Despite having a fighting chance for the title, the Haupt Racing Team has to be prepared not to start in the third round of the GT World Challenge in Zandvoort. Due to the current classification of the Federal Government of North Holland as a risk area and the associated requirements to minimise the risk of infection, there is no possibility for the Mercedes-AMG drivers Maro Engel and Luca Stolz to start. As both drivers will also be competing in the ADAC Total 24h race at the Nürburgring on the same weekend, they will not be able to commute between the race tracks according to the current C-19 guidelines. The Haupt Racing Team will therefore concentrate on the 24-hour race, where it will field three factory-fitted Mercedes AMG GT3s.
- Haupt Racing Team must skip participation in GT World Challenge Zandvoort
- No double start by Maro Engel and Luca Stolz due to C-19 guidelines
- Full concentration of HRT on the ADAC Total 24h race Nürburgring
Currently the Haupt Racing Team is second overall in the team classification of the Sprint Cup of the GT World Challenge Europe, only 1.5 points behind the leader of the standings. In the drivers' championship, the HRT duo Maro Engel and Luca Stolz, who are also in second place, are only 3.5 points away from first place.
Theoretically a start in Zandvoort and the simultaneous participation in the 24h race at the Nürburgring would have been feasible and was logistically, meticulously prepared by the team until the end.
In the end there were several factors for the cancellation. Mercedes-AMG withdrew the approval of the drivers regarding the Covid-19 regulations, which meant that a start would only have been possible with replacement drivers. Furthermore, the team management decided to concentrate on the most important multi class endurance race of the year.
Sean Paul Breslin, Team Principal HRT: "Despite the great performances of our drivers and the whole team at the first two sprint rounds of the GT World Challenge Europe in Misano and Magny-Cours with a heavy heart we decided against a start in Zandvoort - knowing full well that this would rob us of all chances to win the championship. But it was a decision for the health and well-being of the HRT family.”
Directly after the Nürburgring classic, the test for the 24-hour race in Spa takes place on 29-30 September.
About HRT
HRT stands for HAUPT RACING TEAM. Formed in July 2020 by racing driver and entrepreneur Hubert Haupt, the team enjoys success in GT3 racing. Among other things, HRT secured the 2021 DTM drivers' championship in just its second motorsport season. HRT lines up with extended works support from Mercedes-AMG in many of the team's outings. The outings and cars are prepared in Meuspath, not far from the Nürburgring. HRT is also involved in professional sim racing and is a sought-after partner for motorsport events of all sorts. HRT can call on a host of experts with a wealth of motorsport and engineering experience, which the diverse motorsport company leverages when implementing technical development projects for and with its partners. The headquarters of Haupt Racing Team GmbH is Grünwald near Munich. The team owner is racing driver and businessman Hubert Haupt. As well as motorsport, Haupt is primarily known as a successful property developer. With his real estate company, he implements high-quality living and building concepts in southern Germany – from innovative buildings to complete districts.
