René Rast: “I expect a hard race”

René Rast: “I expect a hard race”

René Rast, the 2014 Total 24 Hours of Spa winner, makes his debut in the Motul Sepang 12 Hours. The Audi-driver is third in the Intercontinental GT Challenge driver standings, and with only seven points deficit on championship leader Laurens Vanthoor, Rast still has every chance to take the inaugural Intercontinental GT Challenge title. He is well aware of the difficulties that hold the Motul Sepang 12 Hours though.

“I have never been in Malaysia before, but obviously I’ve watched some races on television,” the 30-year-old says. “I gather the Sepang Circuit is a pretty interesting track. My colleagues tell me this can be a tough event, due to the hot and humid conditions. When I arrived here I immediately felt the heat, so I expect a hard race. It’s difficult to prepare for these conditions – it’s freezing cold in Europe right now. But a little visit to the sauna or a more intensive training, to work up a sweat and get used to the heat, might help.”

“I don’t think the speed difference between the cars will play a major role”, the German continues. “We are used to it from the Nürburgring 24 hours, or even Spa. But it’s a factor and we have to take it into account. The track is wide enough though, so it should be okay.”

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Motul Sepang 12Hours

Provisional Timetable

Thursday Dec 8th
Free Practice 1 17:50 – 19:50
Free Practice 2 20:15 – 22:15

Friday Dec 9th
Free Practice 3 11:00 – 13:00
Qualifying 15:00 – 16:00
Top 15 Shootout 16:30 – 16:45

Saturday Dec 10th
Race Start 12:00

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The race can be followed live via the following link : http://www.sepang12hours.com
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René Rast shares the #16 Audi Sport Team Phoenix R8 with his German countrymen Pierre Kaffer and Markus Winkelhock.