Arjun Maini scripted motorsport history for India by securing the first pole position of his DTM career in a spectacular qualifying at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria over the weekend.
After many changes at the top of the timings sheet, it was the Mercedes-AMG driver who held his nerve in Saturday morning’s session and clocked the fastest time of 1:30.128 minutes on his final lap.
The Indian started race 13 of this season’s DTM from the front of the grid for the first time.
‘I can enjoy the moment’
Maini was understandably elated with his performance.
“That was really crazy, because my radio was not working so I did not know the result at first. I tried to see the times on the screens around the track. However, they were too far away. Pole position feels incredible. I can enjoy the moment for a few hours, until the race starts,” said Maini to the media after his fine display in Spielberg.
Temperatures of 10 degrees and a track that was still damp in places greeted the drivers for the first qualifying session at the Red Bull Ring.
Many drivers initially took to the 4.318-kilometre circuit on wet-weather tyres, before then switching to the Pirelli slicks.
The lead seemingly changed hands every second, with the Mercedes-AMG drivers always there or thereabouts. Shortly before the end, Lamborghini racer Paul moved to the top of the timings sheet and looked set to secure pole, before Maini posted the fastest time on his final lap.
Multiple podium finishes
Maini made a brilliant start to the race and was side-by-side with Maro Engel who then took the lead of the race.
While the pace after the pit stop was very good and Maini was able to pull away by 12 seconds over P4.
He had to be content with P3 which was the second Podium of the Season. Mirko Bortolotti had a very good pace and was able to finish in P1.
Maini wasn’t done just yet as he secured third-place finishes in the second and third races.
Maini secured third-place finishes in the second and third races over the week end. (Photo Credit: Special Arrangement)
What is the DTM?
The DTM grid is a highly competitive grid of 20 drivers representing all the manufacturers from Mercedes AMG, BMW, Audi, McLaren, Ferrari , Porshe and Lamborghini.
Most of these drivers also drive in the GT3 World Endurance Championships across the Globe as well as the 24 hours of Nürburgring .
The races are held across Europe over 8 rounds comprising of 2 Qualifying Sessions and 2 Races over each round.