The Haupt Racing Team will enter the new Mercedes-AMG GT2 in racing conditions for the first time in the Fanatec GT2 European Series this coming weekend, 21-23 April at Monza.
After an intensive development phase and many test kilometres, the Haupt Racing Team will be entering the first customer-delivered Mercedes-AMG GT2, which boasts an output of up to 707 hp (520KW), with starting number #44.
Thomas Jackermeier and Jens Liebhauser (both GER) will drive this car under the Fanatec by HRT entry, giving the Mercedes-AMG GT2 the first opportunity to measure itself against its direct competitors for the first time on the high-speed Monza circuit.
Founded in July 2020 by racing driver and entrepreneur Hubert Haupt, the Haupt Racing Team (HRT) has firmly established itself in international GT3 within a very short time. As well as numerous race wins and top results, HRT’s greatest success came in 2021 when it won the DTM Drivers’ Championship.
The team’s programme is demanding and diverse: among other things, HRT competes in the DTM, the Nürburgring Endurance Series, the GT World Challenge Europe, and the 24-hour races at the Nürburgring and Spa-Francorchamps. Many of these race outings are as a Mercedes-AMG Performance Team with extended factory support.
As well as competing in Monza this weekend, the team will also run a second Mercedes-AMG GT2 in the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers at the Nürburgring.
Thomas Jackermeier, #44 Fanatec by HRT: “I'm looking forward to taking part in the Fanatec GT2 European Series in the Mercedes-AMG GT2. So far, I have only been able to gain experience with a GT in the simulator and the first races will certainly be a big challenge. Another challenge - for me personally but also for HRT - is the brand-new Mercedes-AMG GT2, which we are allowed to bring to the grid for the first time and exclusively in Monza.”
Jens Liebhauser, #44 Fanatec by HRT: “With the Haupt Racing Team we have a fantastic team at our side. Over the past few years, I've been able to gain a lot of experience in GT racing, which I can use not only on the track in GT2, but also to support my team-mate Thomas Jackermeier. I think that we first have to get into the swing of things as a team. Nevertheless, we are ambitious and want to be in the mix for the points. We are excited to see what the first race and the season will bring.”
Ulrich Fritz, Chief Executing Officer Haupt Racing Team: “We are delighted with the trust placed in us by Mercedes-AMG to validate the final development of the new Mercedes-AMG GT2 together with the Haupt Racing Team at these important races.
“The whole team is highly motivated and looking forward to working with the drivers and the Mercedes-AMG development team at the two upcoming races. In parallel to the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers at the Nürburgring, we are also fielding a brand-new Mercedes-AMG GT2 in the Fanatec GT2 European Series. It's great to see that both manufacturers and customers have entrusted us with this product from the very beginning. So, in addition to the GT3, GT4 and Track Series programmes, with the GT2 we have the complete customer sports portfolio from Mercedes-AMG in action at HRT.”