New Delhi: Indian racing driver Arjun Maini will continue his journey in one of the toughest touring car championships in the world, the DTMas he prepares for the competition HRT Ford Racing in the 2026 season. The team has confirmed that Maini will drive No. 36 Ford Mustang GT3 EVOanother important chapter in his international racing career.
HRT Ford Racing is entering the new season with the upgrade Ford Mustang GT3 EVOas the team prepares for its second season in the DTM with the Mustang GT3 platform. The coming season is expected to start from April 24th to April 26th, 2026on Red Bull Ring in Austria.
A striking new look for the Mustang
Maini’s car No. 36 will have a refresh RAVENOL paintworknow shown in bold blue and yellow metallic design. The eye-catching color scheme reflects the team’s ongoing partnership with RAVENOLa well-known name in high-performance lubricants and brake fluids.
HRT works closely with the brand to develop advanced fluids that play a crucial role in improving race car performance and reliability in demanding competitions.
Extensive experience in the DTM
At 28 years oldArjun Maini has already gained extensive experience in the DTM championship. Since the series was postponed GT3 machineshe was a regular in the starting lineup.
So far Maini has taken part 78 DTM racesto reach three podium places And a pole position with HRT. His consistent performances have helped him establish himself as one of the key riders in the team.
In addition to the DTM, Maini has also represented HRT on several occasions international GT racing programs since 2022which further strengthened his reputation in global motorsports.
Role in Ford Racing’s global program
In 2025Maini became part of it The international factory driver team from Ford Racingan important milestone in his career. In the same year he also competed in the HRT’s debut season Ford Mustang GT3 in the DTM.
With his growing experience, Maini was closely involved in the development of the Mustang GT3 platform. His feedback and understanding of the car is expected to play an important role as the team continues to refine the new car EVO package for the 2026 season.
Boost for Indian motorsport
Maini is widely regarded as one of India’s most prominent racing drivers on the global stage. Its presence in a high-profile championship such as the DTM continues to increase the visibility of Indian motorsport internationalwhich inspires many young riders at home.
Final preparations before the season
Before the season officially begins, teams will take part in it Pre-season test on April 14th at the Red Bull Ring. This test session provides HRT Ford Racing and Maini with an important opportunity to optimize the Mustang GT3 EVO before the first race weekend.
The championship then begins shortly afterwards on the same Austrian circuit Spielbergfrom where the first race of the season is planned April 24th to April 26th, 2026.
The team is confident about the coming season
Ulrich Fritz, managing director of the Haupt Racing Team, was confident about the team’s preparations and emphasized the importance of Maini’s experience.
“We are going into the new DTM season highly motivated and well prepared,” said Fritz. “With Arjun we are ensuring continuity in the team. He understands the challenges of the DTM very well and will play a key role in how we further develop the Ford Mustang GT3 EVO and grow as a team.”
He also acknowledged the close relationship with Ford Racing and the team’s partners.
“Our collaboration with Ford Racing is excellent and we are grateful to our partners and supporters who continue to support us this season. We are confident that together we can achieve strong results in the 2026 DTM.”
Maini is aiming for victories and podium places
Arjun Maini also shared his excitement about returning for another season with HRT Ford Racing.
“I am thrilled and honored to compete in the DTM with HRT Ford Racing for another year – my second year as an official Ford racing driver,” he said.
Looking back on last season, Maini said it helped the team understand the car better.
“Last season was a valuable learning experience and we demonstrated our ability to improve throughout the year.”
Looking ahead, the Indian driver is focused on achieving strong results.
“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 achieve victories and podium places this year and I am very much looking forward to the start of the season.”
The preparations are entering the final phase, both of them Arjun Maini And HRT Ford Racing I will now aim to start with that DTM season 2026 strong when the lights go out Red Bull Ring in April.
