Mick Schumacher, the son of F1 legend Michael, was delighted with his Formula 4 debut after surging from 19th on the grid to finish ninth.
At the opening round of the season in Oschersleben, Schumacher finished as best-placed rookie in the first of three races at the German track.
HTP Junior Team driver Marvin Dienst took victory, but it was the performance of the Van Amersfoort Racing driver Schumacher that caught the eye on his first outing in single-seater racing.
"Of course, I'm pleased that I caught up," Schumacher said. "It didn't occur to me at first that I was best rookie!
"After yesterday's qualifying and my grid position, I'm really satisfied."
Schumacher's father, Michael – a seven-time Formula One world champion – continues his recovery from skiing accident in December 2013 that left him with serious head injuries.