INDIA in F1

Author: David Bodapati

  • Finally, Chennai Formula Racing Circuit gets going after some delay

    Finally, Chennai Formula Racing Circuit gets going after some delay

    Chennai, 31 August 2024: The proceedings at the first Night Race in the country, on the new Chennai Formula Racing Circuit, got delayed on Saturday as the homologation by the international Federation, the FIA, was not completed on time.

    The FIA Circuit Commission member, Giuseppe Muscioni, inspected the track and suggested some changes on Friday due to safety concerns. However, the organisers took time to make the corrections and sessions of the second round of the Indian Racing League and the Indian F4 Championship got delayed. The races were expected to go around the streets of Chennai with a perfect backdrop of the iconic Island Ground under the twinkling starlight.

    The 3.5-km street circuit features 19 turns, multiple chicane and fast straights, including the striking Napier Bridge, painted in a chequered flag design and then the drivers will go by the War Memorial.

    Supported by the Tamil Nadu government, the race on Sunday to elevate Chennai, the cradle of motorsports in India to the motorsport capital of the country. Turn 18 and Turn 10 had some concerns.

    Later, Tamil Nadu Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurated the event and the practice sessions took place late in the night.

    The main races are scheduled for Sunday.

  • Indian F4 and IRL: Chennai is all set for historic night races

    Indian F4 and IRL: Chennai is all set for historic night races

    Chennai, 30 August 2024: The Indian Racing Festival 2024 edition is all set to revv up for the country’s first-ever night race, as Chennai gears up for an electrifying weekend that promises to make history with a perfect backdrop of the iconic Island Ground under the twinkling starlight.

    Nestled in the heart of this vibrant metropolis, the 3.5-km street circuit features 19 turns, multiple chicane and fast straights, including the striking Napier Bridge, painted in a chequered flag design as the zooming formula cars and the drivers will zoom by the War Memorial. Presented by Kingfisher Soda and promoted by Racing Promotions private limited, the night race will be nothing short of a spectacle and a monumental step forward for Indian motorsports.

    Supported by the Tamil Nadu government, this race aims to elevate Chennai’s status as a motorsport capital by offering fans an unparalleled experience. With packed houses in attendance having close to 9,000 spectators the streets of Chennai will be transforming itself to etch themselves among the global few when it comes to having Night Street Circuit in the world.

    IRL Press meet, from left: Jon Lancaster, Ruhaan Alva, Gabriella Jikova, Raoul Hyman, Hugh Barter, Mohd Ryan, Chethan Korada at a hotel in Chennai on 30 Aug 2024. IRL photo

    Dr. Atulya Misra, Additional Chief Secretary to Youth Welfare and Sports Development said: “Lot of efforts have been undertaken to bring this milestone night circuit to life in the streets of Chennai. It is not only a prestigious moment for India but will also propel Chennai and Tamil Nadu in the global map as a strong Motorsports destination. While every effort is going into the smooth execution of the race and create a thrilling street circuit which will not only be a spectacle to watch out for but also will be as competitive as one can imagine. This is not just a race; it’s a celebration of speed, skill, and the spirit of Chennai.”

    With IRL cars expected to exceed speeds of 200 kmh, the street track is set to push drivers to their limits as they strive to master the circuit configurations and manoeuvre for maximum speed and impact and on the grid which rums amidst multiple landmarks such as the centuries-old Fort St. George and the renowned Marina Beach in the whole stretch.

    “We have done the hard yards to ensure that spectators enjoy the races in comfort and safety, and we are hopeful that India will be able to witness a grand success. We are indeed grateful to the Government of Tamil Nadu, the SDAT team, and every other department that helped us to put this landmark race together,” said Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director of Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL), promoters of IRF.

    As the excitement builds for the upcoming Indian Racing League event, some of the participating racers shared their thoughts on what this moment means to them. Their words reflect not only their passion for the sport but also the significance of the event in the broader context of Indian motorsport.

