The Team Bonaldi Motorsport driver put on a perfect performance in the second race at the Nurburgring to take maximum points. The 19-year-old was disappointed not to make the most of his pacey qualifying times in the first race when he finished fifth. But the ADD Motorsports-supported racer was delighted to put it right in the second race and close the gap on the leader in the overall standings.

He said: 

“It’s great to get my first win after so many podiums. We were fast all weekend, so I was pretty disappointed with myself in not making the most of it in the first race. But I’m really happy to have been able to put on such a good performance in the second race and take the victory. "It’s helped me close the gap on the leader, so it’s going to be an exciting final round with all to play for.”

Martin was fast in practice and took this pace into qualifying. He did brilliantly to manage the traffic and take P2 twice, despite contact and not having a clear run. However, Martin lost four places straight away after a slow start, dropping another 10 as he tried to regain his position. But from 16th place, the young driver made a brilliant recovery to take fifth place and some important points.

Martin was determined to make amends in Race Two and did so in style. The race started behind a safety car, but after racing began, he kept his position and composure. A few minutes before his pit stop, he began to apply some pressure on the leader, closing the gap. When the leader went in for his pit stop, Martin had a strong lap before going into the pits – closing the gap further still.

After a clean pit stop himself, Martin overtook his rival straight away and managed the pressure and traffic superbly to go on to take a well-deserved win. It leaves Martin one of four drivers heading to the final round at Valencia in December vying for the title, in what promises to be an exciting climax to the season.

In the meantime, Martin’s performances have attracted a lot of interest to race in GT3 next season, with all options currently being considered.

Fraser Sheader, director of performance and management team ADD Motorsports, added: 

“It was a brilliant performance by Martin in the second race. He really deserved the win and made the difference in the pit stop window. We’re delighted for him. For him to have been so close so many times and now get the win, has proved he can do the job."

“His performances and positions have shown how much he has improved and how much progress he has made through the year. He’s done a great job, showed his maturity over the season and has now given himself the opportunity of competing for the Championship."