FIA Formula 3 Europe: Arjun Maini finishes 14th in season-opener at Silverstone

Arjun Maini finished in 14th place at the second race of the FIA Formula 3 European Championship curtain raiser in Silverstone on Saturday, as he continues to move up the racing ladder.

The Van Amersfoort driver started the second race of the weekend in the thick of the field in 17th place but was able to gain a few places en route to 14th at the chequered flag.

The race was won by McLaren Autosport award winner George Russell who narrowly beat Maini to the BRDC F4 title last year. The English driver overtook pole sitter Charles Leclerc on the drag down to the first corner at the start of the race and was able to retain the lead, despite intense efforts by the latter.

Meanwhile, Mahaveer Raghunathan - the other Indian contingent on the F3 grid - finished in 25th place, over a minute down on race winner Russell.

Earlier in the first race, the safety car was deployed thrice as damp conditions caught out a number of drivers - most of them daring to drive on slick tyres. Arjun Maini was one of the many retirees after crashing with American Ryan Tveter during the second restart.

Raghunathan, however, was able to avoid any troubles to finish 24th for Motopark.

The same could also be said about Felix Rosenqvist who took a comfortable lights-to-flag victory in the lead Prema Powertrain car.

The final race of the first round of FIA Formula 3 Championship is scheduled for tomorrow and will serve as a support event to the World Endurance Championship season-opener.