Maini enjoying fruitful GP3 stint after Hungary podium
Arjun Maini says he is pleased with his performances in the GP3 championship so far, even though he admits he needs to work on his race starts.
Photo by: GP3 Series Media Service
Having switched from European Formula 3 series to GP3 midway into the 2016 season, the Indian is on a backfoot against his formidable rivals, who have a good amount of testing behind them.
But the 18-year-old has impressed in the four races claiming two reverse-grid poles, along with a maiden podium in Hungary's sprint race, becoming the first Indian to finish on the podium in the junior championship.
"I am really enjoying it here, my team Jenzer are doing a really good job," an elated Maini told Motorsport.com after Sunday's race.
"We have worked really hard, I think the F3 campaign made me the driver I am today, without that I wouldn’t have been so good.
"Thanks to T-Sport, the stint really improved me as a driver, unfortunately that really didn’t work out but it’s going good here at the moment," the JK Tyre-backed driver added.
Still learning
With only two race weekends, Maini is still coming to terms with a relatively high powered GP3 car. Stressing on race starts, the Indian says he's aware and working on to improve for future races.
"I think we need to work on the start, that’s the main area for improvement because if we had held the lead in the start, it would have been easier," the Bangalore-based driver started.
"I wouldn’t say [I was] struggling but I still have a lot to learn, need to get a better feeling from the Pirelli tyres, [especially] how much to push and when to push," he explained.
"I think that’s where [Alexander] Albon was stronger than me. This is where I should improve, I have not done race runs or any amount of testing, so I’ll learn and get much better for sure."
After an eighth and second place finish in Hungary, the Indian, who is coached by Channel 4 Formula 1 pundit Karun Chandhok, has shot up to 10th in the standings with 20 points.
With five rounds remaining in the season, Maini is taking one race at a time, confirming that he will race in Hockenheim, Germany this weekend.
Additional reporting by Benjamin Vinel and David Gruz
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