Runner-up in ‘Germany´s Motor Racing Talent of the Year´ competition
Günther second in Deutsche Post Speed Academy 2015
A successful motor racing year in 2015 has ended with yet another high-point for Maximilian Günther. The 18-year-old finished runner-up in ‘Germany’s Motor Racing Talent of the Year’ competition. After his victory in the German Post Speed Academy last season, he has now achieved another outstanding result to round off his involvement with Germany’s most successful motor racing support programme.
“Second place is a great result and once again, I’ve learned lots of new things,” said Maximilian. My goal was to defend the title after coming out top in the Deutsche Post Speed Academy on my debut in 2014. As we saw, this year’s FIA Formula 3 European Championship was extremely hard-fought. I set a few highlights with my win at the Norisring and a podium at the Grand Prix de Pau. I aim to build on these successes in 2016. I’m particularly grateful for the trust that the jury of experts at the Speed Academy has again placed in me and would like to thank all those involved.”
Maximilian was closely observed both on and off the track throughout the season by a distinguished jury. Their brief was to evaluate the performance of all the German top talents selected as candidates. The nine members included BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt, former Mercedes-Benz Director of Motorsport Norbert Haug, DTM ace Timo Glock, former DTM Champion and Le Mans winner Manuel Reuter and RTL star reporter Kai Ebel.
Over the years, the support programme at the Deutsche Post Speed Academy has produced many well-known motor racing stars, including Formula 1 drivers such as Nico Hülkenberg and Adrian Sutil as well as DTM aces Timo Glock and Marco Wittmann. In 2014, Maximilian became the tenth winner in the Speed Academy’s successful history.
Maximilian received his award on Friday, November 27th, 2015 at a presentation ceremony held during the traditional AutoBild Race Night at the Essen Motor Show. Four-time Formula 1 Champion Sebastian Vettel and Le Mans winner Nico Hülkenberg were also honoured at this gala evening in front of several hundred guests from business, media and motor racing.
Maximilian Günther secured eighth place overall in his debut season in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship. He finished fifth in the Rookie Championship and was the best-placed German driver in both standings. Maximilian placed second in the Grand Prix de Pau in France. He took his maiden victory at the Norisring season highlight. This was only the second win for a German driver in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship which was re-established in 2013. Maximilian has been nominated for the prestigious FIA Action of the Year 2015 award after his spectacular overtaking manoeuvre at the Norisring which led to victory.
Foto: Deutsche Post Speed Academy