Haupt Racing Team lines up in the first and third Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) races of 2022 with two Mercedes-AMG GT3s with other races set to be added to the programme later in the year.
The team’s #12 Mercedes-AMG GT3 lines up in blue and yellow livery as “Mercedes-AMG Team Bilstein”. Sharing the cockpit will be Raffaele Marciello, Manuel Metzger and Luca Stolz .
The #6 Mercedes-AMG GT3 from the new concept will race under the Haupt Racing Team banner and in new team partner PAUL’s colours. Team owner Hubert Haupt will share driving duties with Mercedes-AMG Performance drivers Nico Bastian and Philip Ellis.
HRT will use the two NLS races as preparation for the iconic 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. This stand-out event will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year, from 25th to 29th May 2022. The qualification race for the Nürburgring 24 Hours takes place between 6th and 8th May.
Raffaele Marciello, Mercedes-AMG Team Bilstein #12: “I am looking forward to driving on the Nordschleife again, especially with a strong team like HRT. Our goal is clear, so it is now down to us to do our job. We will be excellently prepared when the time finally comes.”
Manuel Metzger, Mercedes-AMG Team Bilstein #12: “I am looking forward to driving for HRT at the Nürburgring again. We have a very good squad of drivers and a strong overall package, with Bilstein as chassis partner, the whole HRT crew, and our Mercedes-AMG GT3. It is sure to be a challenge, as it is every year, but I am highly motivated to prepare well for the 24-hour race and show our full potential there.”
Luca Stolz, Mercedes-AMG Team Bilstein #12: “I am really looking forward to driving at the Nürburgring again. I hope we can use the two races to prepare for the 24-hour race without any problems. I am intrigued to see the re-surfaced section of track on the Nordschleife.”
Hubert Haupt, team owner Haupt Racing Team / Haupt Racing Team #6: “The Nordschleife season is finally here. Driving here, at our home track, is always very special. In Nico and Philip, I have two ambitious team-mates, who have already shown what they are capable of on many occasions. I am sure we will have a good time and be successful together.”
Nico Bastian, Haupt Racing Team #6: “I’ll be driving my first race of the year this weekend. The Nürburgring-Nordschleife is the most challenging track in the world, so it’s important to get as much track time as possible.”
Philip Ellis, Haupt Racing Team #6: “I can hardly wait to finally go racing at my favourite circuit again, for the first time since last year’s 24-hour race. I am confident that Nico, Hubert and I will do very well together. All eyes are on the big 24-hour race in May. We want to get as many laps of the Nordschleife under our belt as possible between now and then.”
Sean Paul Breslin, team principal Haupt Racing Team: “We are very happy to start the season at the best racetrack in the world and are looking forward to some productive preparation for the team ahead of the 24h Nürburgring in May. We have two great line ups and some great support from our partners and sponsors, our aim is to make all those involved proud to be part of this team.”
