For the Haupt Racing Team, the 24h race of Spa-Francorchamps was a disappointment after intensive preparation and ambitious goals. Both Mercedes-AMG GT3s had to end the endurance classic in the Belgian Ardennes early. The cars with the starting numbers #4 and #5 had ambitions for podiums in the overall standings and in the Silver Cup.
- Poor weekend for HRT at the 24h race in Spa
- Both cars must stop the race early
- Big disappointment for drivers and team
With great anticipation and high ambitions, the Haupt Racing Team started into the 73rd edition of the traditional 24h race in Spa-Francorchamps. HRT sent two Mercedes-AMG GT3s on the grid, both with ambitions in their respective classes. The car with the starting number 5, driven by team owner Hubert Haupt, Patrick Assenheimer, Michele Beretta and Indy Dontje started top-motivated into the race after a good qualifying. Over a longer time, the number #5 car was in a promising position in the Silver Cup, before Beretta had to come into the pit in lap 71 to retire the car in case of technical issues.
The factory-supported car with the starting number #4, which started in the distinctive colors of team partner BWT under the entry of Mercedes-AMG Team HRT, also had to end the race early. The car, piloted by Vincent Abril, Maro Engel and Luca Stolz started in the Pro-class. After a good free practice session and qualifying, the team achieved a strong third place on the grid in the Super Pole. After a solid start, the #4 car battled for the lead for a long time and was in the top-10 until the early hours of the morning. However, in lap 431, Mercedes-AMG Team HRT had to end the race with several minor damages.
Sean Paul Breslin, Team Principal HRT: "The team came ready for competing in the Silver-Cup and Pro-Cup, representing Mercedes-AMG. With a strong line-up the team prepared all year, to be ready for the toughest 24-hours GT race in the world. Everything went well with a good qualifying and race start for both cars. But sadly, the race didn’t go as well as we wanted. It was a very disappointing finish after all the hard work."
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. 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 also has its own eSPORTS team in the professional sim racing sector 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.