    The six city-based franchise teams of Indian Racing League (IRL)– Chennai Turbo Chargers, Goa Aces JA Racing, Speed Demons Delhi, Bangalore Speedsters, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, and Hyderabad Blackbirds along with eight teams (includes six teams of IRL and two more teams. Ahmedabad Apex Racers and Godspeed Kochi)  will be speeding as part of the FIA Formula 4 India Championships, are all charged up for this historic weekend.

    Chetan Korada, the first Asian racer ever to win a race using prosthetic feet. Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan

    Chethan Korada, the first Asian racer ever to win a race using prosthetic feet expressed his excitement on getting an opportunity to drive at the night circuit said,”It’s a great honor to be part of this event, and I’m deeply grateful to the government for this incredible opportunity. Racing has been my passion for the last 18 years, and I’ve competed in nearly every motorsport during that time. Reaching this point hasn’t been easy, and I want to thank Arman Ibrahim for the scholarship that made this possible. Racing on roads I’ve known since childhood is truly a dream come true, and I’m looking forward to the race.”

    With experience of driving as part of European Formula 4 teams, India origin driver, Nikhil Bohra who is representing Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers said, “It is such a glamorous event that is not only a statement for Indian motorsport, but it’s just a statement around the world. I mean, to do this in a country with over one billion people is next level. I just have a huge respect for everyone who put this together. So, thank you for inviting me back, and I’m looking forward to this weekend.

    The Goa Aces woman driver, Gabriela Jikova, who got a podium in Round 1 at the Press Conference on Friday. Photos by Srinivasa Krishnan

    The Goa Aces woman driver, Gabriela Jikova who had a podium finish in Round 1 said, “Motorsport, much like on the men’s side, has traditionally been male-dominated, but we’re seeing a significant change. Today, more women are getting involved, and this is evident in the Indian Racing League, where we have a growing number of female participants. Comparing it to my early days in karting, there were far fewer girls back then. It’s exciting to see women’s motorsport growing, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. We’re doing our best on the track, and I believe we’re doing a great job. Thank you.”

    In the first round at Madras International Circuit on August 24-25, the Bengal Tigers excelled, with all drivers scoring points. Alister Yoong won Race-2, and Ruhaan Alva secured P3 in Race-1. In the Formula 4 segment, Australia’s Hugh Barter rebounded from a last-lap retirement in Race-1 to win the next two races, including a remarkable victory from P15 on the grid.

    Great start for Ruhaan Alva of Bengaluru, who had a P3 in both F4 and IRL in the first round.

    The event kicks off at 2 pm on both Saturday and Sunday, offering spectators plenty of entertainment, including car stunts and “hot laps” by bike riders.

    JK TYRE-FMSCI INDIAN NATIONAL RACING CHAMPIONSHIP

    The Round-2 of the 29th JK Tyre-FMSCI Indian National Racing Championship, made up of Formula LGB4 class with a 24-car grid, will run concurrently, and thus, it will set another landmark by becoming the first domestic motor racing competition to have night races.

    Last weekend’s double-header witnessed some of the closest racing in recent memory, with the low-cost, entry-level Formula cars going wheel-to-wheel at tremendous pace. Dark Don team-mates, Bala Prasath (Coimbatore) and Tijil Rao (Bengaluru) survived the hectic competition to win a race apiece.

    KEY INFORMATIONS FOR SPECTATOR MOVEMENT

    To be a part of the first ever night race in Chennai, attendees are directed to specific gates and box offices based on their seating and ticket categories:

    • Box Office 1 – Gate No. 2: Serves Grandstand 1, with entry from Muthuswamy Road/Bridge.
    • Box Office 3 – Gate No. 4: Serves Grandstands 2, 3, 4 & 5, with parking at Kalavaram Ground and entry from Wallajah Road to Press Club Road.
    • Box Office 4 – Gate No. 5: For the Media Stand, meeting at Tamil Nadu State Guesthouse, with entry from Wallajah Road to Press Club Road.
    • Box Office 5 – Gate No. 6: Caters to Gold, Platinum, and Premium Lounges, with parking at Madras University and entry from Kamarajar Road.

