Having expanded its racing programme for the 2021 season, the Haupt Racing Team continues to grow structurally too: the team founded last year by businessman and racing driver Hubert Haupt welcomes on board Ulrich Fritz, who takes over the management of Haupt Racing Team GmbH. In his new role, Fritz is responsible for the operational areas of the company’s business and will push ahead with the strategic further development. The joint mission is clearly defined: in the coming years, HRT will develop into a benchmark in international GT racing, as well as positioning itself even more broadly, with new projects, and growing as a company. The successful structures for race outings, with Sean Paul Breslin as team principal, Marvin Wagner as technical director and Renaud Dufour as chief engineer, remain unchanged.
- Ulrich Fritz named new CEO of Haupt Racing Team GmbH
- Under Fritz, HRT will push ahead with its development into a benchmark team in GT racing, and will continue to systematically expand its business activities
- Hubert Haupt: “Important setting of the course for a successful future for HRT.”
In Ulrich Fritz, Hubert Haupt has acquired the services of one of the most experienced figures in German motorsport. Fritz is particularly well known for his many years as team principal of the Mercedes-AMG team that won the DTM a record number of times, and with which he claimed five titles in the prestigious touring car series in 2015 and 2018. He was also CEO and Chairman of the Management Board at HWA AG – the motorsport and engineering company, which was responsible for Daimler AG's involvement in the DTM and entry into the FIA Formula E Championship, among other things. Fritz previously held various positions at Mercedes-AMG GmbH, where he was headed the team establishing the AMG customer racing programme.
Ulrich Fritz takes over as CEO of Haupt Racing Team GmbH from team founder and owner Hubert Haupt, who will focus more on his role as a racing driver in the future. As such, Haupt hands over the operational side of the business to Fritz, who will complement the team’s existing leadership team. As well as this season’s GT3 platforms (DTM, GT World Challenge Europe, Nürburgring Endurance Series, Nürburgring 24 Hours, E-Sports, events), future issues, new development projects and the development of additional growth opportunities are also top of the agenda for Fritz, with the aim being to secure the long-term success of HRT.
Hubert Haupt, team owner HRT: “Uli Fritz brings a wealth of experience and strong leadership qualities to the Haupt Racing Team. His appointment as CEO is an important setting of the course for the successful future of HRT. We have set ourselves ambitious goals: we not only want to continue to develop on the sporting front as a racing team, but also to position ourselves as an international motorsport company and innovative development partner – a challenge that is tailor-made for such an experienced expert as he is. I am pleased to have him on board.”
Ulrich Fritz, Managing Director of Haupt Racing Team GmbH: “I am delighted with the faith that Hubert Haupt has put in me, and am looking forward to my new role at HRT. I have known all those responsible for a long time and have always worked well with them. I now want to build on this. What HRT has put together within just a few months is really impressive. It shows how passionate everyone involved is about their work. In some ways, I am coming full circle here – particularly with the Mercedes-AMG GT3 programme, but also with the participation in the DTM. However, my responsibilities go far beyond that: it is about leading HRT into the future and transforming a small team, as it still is at the moment, into a diverse and successful company. A hugely appealing challenge, with plenty of leeway!”
Sean Paul Breslin, team principal HRT: “I know Uli Fritz well and admire him as a pragmatic man who really knows his stuff. It is always beneficial when the CEO is not solely interested in figures, but also has petrol running through his veins. His knowledge of GT3 racing and his wealth of experience in the DTM form a valuable combination, which will be particularly advantageous to us on the sporting side this season. As a businessman, he is also the right person to forge ahead with the economic and strategic development of HRT. I look forward to working with him.”
About HRT
HRT stands for HAUPT RACING TEAM. The outings and cars are prepared in Meuspath, not far from the Nürburgring. 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.
