Arjun Maini Gears Up with HRT Ford Performance for the 2025 DTM Season

Arjun Maini: The countdown to the 2024 DTM season is officially underway, with teams set to hit the track for the first official test day at Motorsport Arena Oschersleben on Wednesday.

Among the contenders, Haupt Racing Team (HRT) is making headlines as they prepare to field two Ford Mustang GT3s in the prestigious sprint racing series for the first time.

HRT's entry marks Ford's highly anticipated return to the DTM grid after a 36-year absence. The last time the American manufacturer competed as a works team in the championship was in 1989 with the Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500.

This season, the Ford-supported HRT lineup will feature Indian driver Arjun Maini and Swiss racer Fabio Scherer, both of whom bring significant DTM experience to the team. Combined, the duo boasts a total of 82 DTM races, positioning them as a formidable pairing for the upcoming campaign.

A Proven Lineup for Ford's DTM Return

Arjun Maini, who has been part of HRT's setup since 2022, had an impressive run last season, securing three podium finishes and a pole position. The Indian racer has accumulated 64 appearances in the championship and will pilot the #36 Ford Mustang GT3, adorned in the blue and yellow colors of team partner RAVENOL.

His teammate, Fabio Scherer, joins as a Ford Performance GT3 Junior Driver, adding further strength to HRT's push for success in their maiden season with the Mustang GT3.

Preparations Underway for Season Kickoff

Before the season officially begins, HRT Ford Performance will have their first major test session at Oschersleben on April 2. The same circuit will then host the season opener three weeks later, from April 25-27. Over the course of the season, teams will compete across eight race weekends in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, with the grand finale set to take place at the Hockenheimring on October 4-5.

With an impressive record of six race wins from 66 starts and a championship title in 2021, HRT has established itself as a competitive force in DTM. Looking toward the future, the team has increased its commitment to nurturing young motorsport talent through a partnership with the SIM-ON kart team. This initiative aims to create a pathway for emerging drivers to progress from karting to DTM via the ADAC GT Masters' "Road to DTM" program.

Leadership and Driver Reactions

Ulrich Fritz, Managing Director of Haupt Racing Team, acknowledged the responsibility of leading Ford's DTM comeback, stating:

"First of all, we are obviously very proud that Ford Performance has entrusted us with the responsibility for their DTM comeback. We have proven several times in the past that we can be successful in this series. However, we will certainly need some patience with the new car. The focus is on the further development of the Ford Mustang GT3. But with regard to our two fast drivers and the experienced crew, I am confident that we can achieve good results over the course of the season."

Meanwhile, Arjun Maini expressed his enthusiasm about the challenge ahead:

"I am very excited about another year in the DTM with HRT and Ford Performance. We are really looking forward to the season. It's a new challenge for me and a new challenge for the team. But fortunately, we've worked very well together over the past few seasons. So I am very happy to continue that relationship and hopefully we can have some strong races together and be successful."

With a mix of experience, a brand-new race car, and a clear vision for success, Haupt Racing Team is set to make waves in the 2024 DTM season. Fans can look forward to an action-packed campaign as the team embarks on this exciting new chapter with Ford Mustang GT3.