DTM Zandvoort Qualifying 2 report: Rast breaks all-time DTM pole record with blistering Friday lap

As the Dutch coastline basked in the evening light, René Rast delivered a qualifying masterclass, shattering records and securing pole position for Sunday’s showdown. The Schubert Motorsport driver clocked an electrifying 1m32.750sec, breaking the legendary Bernd Schneider’s all-time pole record with now 26 poles, and leaving Jack Aitken trailing by 0.275 seconds. With precision, pace, and pure perfection, the three-time DTM champion reminded the paddock why he’s a force to be reckoned with.

This second qualifying session took place on Friday rather than Sunday morning, a schedule tweak made to accommodate drivers travelling to the Le Mans Test Day. With several competitors pulling double duty, qualifying for the second race was brought forward to ensure they could complete their laps in France and return to Zandvoort in time for the second race late on Sunday afternoon. Saturday’s schedule remains unchanged, with both qualifying and the first race taking place the same day.

BMW’s Marco Wittmann proved Schubert Motorsport’s dominance, bagging third place and reinforcing that the M4 GT3 Evo has truly found its rhythm. Jules Gounon, leading Mercedes-AMG’s charge, secured fourth, while Thomas Preining put his Manthey EMA Porsche firmly in fifth position — each contender bracing for battle come race day.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing, though. Mirko Bortolotti’s Lamborghini came to a halt at Turn 1, bringing out the yellows and dashing his hopes of a strong grid position.