Kush Maini’s Jeddah Weekend in his Words

After losing pole position one week ago, Kush Maini’s fortunes were transformed in Jeddah. The Invicta Racing driver returns home after Round 2 having achieved a haul of points that has him in early contention near the top of the Drivers’ Championship.

Here is how the Alpine Academy driver’s weekend unfolded, in his own words.

PRACTICE – P2

“It was good. We know there’s a few places to improve but it’s quite clear and everyone’s on the same page. Considering we’re P2, we’ll take that. Going into Qualifying, we know there’s margin to improve so it gives us a positive vibe going forward.

“Because we’re one of the first cars out on the weekend, the track gets better and better as we drive more. So we expected to be quicker towards the end, I was happy with the time we did and I’m looking forward to Qualifying. It’ll be really interesting.

“It’ll be the first time we’re on the supersofts this year, so we’ll only see at the end who’s in front. When it comes to the car, I can’t really share much but definitely going to be a few tweaks here and there.

“Last year I was quick already, but at this level, people learn the track quickly. It certainly won’t give me a disadvantage, but it’ll be a tight and interesting session.”

QUALIFYING – P2 (Promoted to pole position on Friday)

“It hurts slightly. I really feel that today we had the pace in the car to be P1. I didn’t give it my best on the first lap but on the second I gave it my all but just didn’t have the grip to get pole. The team gave me an amazing car and I think the frustration of losing the pole last week still shows.

“I’m still really happy, the race is where the points are won and I’m looking forward to having a clean weekend and bagging a good number of points.

READ MORE: Cordeel ‘sad’ to miss out on a maiden podium on the last lap of the Jeddah Feature Race “We’re just going to take it step-by-step, stay out of trouble and collect data for the Feature where I’ll be starting at the front. We just need a clean race and pick up a few spots and getting into the points would be great.

“Turn 1 is a good spot after the long straight. Into the last corner maybe but everywhere else I think is a bit risky. Let’s see how the pace looks but those are the best spots I’d say.

“The tyres felt very similar to last year. The supersofts – you pick up a lot of grip and that’s impressive around a track like this with a lot of grip already. Invicta gave me a great car today so it was a pleasure.”

SPRINT RACE – P8

“Really positive start. They’ve been really good this year which is a massive confidence boost because last year I really struggled with those. Really good first lap, up to P5 and had good confidence. The first lap was great, and I couldn’t have done anything better.

“We had a lot of pace early and I wanted to try and get as far ahead as possible and put some pressure on Dennis ahead. It didn’t work out and we started to drop off after. I think tomorrow will be a different story.

“Today we didn’t have the pace as a team, but we know exactly what to do and where we went wrong. I think we’re in a really positive place and starting on pole tomorrow, we know where we want to go with the car.

“I’m really happy we had the Sprint to fine tune the car, it’s new so we’re still learning. We gathered good data and feeling positive ahead of tomorrow.”

FEATURE RACE – P2

“Really happy with the podium in the end. The Sprint Race was a bit difficult for us but we put our heads together and sorted the car out for the Feature and it seemed to move in the right direction, which I’m really happy about. We seem really competitive and I’,m happy to leave with a good amount of points.

“Qualifying – we’ve been first and second through the first weekends, so very, very strong. Race pace has been getting there and the last one was very positive, so we’re getting stronger and stronger as we learn about the new car. I have high hopes for Melbourne, the team and I are very positive and hoping to take another step on the podium.

“I’m now back home in Bangalore, India where it’s nice to be home. I haven’t been home in two months, it’s nice to relax with family and friends and recharge before Melbourne.”