I not too long ago had the privilege of visiting Schubert Motorsport’s headquarters in Oschersleben, Germany, simply because the group returned from their victorious 2024 DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) season.
Schubert Motorsport had clinched the group title for the second time since 2022, and their 7,500 m² state-of-the-art facility positioned subsequent to Motorsport Area Oschersleben serves because the hub of their operation.
Beneath the management of group principal Torsten Schubert, a former European autocross champion, the group arrived contemporary 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 group championship for Schubert Motorsport, capping off a powerful season wherein 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 group shortly grew to become a dominant drive in German motorsport, first in touring automobiles and endurance racing. The group has solid a singular partnership with BMW, turning into a factory-supported buyer group in 2012.
The showroom was a treasure trove of previous victories, lined with trophies and racing memorabilia that inform the story of the group’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 group, 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 have been being prepped for the following chapter of their racing life. The automobiles carried the scars of their final race – grime, scratches, and dents, all proof of their hard-fought battles on observe.
Gints kindly provided a better have a look at the automobiles, 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 properly. 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 maintaining their deal with the observe. On the passenger facet, I seen gear used solely by DTM race organizers to trace the automobiles 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 strive to not waste something,” he defined. “Most broken physique panels discover a second life throughout observe assessments or follow periods.”
Reflecting on the 2024 season, Torsten Schubert shared his ideas: “It is rather good for the whole group that on the finish of this season with highs and lows, we will have fun a title win.”
After 16 races, Schubert Motorsport accrued 361 factors, securing the group 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 demanding fields in motorsport.
Wanting forward, the longer term is vibrant for Schubert Motorsport. As they proceed to refine their GT3 race automobiles, their partnership with BMW stays a key to success. “We have now 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 always giving suggestions on automotive efficiency, and BMW is responding with updates that make our automobiles even higher. They’re getting ready an Evo equipment for the GT3 and GT4 automobiles based mostly on enter from all of the groups, which is able to increase the automotive’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 group’s capabilities throughout a number of race sequence.
Visiting Schubert Motorsport was an inspiring glimpse into the internal workings of a championship-winning group. Now that the 2024 title has been secured, the group is already targeted on new challenges. With BMW’s ongoing assist, Schubert Motorsport is poised for continued success.
Vladimir Ljadov
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