The DMSB Court of Appeal in Frankfurt decided on Thursday, 9 September 2021, to partially annul the decision of the Sports Commissioners of 23 July 2021. During the DTM event in Monza, the number 5 Mercedes-AMG GT3 of the Haupt Racing Team was disqualified. The reason for this was a fuel sample taken routinely after the first qualifying session, which did not correspond to the reference sample on Vincent Abril's car.
The penalty for both rounds, which was initially imposed by the stewards on site, has now been lifted for Sunday's race. The disqualification for the first qualifying as well as the first race on Saturday remains in place. However, as the infringement of the rules could only be determined for Saturday's qualifying, a penalty can only apply to Saturday's race.
Ulrich Fritz, Managing Director Haupt Racing Team: "Unfortunately, in retrospect, it is no longer possible to clearly determine how this deviation occurred. Our team did not actively gain a sporting advantage. There must have been contamination in the supply chain of the standard fuel prescribed for the event by other types of fuel. After this incident, we will continue to continuously review all processes within our area of responsibility and - if necessary - improve them in order to exclude such cases as far as possible in the future. It is very unfortunate that Vince Abril was deprived of the championship points he deserved from his strong performance on Saturday in Monza. We are all the more motivated to get back the lost points and, as always, we will give our all at the three remaining DTM race events to do so."
The next DTM event takes place as early as next week from 17-19 September at the TT Circuit in Assen, the Netherlands.
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.