Ford is set to make its first appearance in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) in over 30 years, entering the 2025 season through a collaboration with the Haupt Racing Team (HRT). The team, led by businessman and driver Hubert Haupt, will field two Ford Mustang GT3s under the "Ford Performance HRT" banner. This move represents the next phase of the Mustang GT3's expansion. After debuting in 2024, the Mustang GT3 found success in the IMSA SportsCar Championship and the World Endurance Championship (WEC), with both factory and customer entries. Co-developed with Multimatic, the car has already earned credibility in the racing world, and its entry into DTM signals Ford's intent to build on that momentum. HRT's new role in Ford's motorsport programme will see the Mustang GT3 compete in prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, the Crowdstrike 24 Hours of Spa, and the Rolex 24 At Daytona. From Mercedes to Mustang: HRT’s New ChallengeHRT has become a powerhouse in GT3 racing since its founding in 2020, with notable achievements such as winning the 2021 DTM Drivers’ Championship in its first year competing under the series' GT3 rules. Most recently, the team claimed the Silver Cup title in the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Series in 2023. Ford, meanwhile, has a storied history in DTM, with its roots tracing back to the 1980s. The legendary Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth, driven by Le Mans legend Klaus Ludwig, secured Ford’s first and only DTM championship in 1988. Beyond DTM, Ford’s motorsport legacy includes five victories at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, with iconic models like the Escort, Capri, and Sierra RS500. What makes this partnership especially significant is HRT’s transition away from Mercedes, after five years of fielding the Mercedes-AMG GT3. Now, with their contract with Mercedes expiring, the team is set to spearhead Ford’s efforts in Europe, a move described as “a great honour” by HRT managing director Ulrich Fritz. He also emphasized HRT’s continuous development, stating, “We have built up a high level of expertise in the use and development of race cars. The Ford Mustang GT3 is a latest-generation race car that we will certainly be able to take to the next level together.” This partnership is part of a broader collaboration between Ford, HRT, Multimatic, and Proton Competition, which aims to elevate the Mustang GT3’s presence in global motorsport. “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. Source: Ford
