A Dramatic Finish at Lausitzring
In a heart-pounding race at the Lausitzring during the 2025 DTM season, Emil Frey Ferrari driver Jack Aitken secured his first victory of the year. Aitken, starting from pole position, faced intense competition from Schubert BMW racer Rene Rast, who initially gained the lead through a strategic undercut during the first round of pitstops. However, Aitken's determination shone through as he stayed close and executed a bold move to reclaim the lead just two laps before the finish.
The race, which took place over the weekend of May 24-25, showcased a thrilling battle between the two drivers. Rast, despite losing the lead late in the race, expressed his satisfaction with BMW's unexpected competitiveness. 'Yes, I'm super happy,' Rast remarked. 'Of course, I would have liked to win today, and losing the victory two laps before the end is always annoying, but it was incredibly fun today.'
Podium Battles and Key Performances
The fight for the podium was equally intense, with Winward Mercedes driver Jules Gounon making a last-lap attempt to overtake Rast for second place. Gounon pulled alongside Rast in the final corner but fell just 0.045 seconds short, settling for third. Meanwhile, Jordan Pepper of Grasser Lamborghini clinched fourth position, followed by Maro Engel, also from Winward Mercedes, and DTM champion Mirko Bortolotti, who achieved his best result of the season with Abt in sixth.
Rast later reflected on the challenges he faced during the race's closing stages due to tire wear. 'My tyres from yesterday's race were just at the end of their life when we put them on already. I had no grip, so I could not really defend hard,' he explained. 'I think there was a bit of carcass peeking out of the tyre and we were completely done. I couldn't accelerate out of the corners.' Aitken’s effective tire management was widely recognized as a critical factor in his ability to overtake Rast and secure the win.
Implications for the DTM Season
This victory marks a significant milestone for Jack Aitken and the Emil Frey Ferrari team in the 2025 DTM season. The Lausitzring race demonstrated the high level of competition within the series, with drivers and teams pushing their limits through strategy and skill. Aitken’s late-race pass not only earned him the top spot on the podium but also highlighted his potential as a frontrunner in the championship standings.
For Rene Rast and Schubert BMW, the race was a mix of achievement and frustration. While finishing second showcased their competitiveness, Rast’s comments suggest areas for improvement, particularly in tire management and late-race pace. As the DTM season progresses, this race at Lausitzring will likely be remembered as a defining moment of intense racing and strategic battles among some of the series’ top talents.