HRT is preparing for its second season as a Ford-backed squad in the DTM, expanding its programme beyond Europe with a factory entry at the Bathurst 12 Hour and participation in the Intercontinental GT Challenge. The team, led by Ulrich Fritz, operates under a three-year agreement with Ford, but the line-up for its two Ford Mustang GT3s in the DTM remains partially undecided.
“In terms of the driver question, we haven’t made any progress,” Fritz told Motorsport-Total.com. “I think it’s very likely that Arjun Maini will continue. Everything else is open.”
Maini, the Indian driver, has become integral to HRT, having driven for the Nürburgring-based squad since its Mercedes era in 2022. Residing near Cologne, he is a regular presence in the team’s workshop, making his seat all but assured.
The second seat, however, remains the subject of speculation, with several contenders:
| Driver | Age | Status | Prospects / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabio Scherer | 26 | Raced for HRT in 2025 | Nearly secured Ford’s first DTM podium at Spielberg; strong rapport with team; decision may hinge on sponsorship |
| Dennis Olsen | 29 | Factory Ford driver | Experienced in DTM (2022-23); full IMSA campaign in 2026 may limit availability; return possible but unlikely |
| David Schumacher | 23 | Ford works driver | Strong results in GT World Challenge & Nordschleife; focus expected on endurance series in 2026 |
| Finn Wiebelhaus | 19 | ADAC GT Masters champion | Eligible for Road-to-DTM programme (saves >€109,000 entry fee); two years GT Masters + GT World Challenge experience; DTM step significant but under discussion |
Scherer appears to be the frontrunner, having impressed despite zero prior GT3 experience last year. “He did a very respectable job, and working with him is fun,” Fritz said. “The logical conclusion would be to continue, but cockpit allocation also depends on financial and sponsorship factors.” Scherer himself commented, “We are working on it, but not all the puzzle pieces are together yet.”
Olsen’s prior DTM experience and familiarity with circuits give him an advantage, yet his full IMSA SportsCar Championship campaign in 2026 poses a scheduling challenge. Schumacher, meanwhile, is earmarked more for endurance racing than DTM.
Finally, 19-year-old Wiebelhaus, fresh from his 2025 ADAC GT Masters title, is under consideration, particularly under Ford’s Road-to-DTM development scheme. Fritz emphasised that youth progression is a key factor, noting Wiebelhaus’ additional GT experience makes him more prepared than some predecessors.
Ultimately, the 2026 HRT line-up is likely to be Maini alongside either Scherer or Wiebelhaus, with the team carefully weighing experience, financial factors, and developmental objectives before confirming the final seat.
