Max gained some more vital experience of GP2 this week in the two latest Asian Series races held at the Bahrain International Circuit. He performed strongly during Saturday’s sprint race, coming through from the tail end of the field to finish 12th. This followed a disappointing feature race where car damage limited his possibilities of repeating the great results he achieved three weeks ago in Abu Dhabi……

Returning to drive for the Barwa Addax team for the two remaining Bahrain events, Max had to acclimatise himself to their car and its set-up. He performed well enough in qualifying on Thursday, trailing his more experienced, race-winning team mate Sergio Perez by just a few tenths of a second and putting his Aon sponsored car on the 7th row of the grid.

Friday’s feature race result was settled within moments of the start, when Max got pushed wide off the circuit at the first corner and had to take to the grass. He dropped down to 20th place, but at least he managed to re-join the race. Unfortunately his car had sustained damage to the floor and as a result, a loss of downforce. Suffering from severe understeer throughout the race, he couldn’t take the fight to the cars in front and although he gained a couple of places by the chequered flag to finish in 18th place, it had been very hard work;

“I struggled for the whole race with handling problems and it was made worse when I flat-spotted my front tyres just five laps after the pit-stop. I had to drive for the remainder of the race, about 25 laps, with a terrible vibration. It was so bad I couldn’t read my pit board and had no idea how many laps there were to go. It wasn’t a race where I could challenge anyone, it was simply a case of trying to hang on and go the distance.”

Saturday’s sprint race was much better. Starting 18th on the grid following the feature race result, Max got away well and had already gained several places at the end of the opening lap. From then on he took his opportunities well and steadily picked off his rivals. Coming home in 12th place was a good result for the 18 year-old and he was much happier this time with how the race had gone;

“Without any damage this time the car was a lot better to drive and although there are still some areas to improve, it was closer to where we need it to be. I’ve gained a lot of experience here, the heavy tyre degradation for example, and I think I’m well prepared for when we come back in two weeks time to support the F1 Grand Prix. I know conditions will be a bit different with the extra rubber they will lay down, but I’m looking forward to it.”