Max Verstappen makes impressive GT3 debut start with exceptional qualifying

Max Verstappen secured third on the grid for his competitive GT3 debut at the Nordschleife, in the ninth round of the NLS Series.

Qualifying was postponed by half an hour due to heavy fog, before it finally got underway on what was a damp circuit in places.

The conditions did not faze the four-time world champion, who on wet tyres set a 8m 46.694 on his first lap to claim provisional pole. 

Verstappen's first timed lap put him 24 seconds clear than his closest competitor in the same category, before the gap reduced to 11 seconds shortly after. 

Just as the field started to make gains on the 27-year-old's first lap, the Dutchman improved to a 8m 37.818, putting him 20 seconds clear.

Halfway through qualifying, Verstappen switched from wet to slick tyres, something other drivers in his class had done earlier. 

It meant the Red Bull F1 driver had less time on the preferred compound, putting him at a disadvantage in the fight for pole. 

In the end, pole was claimed by the #34 Aston Martin of Walkenhorst Motorsport – a 8m 06.057 was the pole time. 

Verstappen was three seconds adrift which was enough for third on the grid having encountered major traffic on his final lap, but with the confidence of being in the fight for victory.

The race starts later today at 11:00 BST, 12:00 CET.