The JK Tyre supported driver finished 2nd on the podium after starting on pole in Hungary
24th July, 2016, Budapest: In a landmark day for Indian racing, JK Tyre supported driver Arjun Maini secures a maiden GP3 podium in Hungary in his second weekend competing in the GP3 series. He becomes the first Indian racing driver to finish a GP3 race on the podium since the series began in 2010.
The free practice session indicated that Arjun had become more comfortable with the car, having spent more time in it since the previous race at Silverstone. This showed in his time on the track, finishing 10th with a best lap of 1:33.873. It gave the 19-year-old confidence going into qualifying on Saturday where he secured 9th position with a best lap of 1:33.874 after the session was red flagged when Steijn Schothorst of Campos Racing stopped unexpectedly on Turn 7, meaning he would start Race 1 9th on the grid.
Race 1 began with Arjun quickly moving up to the vital 8th place, granting him reverse pole for Race 2 if he finished in that same position. He met tough competition from behind with Jack Aitken of Arden International constantly putting pressure on him to make a mistake and allow the Brit to pass. But Arjun managed to stave off the pressure and held on for an impressive 8th place finish with a best lap of 1:36.844 to start on reverse pole in Race 2 for the second time in two races in GP3.
Race 2 began with Arjun being overtaken by Alexander Albon of ART Grand Prix in the first corner itself who then began to put some distance between himself and Arjun. But while Arjun continued to regain pole position, it became imperative to hold off other competition that came in the form of Albon's teammate and Series leader, Charles Leclerc who made his way up the grid to challenge Arjun from 3rd. It was a sight to behold when the chequered flag dropped as Arjun crossed the line in 2nd place to take home a historic GP3 podium and his maiden podium in the series as well.
When asked about his first impressions of the car and the series as a whole after his strong start to the GP3 season, Arjun said "It's been a great experience with Jenzer. I've had quite a tough time the last two seasons and coming here I've already learned a lot. I work with really good people. I've got to thank my sponsors without whom I wouldn't be here: JK Tyre, TVS and of course my parents. It's been a really good experience. I think it's a fantastic Series for young drivers. You need to be able to adapt quickly here. The Pirelli tyres really teach you to extract what you can from there which is a great learning curve."
Mentor, Karun Chandok, was delighted on his protégées historical achievement, tweeting, "Fantastic podium by Arjun Maini today - 2nd in the @GP3_Official!! Proud to walk through the F1 paddock" while sharing pictures of the young man in the F1 pit lane and being congratulated by McLaren Honda driver Jenson Button, Haas team boss Gunther Steiner and Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost.
TRANSCRIPT FROM THE OFFICIAL GP3 POST RACE PRESS CONFERENCE
GP3 Series: Congratulations Arjun on your first podium in GP3. How was the race for you?
Arjun Maini: I didn't make the best start as (Alexander) Albon got a pretty good jump on me. I really wanted to hold onto my lead so I tried to outbrake him going into Turn 1but he was wise to it and blocked me off. I had a good safety car re-start but I think the ART Grand Prix cars were holding back a little bit. In the middle part of the race Albon started to edge away a bit. (Charles) Leclerc was quite quick behind me and I think he was trying really hard to get fastest lap as he was backing off and pushing again. Overall I think it was a good race.
GP3 Series: How hard was it to defend from Leclerc in the middle of the race?
Arjun: He was really late on the brakes in Turn 1 and that was the only place I was worried about where he could pass me. I really concentrated on getting a good exit out of the last corner and thankfully I didn't make any mistakes there. I also think he was being a bit careful due his fight in the title battle so that helped me a bit today. I think if we sort our starts out and learn the tyres a bit better as I'm not perfect at that; I think we will be quite competitive.
GP3 Series: Was there any degradation today or could you push to the max most laps?
Arjun: You couldn't push flat out but the deg was pretty good here. It was not as challenging as Silverstone.
GP3 Series: You've made a strong start to your GP3 season, what are your first impressions of the car and the Series as a whole?
Arjun:It's been a great experience with Jenzer. I've had quite a tough time the last two seasons and coming here I've already learned a lot. I work with really good people. I've got to thank my sponsors without whom I wouldn't be here: JK Tyre, TVS and of course my parents. It's been a really good experience. I think it's a fantastic Series for young drivers. You need to be able to adapt quickly here. The Pirelli tyres really teach you to extract what you can from there which is a great learning curve.
Arjun Maini along with race winner Alex Albon and 3rd placed driver Charles Leclerc in Hungary
Arjun Maini in action during the GP3 weekend in Hungary
Arjun Maini with McLaren Honda F1 driver Jenson Button after the former's maiden GP3 podium finish