Ford Mustang GT3 Teams Up with HRT for 2025 European Racing Season

Ford Performance Motorsports has teamed up with Germany’s Haupt Racing Team (HRT) to bring the powerful Mustang GT3 to some of Europe’s most prestigious racing circuits for the 2025 season. This collaboration marks a significant expansion for Ford’s racing efforts, with the Mustang GT3 set to compete in iconic series like the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) and the demanding ADAC Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie (NLS), including the renowned 24-hour race at the Nürburgring.

A New Era for the Mustang GT3 in Europe –

The Mustang GT3, powered by the 5.0-liter (302 cubic-inch) COYOTE V8 engine, has already made waves in racing series across North America, including the IMSA SportsCar Championship and the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. But now, it’s poised to take on the European motorsports scene in a major way. Under the “HRT Ford Performance” banner, HRT will pilot the Mustang GT3 in the DTM series, the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, and various other competitions like the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe.

Ford is no stranger to the European racing world, having competed in the DTM in the 1980s with cars like the Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth and achieving victories at the Nürburgring with the Escort, Capri, and Sierra models. This latest move represents a return to those roots but with a modern twist, using the latest technology in the Mustang GT3.

Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports, emphasized the importance of the new partnership, saying, “Having a team like HRT join the Ford Performance global family is a significant moment for us. Haupt Racing Team’s proven success in DTM and other race series is a strong endorsement of the Mustang GT3, and we’re thrilled to see them take on the legendary ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring 24 Hours as well as many of the other iconic circuits of Europe.”

A Global Strategy with Local Expertise – 

For HRT, which has a strong track record in European racing, this collaboration with Ford provides a unique opportunity to work with one of motorsports’ most iconic brands. HRT has achieved notable successes, including a 2021 DTM Drivers’ Championship and a 2023 GT World Challenge Europe title, making it a solid partner for Ford’s ambitions.

Ulrich Fritz, managing director of HRT, shared his excitement about the project, saying, “HRT has continuously developed and improved over the past few years. We have built up a high level of expertise in the use and development of race cars. The fact that Ford has chosen HRT as its spearhead in Europe is a great honor. Ford is a real power brand with a great motorsport tradition and high motivation. The Ford Mustang GT3 is a latest-generation race car that we will certainly be able to take to the next level together.”

Mustang GT3’s Expanding Presence in Endurance Racing – 

The partnership with HRT will allow the Mustang GT3 to compete in some of the toughest endurance races on the planet, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, and the Rolex 24 At Daytona. These events are known for testing both the endurance of the vehicles and the skill of the drivers, making them ideal proving grounds for the new Mustang GT3.

“This also means that along with our partners at Multimatic and Proton Competition, the Ford Mustang GT3 will now be competing at most of the iconic, 24-hour races at circuits such as Le Mans, Daytona, and Spa,” added Rushbrook. “This collaboration strengthens our global position in GT3 racing and opens up new series and audiences for us around the world as we continue to grow the Mustang racing program in 2025.”

A Winning Formula for Ford’s Racing Legacy – 

Ford’s move to partner with HRT and bring the Mustang GT3 to more European races reflects its broader commitment to customer racing. This strategy not only helps to showcase the Mustang’s performance but also keeps the Ford brand front and center with motorsports fans. The combination of HRT’s expertise and Ford’s storied history in motorsports is expected to make the Mustang GT3 a strong contender in the competitive European GT3 scene.

For fans of both Ford and DTM, the 2025 season promises to bring some thrilling races as the Mustang GT3 roars across Europe’s top tracks, from the fast-paced circuits of the DTM to the grueling endurance challenges of the Nürburgring. As Ford Performance and HRT gear up for the season, both companies are looking forward to what they hope will be a successful campaign, bringing the Mustang GT3 to new heights.