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Arjun Maini confident he can be 'surprise package' of 2021 DTM Series

Mercedes-AMG driver Arjun Maini is confident he can show his best in the 2021 DTM series, which begins at the Monza race circuit in Italy between June 18-20.

By Shayne Dias | Jun 16, 2021 | 3 Min Read

Mercedes-AMG driver Arjun Maini is confident he can show his best in the 2021 DTM series, scheduled to take place at the Monza race circuit in Italy between June 18-20. The 23-year-old Indian driver backed himself to be the surprise performance of the season in a virtual press meet. The Bangalore-based racer, who is supported by JK Racing, has recorded a series of firsts for Indians racing abroad.

His foray into DTM means he is set to be the first Indian to compete full-time in the series. His debut DTM season with Mercedes-AMG backed GetSpeed racing team will mark a new challenge in Maini’s career.

He has previously raced in the FIA Formula 2 championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the LMP2 category. He also spent two seasons as the test driver for Formula 1 team Haas.

Speaking about his upcoming debut, Maini said, “I’m delighted to be back racing full-time after the lockdowns affected my 2020 season. I have been wanting to race in DTM since 2015, when I was still in Formula 3.

“So it feels a bit surreal to finally be able to make my debut. Competing in the series certainly won’t be easy but it’s the challenge that makes this experience so exciting for me.”

Monza a challenge for tyres: Arjun Maini

Talking about the season opener, Maini, highlighted the importance of tire management at Monza. “I personally love Monza as a circuit, and I think it’s always great for racing.

“However, the higher temperatures this weekend will result in tyre degradation. So, it won’t be a flat-out sprint race, as tyre management will be more important.”

He also added that he was not too focused on what other teams were doing at the moment. For now, the focus remains on how he and the team can improve before the race weekend.

“I think the first time we will really see the true performance of everyone will be in Qualifying 1 on Saturday. So until then, we just have to make sure that we work on our own programme and improve where we have to improve and then see how it plays out.”

Arjun Maini thanks supporters, partners

Maini also extended thanks to his partners for their support. “As always I’d like to thank my partners for helping me tick another milestone off my bucket list.

“I wouldn’t have gotten here without the help of my longtime supporter J.K.Tyre; they have been with me since my Formula 4 days.

“I would also like to welcome my latest partner Mumbai Falcons who I’m honored to say have supported my vision of becoming the first Indian to stand on a DTM podium.”

“Finally, I’d like to thank Mercedes-AMG and GetSpeed for giving me the opportunity to race one of these beasts. The Mercedes AMG GT3 race car is enthralling to drive.

“I can’t wait to see what happens once the lights turn green on race day.”

What is DTM?

DTM, or Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, is Germany’s premier racing series. Pre-covid track attendance figures were topping over 60 thousand on race day.

An added dynamic to look out for this year is the championship’s technical overhaul. This season sees the introduction of the powerful and exciting GT3 class of racing cars.

This means that while the series will continue featuring the German triumvirate of Mercedes, BMW, and Audi, this year’s championship will now also welcome Italian car brands Ferrari and Lamborghini along with British stalwarts McLaren.

This season’s driver line-up features other names that fans of F1 racing will be familiar with. Red Bull’s third driver Alexander Albon will race in the AlphaTauri backed team.

Another former Red Bull alum in Christian Klein will be on the grid as well. Besides them, former Williams racer Timo Glock will also be among the driver’s racing in DTM.