Arjun Maini (17) became the first Indian to finish in the top 10 of the 62nd Macau Grand Prix on Sunday. The Bangalorean showed stellar pace throughout the weekend en route to ninth in the qualification race and 10th overall in the final. Maini represented Threebond by T-Sport.
The prestigious Macau Grand Prix saw most of the European season regulars compete, including the likes of FIA F3 Europe champion Felix Rosenqvist and Antionio Giovanazzi, who finished runner up in the same series. Maini showed good pace during the races and even managed to pip Giovanazzi in the qualifying race after the Italian was given a 20 second penalty. The Indian also outpaced Jake Dennis, who finished 3rd overall in the regular season in both qualifying and the qualifying race.
In the final race, Maini had a difficult start that saw him drop down to 12th but he managed to hang on and finish in the top 10.
Later, Maini said: “It’s been a hard weekend and I’m satisfied with my performance. The nature of this track is quite unique and it’s one of the hardest I’ve had to race on in my short career so far. Though I’ve done a lot of simulator work, the actual race weekend is quite different and I think I’ve coped with the challenge of driving for a new team quite well. I’d obviously like to thank the team for the phenomenal work they have put in and all the effort they have made in helping me adapt to a new environment so quickly. I now look forward to going back to Europe and continuing my testing program in preparation for next year.”
Maini will now continue his preparation for next year and will also look to finalise his team for 2016.
