HRT to compete in the Asian Le Mans Series in 2023

The black #7 Mercedes-AMG GT3 will be driven by Al Faisal Al Zubair (OMA), Luca Stolz (GER) and Martin Konrad (AUT). The experienced driver trio will contest the races in the Asian Le Mans Series with the entry Al Manar Racing by HRT. Arjun Maini (IND), Frank Bird (GBR) and Michael Blanchemain (FRA) will compete in the yellow and blue sister car with the starting number #6 and the HRT entry.

The calendar of the compact Asian Le Mans Series comprises a total of four rounds. On the first race weekend (11-12 February 2023), the participating teams will compete in two 4-hour races in Dubai. One week later (18-19 February 2023), the series will make a guest appearance at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi for two more rounds, which will also run over a race duration of four hours each.

47 cars, 24 of them in the GT class, will fight for the championship in the Asian Le Mans Series. All class winners also receive a starting place for the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Al Faisal Al Zubair, Al Manar Racing by HRT #7:

"Unfortunately, I was unable to take part in the first race of the new motorsport season, the 24H DUBAI. That's why I'm even more excited to be competing in the Asian Le Mans Series. With Luca and Martin, I have two experienced and ambitious teammates. We are expecting a lot for the four upcoming races."

Martin Konrad, Al Manar Racing by HRT #7:

"I can't wait for the two race weekends, especially as I have never raced in the Asian Le Mans Series before. I'm looking forward to gaining new experience and I'm excited to see how we perform. I'm ready."

Luca Stolz, Al Manar Racing by HRT #7:

"The upcoming races at the Dubai Autodrome and the Yas Marina Circuit will be very challenging. At the Gulf 12 Hours in Abu Dhabi in December, I narrowly missed the podium with Al Faisal, who is my teammate again this time. In the upcoming races, we want to do even better and compete for the top positions."

Frank Bird, HRT #6:

"I did a few races in the GT World Challenge with HRT and Arjun last season and had a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to working with HRT again in the new year and sharing the cockpit with Arjun and Michael."

Arjun Maini, HRT #6:

"Last season in the Asian Le Mans Series was a great experience. I can't wait to compete here again. We want to improve on our results from last year, of course. I am confident that we will succeed."

Michael Blanchemain, HRT #6:

"I am very happy to join Haupt Racing Team for Asian Le Mans Series. HRT is known as one of the reference GT teams in the world and I am looking forward to working with them. Arjun Maini and Frank Bird both are very experienced drivers and we will need their skills as the Asian Le Mans Series field is more competitive than ever. Can’t wait to be in Dubai for the first race!"

Sean Paul Breslin, Team Principal Haupt Racing Team:

"It is our second participation in the Asian Le Mans Series and in the GT class we will be competing against strong competition. Nevertheless, we are going into the race with ambition, especially as we have already been able to achieve many successes at the Dubai Autodrome in the past. We will work very hard to ensure that we can build on this."