HRT Switches to Ford in New Long-Term Partnership

Haupt Racing Team will campaign the Ford Mustang GT3 in Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS, DTM and Nürburgring 24 as a part of a new, long-term agreement with the American manufacturer.

The Meuspath-based squad will switch brands, ending a multi-year partnership with Mercedes-AMG that dated back to the team’s founding in 2020.

The team will embark on a multi-fronted campaign with the Blue Oval, which will include technical development work, alongside a new partner in lubricant firm Ravenol.

It will continue to compete in DTM as part of its brand switch, which will mark the first time Ford has competed in the German sprint series since the 1990s.

Additionally, it will compete in “factory-supported” races in both the NLS as well as the Nürburgring 24, while it will take over from Proton Competition in Fanatec GT Europe.

Proton team principal Christian Ried previously told Sportscar365 that his team would not continue to run the Mustang in Endurance Cup next year, having stepped in at late notice to replace Dinamic GT this year.

“HRT has continuously developed itself over the past few years,” said team CEO Ulrich Fritz.

“We have built up a high level of expertise in the use and development of race cars. We are therefore very excited about these new partnerships. The fact that Ford has chosen HRT as its spearhead in Europe is a great honor.

“Ford is a real power brand with a great motorsport tradition and high motivation. The Ford Mustang GT3 is a latest-generation race car that we will certainly be able to take to the next level together.

“We are also looking forward to RAVENOL. I am sure we can make a good contribution to the further development of lubricants. We will be well prepared for the upcoming season and are very much looking forward to working with Ford and RAVENOL.

“To Mercedes-AMG, I would like to say thank you for the many years of trusting and always constructive cooperation as a Performance Team.”

In addition to its plans in DTM, NLS and Fanatec GT Europe, HRT has outlined plans to operate a “regular customer racing program” next year, while also stating that the launch of a junior development program and expansion into GT4 are part of future plans.

“Having a team like HRT join the Ford Performance global family is a significant moment for us,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports.

“Haupt Racing Team’s proven success in DTM and other racing series is a strong endorsement of the Mustang GT3, and we’re thrilled to see them take on the legendary ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring 24 Hours as well as many of the other iconic circuits of Europe.

“This also means that along with our partners at Multimatic and Proton Competition, the Ford Mustang GT3 will now be competing at most of the iconic, 24-hour races at circuits such as Le Mans, Daytona and Spa.

“This collaboration strengthens our global position in GT3 racing and opens up new series and audiences for us around the world as we continue to grow the Mustang racing program in 2025.”