Stefano D'Aste

Stefano D'Aste
Born	(1974-02-26) February 26, 1974 Genoa, Italy
Occupation	Racing driver
Years active	2004–2013 (WTCC)
Known for	Competing in World Touring Car Championship; Yokohama World Independents Trophy champion (2007)

Stefano D'Aste (born 26 February 1974 in Genoa) is a professional Italian auto racing competitor.

Originally involved in motorcycle racing and rallying, he shifted his focus to the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), where he competed from 2004 through 2013.

Proteam Motorsport (2005–06)

During the 2005 season, D'Aste drove a BMW 320i for Proteam Motorsport, securing third place in the Independents' Trophy. His highest finish overall was second place in the second race at Spa-Francorchamps. Continuing with Proteam in 2006, he once again achieved third in the Independents' Trophy, with his best overall race result being tenth.

Wiechers-Sport (2007) World Independent Trophy Champion

In 2007, D'Aste moved to Wiechers-Sport, where he claimed the Yokohama World Independents Trophy title behind the wheel of a BMW 320si. That year, his top overall finish was tenth place. Additionally, he received the distinguished gold helmet award, a significant accolade in a driver's career.

Scuderia Proteam Motorsport (2008)

D'Aste returned to Proteam Motorsport for his third WTCC season in 2008, finishing third again in the Independents' classification. He opted out of the final rounds in Macau as a form of protest against a five-place grid penalty imposed after the previous race in Japan, despite being in contention to block teammate Sergio Hernández from clinching the title.

Wiechers-Sport (2009)

Although initially expected to continue with Proteam for 2009, contractual issues led D'Aste back to Wiechers-Sport. He concluded the year ranked 19th overall, with his highest race finish being sixth at the Race of Germany.

Scuderia Proteam Motorsport (2010)

In 2010, D'Aste rejoined Proteam for another campaign. He once more skipped the season finale at Macau to participate in the Monza Rally Show, even while still competing for the Independents' Trophy. He ended the WTCC season sixth in the Independents' standings and 19th overall, achieving his best finish of ninth during the Czech Republic event. At Monza, driving a Lotus Exige GT for PB Racing Team, he placed fourth overall and topped the GT class.

Wiechers-Sport and Official Lotus Evora GT4 Driver (2011–2012)

Midway through 2011, D'Aste re-signed with Wiechers-Sport, taking over from Urs Sonderegger starting at round six in Portugal. He qualified tenth and started race two on reversed grid pole position, earning points for his team. Missing one WTCC round to compete as official Lotus Evora driver for Gianni Giudici’s team in the GT4 European Cup, he returned later for races at Oschersleben and Valencia. Despite limited appearances, he finished 17th overall in WTCC and secured third place in the European GT4 championship.

In 2012, D'Aste committed to a full WTCC season with Wiechers-Sport. He recorded his first overall WTCC victory at Salzburgring after front-wheel-drive rivals suffered late punctures. Later that season, he triumphed again at Suzuka starting from reversed grid pole and achieved a podium finish at the Race of China. Entering Macau still competing for the Yokohama Trophy, an early retirement due to collision damage ended his bid; he ultimately placed third in the trophy standings and seventh overall—the highest championship position of his career. Additionally, that year he won the inaugural Rally of Sebino piloting a Lotus Exige GT Rally car against S2000 and WRC competitors, marking a notable accomplishment.

PB Racing (2013)

In 2013, D'Aste established PB Racing to compete in the 2013 season, piloting a BMW 320 TC. During the opening race of the Race of Italy, he experienced a crash that caused him to spin off and collide with barriers; nevertheless, he managed to recover and secured 9th place in the second race despite starting from the rear.

Complete European Touring Car Championship results

(key) (Races highlighted in bold denote pole positions) (Races shown in italics indicate fastest laps)

Year	Team	Car	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	DC	Points
2004	Proteam Motorsport	BMW 320i	MNZ 1 13	MNZ 2 8	VAL 1 14	VAL 2 12	MAG 1 10	MAG 2 9	HOC 1 16	HOC 2 DNS	BRN 1 16	BRN 2 14	DON 1 16	DON 2 Ret	SPA 1 Ret	SPA 2 DNS	IMO 1 15	IMO 2 Ret					20th	1

Complete World Touring Car Championship results

(key) (Races displayed in bold signify pole position) (Races in italics represent fastest lap)

Year	Team	Car	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	DC	Points
2005	Proteam Motorsport	BMW 320i	ITA 1 16	ITA 2 22	FRA 1 Ret	FRA 2 DNS	GBR 1 Ret	GBR 2 < br />< small > Ret </ small >	SMR < br />1 < br />< small >22 </ small >	SMR < br />2 < br />< small >15 </ small >	MEX < br />1 < br />< small >12 </ small >	MEX < br />2 < br />< small >11 </ small >	BEL < br />1 < br />< small >16 </ small >	BEL < br />2 < br />< small >2 </ small >	GER < br />1 < br />< small >20 </ small >	GER < br />2 < br />< small >19 </ small >	TUR < br />1 < br />< small >14 </ small >	TUR < br />2 < br />< small >15 </ small >	ESP < br />1 < br />< small >17 </ small >	ESP < br />2 < br />< small >17 </ small >	MAC < br />1 < br />< small >11 </ small >	MAC < br />2 < br />< small >Ret </ small >					18th	8
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