HRT Ford Racing made a clear statement ahead of the new DTM season. The team combined proven consistency with bold youth development in its driver line-up. Ford Racing Factory Driver Arjun Maini returned for his sixth year in the series, bringing experience and leadership. Alongside him, Ford Racing Development Driver Finn Wiebelhaus stepped up for his highly anticipated debut. Maini took the wheel of the No. 36 Ford Mustang GT3 EVO in a refreshed blue and yellow RAVENOL design, while Wiebelhaus entered the spotlight in the No. 64 with a striking “Snaffi” livery that symbolised endurance and ambition.
Fritz confident as continuity, youth and EVO debut hhape 2026 vision
Managing Director Ulrich Fritz expressed strong confidence ahead of the campaign. He emphasised the value of continuity with Maini, highlighting his experience in the series and his role in pushing the development of the Ford Mustang GT3 EVO forward. At the same time, he underlined that Wiebelhaus had fully earned his promotion through impressive results and saw significant promise in the young driver. Fritz also pointed to the debut of the EVO specification in the DTM as an important technical step, praising the close cooperation with Ford Racing and the continued backing of key partners. With that foundation in place, he believed the team was positioned to deliver competitive results in 2026.
“We are highly motivated and well-prepared for the new DTM season. With Arjun, we are maintaining continuity. He is familiar with the challenges of the DTM and will be a valuable asset as we work to improve the Ford Mustang GT3 EVO and grow as a team. Finn has great potential and has earned his place in the DTM through his outstanding performances. On the technical side, I am excited that we can now field the EVO version of the Ford Mustang GT3 in the DTM for the first time. Our collaboration with Ford Racing is outstanding, as is our partnership with our supporters, who are backing us again this season. I am very confident that together, we will achieve good results in the 2026 DTM.”
Maini sets sights on wins as Ford Mustang EVO package fuels 2026 DTM charge with HRT
Meanwhile, Maini embraced the new season with clear ambition. After building momentum last year, he carried that progress into his second campaign as an official Ford Racing driver. Not only did he value the continuity within the team, but he also drew confidence from the steady improvements they made throughout the previous season. With the introduction of the EVO package, he targeted the next step forward. As a result, he aimed to convert that development into victories and consistent podium finishes from the very start.
“I am thrilled and honored to be competing in the DTM with HRT Ford Racing for another year — my second as an official Ford Racing Driver. Last season was a valuable learning experience, and we demonstrated our ability to improve throughout the year. I am therefore even more motivated to tackle the new DTM season, especially with the new EVO package for the Ford Mustang GT3. Our goal is to rack up a few victories and podium finishes this year. I am really looking forward to the start of the season.”
From Road to DTM winner to top-class rookie – Wiebelhaus ready for the next step
Wiebelhaus stepped onto the DTM grid with both pride and determination. After capturing the ADAC GT Masters title and winning the Road to DTM classification last year, he earned his promotion through results rather than reputation. Consequently, the move into the series marked the realization of a long-held ambition and the reward for years of discipline and belief. At the same time, he acknowledged the faith shown by HRT Ford Racing and his partners. Now, he set his focus firmly on delivering strong performances and turning his debut season into a memorable one.
“I’m beyond excited to be competing in the DTM with the Ford Mustang GT3 for HRT Ford Racing. Racing in the DTM has been my dream since childhood, and seeing it become a reality means more than I can express. I’m incredibly grateful for the trust and opportunity that HRT and Ford Racing are giving me. After winning the ADAC GT Masters and the Road to DTM classification last year, advancing to the DTM feels like a reward for years of hard work, sacrifice, and belief. I also want to thank all my partners and sponsors who have supported me throughout this journey. I’m ready to give it my all, fight for strong results, and make this season one to remember.”
