Competing in the headline SP9 category, Maini clocked an 8:11.278 lap in the #64 Ford Mustang GT3 during the second qualifying session at the N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife. The Indian driver ended the session fourth overall in SP9, ahead of Verstappen\u2019s Mercedes-AMG GT3 entry, which posted an 8:11.614 lap.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The result came in a packed 161-car field at the iconic endurance classic, which features more than 20 classes; one of the most diverse grids in global motorsport. This year\u2019s edition also marks the event\u2019s largest starting grid in over a decade.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s always special to be competitive at the N\u00fcrburgring because the level here is incredibly high. The SP9 field is stacked with factory drivers and top teams, so to put together a lap like that feels really satisfying. The car felt strong throughout the session and we\u2019ve been making good progress with the setup. There\u2019s still work to do before the race, but it\u2019s definitely a positive start for us,\u201d Arjun Maini commented.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Maini, along with teammates Fabio Scherer, David Schumacher and Frank Stippler, is contesting the N\u00fcrburgring 24 Hours with HRT, a team he joined during its transition from Mercedes-AMG machinery to Ford\u2019s new Mustang GT3 programme. The Indian racer has been part of Ford\u2019s GT3 journey from the outset as a factory driver, with 2025 also marking the debut season of the Mustang GT3 Evo package.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking ahead of the event, Maini highlighted the challenge and excitement of building a new programme with Ford and HRT.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Maini, along with teammates Fabio Scherer, David Schumacher and Frank Stippler, is contesting the N\u00fcrburgring 24 Hours with HRT, a team he joined during its transition from Mercedes-AMG machinery to Ford\u2019s new Mustang GT3 programme. The Indian racer has been part of Ford\u2019s GT3 journey from the outset as a factory driver, with 2025 also marking the debut season of the Mustang GT3 Evo package.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Nurburgring 24 Hours now heads into its remaining qualifying session before the twice-around-the-clock endurance race begins this weekend at the legendary Nordschleife, where Maini and HRT Ford Performance will look to convert their strong pace into a standout result against some of the biggest names in global GT racing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n