McLaren has confirmed the signing of Rene Rast to race in the FIA Formula E World Championship from the 2022/23 season. As the McLaren embarks on its debut season in all-electric racing series, Rene joins the motor racing team as the first of two names to form the NEOM McLaren Formula E driver line up.
In his illustrious career, Rene has clinched 2017, 2019 and 2020 DTM championship and claimed overall wins at the 2012 and 2014 24 Hours of Spa, 2014 24 Hours of Nurburgring and class wins at the 2012 and 2016 24 Hours of Daytona. Rene has also fair share of experience while competing in Formula E, participating in a number of rounds between 2016 to 2021, including two podiums with a highest finish of second.
Responding to the development, Rene claimed that he is extremely delighted to join the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team and admitted that he is proud to be associated with McLaren which has rich history in motor sports. "I feel privileged and proud to be able to represent McLaren in Formula E next season. I’ve done a season in Formula E before, it was a great experience, and I felt after that year I wasn’t done yet. I’m excited that I am now getting the opportunity to continue that journey," he said.
Ian James, Managing Director of McLaren Electric Racing stated that Rene shown his race craft over and over again in every series he has competed till date. "His consistency will provide us major boost in coming season as we look to bring better results. Season 9 promises to be an exciting challenge for the team and I’m happy to have one of our cars in the trusted hands of René," he added.
Ian James will continue to lead the Formula E team, which according to the company will lead to the smooth transition to McLaren Racing over the coming months. The NEOM McLaren Formula E team will in action later this year for the first time as official testing begins ahead of the first round in Mexico City ePrix on January 14, 2023.
