s wealthy historical past and achievements. Based in 1999, the staff rapidly turned a dominant power in German motorsport, first in touring vehicles and endurance racing. The staff has cast 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 Velocity-sponsored BMW Z4, a fan favourite with particular significance within the Speedhunters neighborhood, and a automobile 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 have been being prepped for the subsequent 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 observe.
Gints kindly provided a more in-depth take a look at the vehicles, even eradicating some panels to disclose their interior workings. Whereas I couldn’t dive too deeply with my digital camera to keep away from revealing any setup secrets and techniques, it was inconceivable 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 effectively. It’s laborious to fathom how drivers can function the advanced array of buttons on the steering wheel – and even look on the tiny observe map sticker marked with flip numbers – whereas retaining their deal with the observe. On the passenger facet, I seen tools used solely by DTM race organizers to trace the vehicles and monitor essential race knowledge.
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 observe checks or follow classes.”
Reflecting on the 2024 season, Torsten Schubert shared his ideas: “It is extremely good for your complete staff that on the finish of this season with highs and lows, we are able to have fun 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 opponents in one of the vital demanding fields in motorsport.
Trying forward, the longer term is shiny for Schubert Motorsport. As they proceed to refine their GT3 race vehicles, their partnership with BMW stays a key to success. “We now have a detailed 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 continually giving suggestions on automobile efficiency, and BMW is responding with updates that make our vehicles even higher. They’re getting ready an Evo package for the GT3 and GT4 vehicles based mostly on enter from all of the groups, which can enhance the automobile’s drivability and efficiency.”
Along with their DTM efforts, Schubert Motorsport plans to compete within the GT Masters sequence. They might doubtlessly enter the Nürburgring 24 Hours, too, relying on scheduling. “The 2024 Evo replace will probably be thrilling,” Rinkes added, hinting at how the developments might improve the staff’s capabilities throughout a number of race sequence.
Visiting Schubert Motorsport was an inspiring glimpse into the interior 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 assist, Schubert Motorsport is poised for continued success.
Vladimir Ljadov
Instagram: wheelsbywovka
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