I recently had the privilege of visiting Schubert Motorsport’s headquarters in Oschersleben, Germany, just as the team returned from their victorious 2024 DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) season.
Schubert Motorsport had clinched the team title for the second time since 2022 and their state-of-the-art 7,500 m² facility, located next to Motorsport Arena Oschersleben, acts as the hub of their activities.
Led by team boss Torsten Schubert, a former European autocross champion, the team arrived at the Hockenheimring just after the season finale, where René Rast took third place in the #33 BMW M4 GT3. That podium finish sealed the team championship for Schubert Motorsport and capped off an impressive season that saw drivers Rast, Sheldon van der Linde and Marco Wittmann take four wins and three additional podium finishes.
As I entered the complex, I was immediately immersed in the rich history and achievements of Schubert Motorsport. Founded in 1999, the team quickly became a dominant force in German motorsport, first in touring cars and endurance racing. The team has built a unique partnership with BMW, becoming a factory-supported customer team in 2012.
The showroom was a treasure trove of past victories, filled with trophies and racing memorabilia that tell the story of the team’s racing legacy. Among the machines on display was the iconic one Need for speed-sponsored BMW Z4a fan favorite with special meaning in the Speedhunters community, and a car with sentimental and historical importance to Torsten Schubert.
Accompanied by Gints Metra, Schubert Motorsport’s PR representative, I was taken behind closed doors to restricted areas, where three BMW M4 GT3s were being prepared for the next chapter of their racing lives. The cars bore the scars of their last race: dirt, scratches and dents, all evidence of their hard-fought battles on the track.
Gints was kind enough to take a closer look at the cars and even remove some panels to reveal their inner workings. While I couldn’t dive too deep with my camera to avoid giving away any setup secrets, it was impossible not to admire the impressive P58 inline-six with M TwinPower Turbo technology – an engine capable of producing up to 590 hp .
Marco Wittmann’s cockpit also impressed. It’s hard to fathom how drivers can operate the complex array of buttons on the steering wheel – or even glance at the small track map sticker with turn numbers – while keeping their attention on the track. On the passenger side I saw equipment used exclusively by DTM race organizers to track the cars and monitor crucial race data.
In the workshop I also met Daniel Schreiner, a carbon fiber specialist who both fabricates new parts and repairs damaged parts. ‘We try not to waste anything’ he explained. “Most damaged body panels find a second life during track testing or practice sessions.”
Looking back on the 2024 season, Torsten Schubert shared his thoughts: “It is very nice for the entire team that we can celebrate a title win at the end of this season, with highs and lows.”
After 16 races, Schubert Motorsport collected 361 points, securing the team championship by a 35-point margin over its nearest rivals. Rast’s season included two wins and multiple podium finishes. Sheldon van der Linde and Marco Wittmann also proved to be fierce competitors in one of motorsport’s most demanding areas.
Looking ahead, the future looks bright for Schubert Motorsport. As they continue to refine their GT3 racing cars, their partnership with BMW remains a key to success. “We have a close relationship with BMW because it is a semi-supported racing partnership,” explains Florian Rinkes, technical manager of Schubert Motorsport and racing engineer of Rast. “We continuously provide feedback on car performance and BMW responds with updates that make our cars even better. They are preparing an Evo kit for the GT3 and GT4 cars, based on input from all teams, which will improve the car’s handling and performance.”
In addition to their DTM efforts, Schubert Motorsport plans to compete in the GT Masters series. Depending on the schedule, they may also be able to participate in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. “The 2024 Evo update will be exciting,” Rinkes added, detailing how the improvements could improve the team’s capabilities in multiple racing series.
A visit to Schubert Motorsport was an inspiring glimpse into the inner workings of a championship-winning team. With the 2024 title secured, the team is already focusing on new challenges. With the continued support of BMW, Schubert Motorsport is poised for further success.
Vladimir Lyadov
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