    About Indian Racing Festival 

    The Indian Racing Festival (IRF) is a meticulously curated motorsport event designed to captivate the growing motorsport fan base in India. The Indian Racing League (IRL) and the Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC) are the two championships under the Indian Racing Festival banner. Notably, the Indian Racing League is FMSCI (Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India) approved, adding a level of prestige and official recognition to the competition.

    ● The Indian Racing League (IRL) is India’s only 4-wheel racing league and the world’s first gender-neutral racing championship series, promoting inclusivity and competitive spirit. IRL features six city-based teams competing in a dynamic franchise-based competition.

    ● Formula 4 is an open-wheel, single-seater racing category intended for junior drivers. It is the first step of the ladder for an aspiring racing driver from karting to single-seater racing.

    The FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship has begun to attract young and aspiring drivers from around the world and the country. It creates an opportunity for young drivers in their single-seater journey with minimal investment from their end. The drivers gain Super License points and the Indian talent gets to do this at home instead of going abroad. 

    About Sports Development Authority of Tamil Naidu

    The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) is dedicated to promoting sports and physical fitness across Tamil Nadu. Leveraging resources from government, sports associations, philanthropists, institutions, and sports enthusiasts, SDAT aims to foster a thriving sports culture and enhance physical well-being throughout the State.

    About Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd. 

    Racing Promotions Private Ltd., co-founded by Akhilesh Reddy and professional race drivers Armaan Ebrahim and Aditya Patel in 2019, aims to bridge the gap between racing talent and opportunities. The franchise model, a first in Indian motorsports, emphasizes creating lasting engagement opportunities for teams, drivers, fans, and sponsors while promoting inclusivity and competitive spirit. 

    Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd. (RPPL) is dedicated to forging a holistic motorsport ecosystem in India, with the mission to host FIA-caliber events and create pathways for aspiring individuals to pursue careers as drivers, engineers, and mechanics. Committed to revolutionizing motorsport, RPPL also aims to bolster motorsport education and awareness across the nation.

  • Chennai Formula street circuit, gets a facelift; all set to host the Round 2 of IRL & Indian F4

    Chennai Formula street circuit, gets a facelift; all set to host the Round 2 of IRL & Indian F4

    Chennai, 27 August 2024: The Chennai Formula Circuit is in Work in Progress state to host the second round of the Indian Racing League. INDIAinF1 consultant photo editor Srinivasa Krishnan is on a reccee and here is a selection of photographs that depict the status of the circuit as on 27 August 2024.

    Named as Chennai Formula Racing Circuit, CFRC, will host the second round of the Indian Racing League and the Indian F4 championship, the highest rated event after Formula 1 that is being held in India. The Street Circuit will be the second in the country, after Hyderabad hosted the first IRL, also on a street circuit and the 2023 Hyderabad ePrix, the Formula E race.

    The LED floodlights that are being installed are shown here! One can see Sir Thomas Munro statue at the end… PHOTOS by Srinivasa Krishnan

    The 3.5KM street circuit in the heart of Chennai, is conceived by Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL), the organisers of IRL and F4 in collaboration with the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT). The circuit was formally launched on August 16 and is all set to host India’s first-ever night street race. It was planned to host the IRL and F4 India round on 9 and 10 December 2023. However, the race was canceled due to the cylone Michaung.

    The stretch opposite to Shivananda circle

    The 3.500 km (2.175 mi) circuit around Island grounds will run through Flag Staff Road, Victory War Memorial, Pallavan Road (junction), Sivananda circle and Napier Bridge and ends at Island Grounds. Unlike the planned elevation changes at Buddh International circuit, the Chennai street circuit used the natural roads that have significant elevation changes. It is within the view of the Bay of Bengal, within 400 metres of Marina Beach.

