Strong duo : Arjun Maini and Finn Wiebelhaus to compete for HRT Ford Racing in the 2026 DTM
HRT Ford Racing is entering the new DTM season with two Ford Mustang GT3’s, featuring a strong driver line-up. The DTM-experienced Ford Racing Factory Driver Arjun Maini (IND) will be joined by Ford Racing Driver Development Team member Finn Wiebelhaus (GER), making his debut in the top class of GT3 racing. The reigning ADAC GT Masters Champion is proof of HRT's ongoing commitment to promoting young talent, in line with the ADAC initiative, “Road to DTM.”
With its driver line-up, HRT Ford Racing combines consistent performance with successful youth development: Ford Racing Factory Driver Arjun Maini, who is heading into his sixth DTM season, and Ford Racing Development Driver Finn Wiebelhaus, who is making his debut in the series. The No. 36 Ford Mustang GT3 EVO will be driven by Maini and features an updated RAVENOL design, now shining in a blue and yellow metallic look. HRT works closely with its team partner RAVENOL in the development of high-performance lubricants and brake fluids, which make a decisive contribution to the overall performance of the car. Wiebelhaus will take his place in the No. 64. His race car has a spectacular new livery with “Snaffi” in the spotlight. The friendly cartoon snail stands for endurance, precision, and the courage to keep taking the next step. These values also characterize the commitment of team partner Kolibri360 with its brands German Airways, Speedlink, Fairtronics, and Rapoo.
Wiebelhaus has been part of the Haupt Racing Team since 2024. With victories in the GT Winter Series, he earned a spot in the ADAC GT Masters, where he finished fourth in the championship right away. In 2025, he achieved a significant sporting breakthrough with the Ford Mustang GT3 by winning the drivers' title and the Silver Cup championship in commanding fashion and also clinched the “Road to DTM” classification. In line with this ADAC initiative, HRT is committed to promoting young talent and covers the entire driver development pyramid, from entry into motorsport with the HRT Kart Team to the DTM. As the reigning “Road to DTM” winner, the 19-year-old is also the first driver to move directly into the top class of German motorsport.
Arjun Maini has been an integral part of the DTM since the prestigious sprint series switched to GT3 cars. The 28-year-old Indian driver has competed in a total of 78 DTM races to date. Together with HRT, he has secured three podium finishes and one pole position. Since 2022, he has also been successfully competing for HRT in various other series and racing events. Since 2025, he has been part of Ford Racing's international squad of factory drivers and competed with HRT in the Ford Mustang GT3's debut year in the DTM. With his experience, he plays an important role in the further development of the car. Maini is also one of India's most prominent racing drivers, and his achievements are contributing to the growing popularity of motorsport in the country.
With the official pre-season test taking place on April 14 at the Red Bull Ring, HRT Ford Racing and its driver duo are entering the final stages of their DTM preparations. The season opener will take place a week and a half later (April 24–26) at the Austrian circuit in Spielberg for the first time in DTM history.
Ulrich Fritz, Managing Director of Haupt Racing Team: “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.”
Arjun Maini, HRT Ford Racing #36: “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.”
Finn Wiebelhaus, HRT Ford Racing #64: “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.”
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