Haupt to Make Series Return with Own Team at Nürburgring

Hubert Haupt will make his DTM series comeback next month, driving for his own Mercedes-AMG Team HRT outfit in round four of the season at the Nürburgring.

The team owner of Haupt Racing Team will get behind the wheel of a Playboy-liveried Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo for his first DTM appearance as a driver in two decades.

Haupt, 52, last competed in the German series in 2001 for Opel. He also contested the 1991 and 1992 campaigns with Audi during the DTM’s original touring car era.

Haupt founded HRT last summer and hired several ex-Black Falcon staff members to operate a multi-series GT3 program out of its base at Meuspath village next to the Nürburgring.

In April, former HWA chairman Ulrich Fritz joined as the organization’s CEO.

Haupt has previously driven for his eponymous team in the 24-hour races at the Nürburgring, Dubai and Spa, which he won last year in the Silver Cup category.

His DTM entry will appear in addition to HRT’s pair of full-time Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evos driven by Vincent Abril and Maximilian Goetz.

“This is another dream come true for me,” said Haupt. “First my own team, participating in DTM, and now I am back behind the wheel in this series of which I have so many memories. As a racer, you can hardly imagine anything better.

“Playboy, we have acquired a fantastic partner. It is simply a great, timeless lifestyle brand.

“From a sporting point of view, the opportunity to test myself in this strong environment with good professionals is obviously appealing. We are well prepared and I believe we can get a good result.”

ITR director of event and operations, Frederic Elsneer, added: “It is impressive that Hubert Haupt is participating as a driver in all three eras of the DTM.

“His comeback, in combination with the return of a prominent partner, is a really valuable addition and underlines the DTM’s appeal.”