Maximilian Günther well on his way to becoming ‘Germany’s Motorsport Talent of the Year’

On top in 2nd assessment period at Speed Academy

Maximilian Günther is a step closer to being named ‘Germany´s Motorsport Talent of the Year’. The 17-year-old has also come out top in the second assessment period at the Deutsche Post Speed Academy and receives another grant cheque to the tune of 20,000 euros. Günther again won through against his five fellow trainees on Germany’s most successful junior programme and can look forward to funds now totaling 40,000 euros to finance his future motor racing career.

“It’s fantastic and great testament to all our hard work both on and off the track”, said Günther, pleased with his success in the second of four assessments on the Deutsche Post motorsport programme for juniors. The Deutsche Post Speed Academy has produced a number of well-known motor racing drivers in the last ten years, including Formula 1 stars such as Nico Hülkenberg and Adrian Sutil and DTM aces Timo Glock and Pascal Wehrlein. “Former graduates of the academy show just where things can lead,” said Günther, who has been receiving additional support from the ADAC Sports Foundation for the last two years.

Günther: “I really appreciate having the support of strong partners and sponsors to help me on my way in motor racing, since I know that nowadays it is no longer enough just to be fast on the racetrack. The whole package has to be right, and I’m receiving the best possible preparation in that respect in the Deutsche Post Speed Academy and at the ADAC Sports Foundation.”

Success both off and on the track: Günther is embroiled in a title fight in the Formel ADAC during this 2014 season. With three wins and six podium finishes, the reigning vice-champion is currently ranked second in the overall standings of the ADAC junior series that has produced Formula 1 stars like Sebastian Vettel, Nico Rosberg and Nico Hülkenberg.

“Coming top in the second assessment period at the Deutsche Post Speed Academy has given me an extra boost for the upcoming second half of the Formel ADAC season. I’ll do my best to win the title this year,” said Günther resolutely. “I’m not lining up to finish second again.”

This weekend, Günther is heading with his Formel ADAC crew to the fifth race weekend of the season at the Slovakia Ring (from 8th to 10th August). The Mücke Motorsport driver still has a score to settle with the Slovak racetrack. Last year, Günther missed finishing on the podium at the Slovakia Ring in all three races. It’s the only time in twelve Formel ADAC race weekends taken over two seasons that Günther has not finished in the top three.

“That’s about to change,” said Günther, the most successful driver in qualifying in the history of the series. “A good grid position is the key to success at the Slovakia Ring. The best scenario in the races would be for me to pull out a lead quickly so as not to get into any slipstreaming battles on the long straights.”

Maximilian Günther´s achievements in 2014

  • Inclusion in the squad at the Deutsche Post Speed Academy
  • Winning the first two assessment periods in the Speed Academy, plus grants totalling 40,000 euros
  • Three wins and six podium finishes in twelve Formel ADAC races
  • Three pole positions in the 2014 season: Thus most successful Formel ADAC driver ever in qualifying

Foto: ADAC Formel Masters