Max's Gp2 Asia Series came to a disappointing end as mechanical failures denied him any chance of a good result in the final races of the series in Bahrain……

A bake disc shattering in the only practice session limited Max to just six flying laps in which to learn the new Sakhir circuit layout. The failure also hampered the Barwa Addax Team in their efforts to establish the best set-up for the car. He was consequently put on the back foot for Friday’s qualifying session and could only manage 15th place.

Max made a good start to Saturday’s feature race and was running strongly in 12th place before the hydraulic gearbox system failed. He struggled on, but the car became increasingly difficult to drive, eventually forcing him to retire close to the end of the race. He did get classified as a finisher though, in 19th place.

Having to start Sunday’s shorter sprint race from close to the back of the grid was always going to limit his chances of a good finish, but Max pushed hard and battled well, getting up to 15th place by the end of the race.

It had been a tough weekend for the 18 year-old and a disappointing end to the Asian Series, but Max was philosophical afterwards and looking forward to the main European series, as he explained;

“My aim in the Asian Series was to get some experience before driving in the main championship and I’ve achieved that. The Bahrain events have been disappointing because we didn’t really get the car competitive enough and I’ve suffered with quite a few mechanical problems. Back in Abu Dhabi though my car was set-up a lot better and I’m pleased that I managed to score points there. It’s been a big step up for me from doing Formula 3 and I’ve enjoyed it. I know what’s needed to have a good season and I’m looking forward to testing with Ocean ready for the main series.”

Max will drive for the Ocean Racing Technology team in the European Championship and will commence the test programme at Paul Ricard in France in under two weeks time. Further testing in April will follow at Barcelona before the championship gets underway, supporting the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix on May 9th.