FIA European F3: Arjun Maini endures difficult weekend at Spa

Arjun Maini endured a difficult weekend at Spa Francorchamps - venue for the fifth round of the FIA European Formula 3 championship - with the Indian driver securing a best finish of 16th place.

Poor qualifying put Maini on the back foot in the first two races of the weekend, and it wasn’t surprising to see the 17 year old trailing down in 17th and 23rd places respectively.

Expectations were high, however, for the final race with Maini locking the 11th spot on the grid. Unfortunately, the Indian driver made contact with Raoul Hyman at La Source on the opening lap, leaving him clawing back positions for the remainder of the race instead of fighting for a top-10 finish. He eventually crossed the line in a distant 16th place.

Mahaveer Raghunathan - the other Indian contingent on the grid - also failed to make an impression at the legendary Spa Francorchamps circuit and is yet to score a point this season.

The next round of European Formula 3 championship takes place between July 19-21 at Germany’s Norisring Circuit. Arjun Maini heads to the 2.3 km circuit 15th in the standings, with 23 points to his name.

Till date his best performances have come in a streak of three races held over two rounds at the Pau street circuit in France and the Monza Autodrome in Italy. The 17-year-old from Bangalore managed a fourth, fifth and tenth place finish respectively.

It is Arjun Maini's maiden season in Formula 3 racing.