Indian racer Kush Maini made the country proud with an impressive outing, finishing second and securing a podium in the Formula 2 feature race in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Saturday. Maini, who is driving for Invicta Racing, had earlier claimed the pole and became the first Indian to do so in Formula 2. He started off the race in stunning fashion, and maintained a strong position in the beginning of the race.
Enzo Fittipaldi from Van Amersfoort Racing registered his first win of the season with a stunning drive, while Dennis Hauger of MP Motorsport finished third.
Speaking later, India’s Maini said “I think it was a positive race, especially after yesterday where we really struggled, so I am really happy the team and I switched it around. Today we were really competitive. Obviously, Enzo was in a different league today so congratulations to him. I think I am happy with P2. We need to analyse a little bit more on where we can catch Enzo, but good points today.
“I think Qualifying-wise we know that we will be on the money. The car is great. We had a few doubts in the races but now that that is cleared up, I feel we can be competitive all throughout and I am looking forward to Melbourne.”
Maini is India’s only representative in Formula 2. F2 acts as a feeder to Formula 1 and features some of the best next generation drivers in the world.
Oliver Bearman, who turned up for Ferrari in Carlo Sainz’s absence also drives in Formula 2. Maini will be aiming for an impressive season and make the switch to Formula 1.
The expectations are high from the Indian star, who’d earlier asked motorsports fans in the country to rally behind him. “Every small message and support coming from a country where racing isn’t the top sport matters. Every small view means a lot to me and I want to tell the fans to keep sending positivity to me - we will fight together and reach the top.”
Maini currently stands in fifth position in the championship with 27 points. His next race will be in Melbourne in the Round 3 of F2, which will be held from March 22-24. Fans can watch all the action live on FanCode.