    The street circuit will run in an anti-clockwise direction and has 19 corners with multiple chicanes, the start grid is just ahead of the Napier Bridge. The pitlane and paddock will be on the Island Grounds. It is designed by Driven International, the group which built the Hyderabad Street Circuit. Karun Chandhok, India’s second Formula 1 driver, is a consultant for Driven International and he played a key role with his inputs.

    The Tamil Nadu government had supported the initiative under the leadership of Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, with a partnership that was worked out between Greater Chennai Corporation and Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority. Racing Promotions (RPPL) has invested Rs.200 crores and the TN government has supported Rs. 42 crores.

  • Lando Norris wins Dutch Grand Prix ahead of Verstappen and Leclerc

    Lando Norris wins Dutch Grand Prix ahead of Verstappen and Leclerc

    Zandvoort (The Netherlands) 25 August 2024: Lando Norris ended Max Verstappen’s home dominance with a crushing Dutch Grand Prix victory that saw the McLaren driver beat the Red Bull Racing by almost 23 seconds, as Charles Leclerc claimed a seventh podium finish of the season with third place. 

    For a brief period after the start Norris’ second win of the season looked in doubt. Verstappen reacted quickest to the lights going out and on the short run to Turn 1 he passed the Briton to steal an early lead and a potential fourth successive win at his home grand prix. 

    However, Verstappen was unable to carve out a lead and on lap 18 Norris closed in under DRS on the pit straight to reclaim the lead. And with clean air ahead the McLaren driver stretched his legs to eventually take the chequered flag with 22.8 seconds in hand over his title rival. 

    “It feels amazing, yeah, once again,” said Norris afterwards. “I wouldn’t say a perfect race, because of lap one again, but afterwards it was beautiful. The pace was very strong. The car was unbelievable today, so I could get comfortable, I could push and get past Max, which was the main thing, and just go from there.”

    Behind the top two at the start, Mercedes’ George Russell beat McLaren’s Oscar Piastri to the punch to steal third place, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc also gained a place, blasting around the outside of Sergio Pérez in the second Red Bull to take fifth place.

    At the front Verstappen succeeded in breaking the DRS gap to Norris and over the first handful of laps eked out an 1.2s advantage over the McLaren man. 

    However, after dropping back from the dirty air behind Verstapen, Norris began to close in, and on lap 15 the McLaren driver was suddenly back in DRS range. Verstappen, meanwhile, was reporting that his tyres were “numb, they don’t grip” and that handed Norris the opportunity he required and on lap 18, with the aid of DRS, he powered past the Red Bull driver to reclaim the lead and with pace in abundance he quickly built up an almost six-second gap to the Dutchman.

    Behind the leading pair, Russell was now over six seconds adrift in third, with fourth-placed Piastri coming under increasing pressure from Leclerc and with Pérez still locked in sixth place. 

    With Verstappen steadily losing ground, Red Bull pulled the trigger on his sole pit stop at the end of lap 27. With new Hard tyres on board he rejoined in fifth place, behind Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz. McLaren reacted immediately and Norris headed into the pit lane at the end of the following lap. And after his switch to the C1 compound he emerged in P4, five seconds ahead of the Red Bull driver. 

    Piastri was the last of the frontrunners to pit, at the end  of lap 33. And after fitting a set of C1 Hard tyres, the Australian rejoined in fifth, just behind Russell. He soon dismissed the Mercedes driver but though he closed in on Leclerc, he couldn’t find a way past the Ferrari man. 

    Pérez was now coming under pressure from the increasingly pacy Sainz and on lap 45 the Ferrari driver attacked. The Spaniard was twice frustrated by the Mexican’s robust defending, but at the third time of asking Sainz used DRS and a late-braking lunge to get past the Mexican into Tarzan on lap 48. 

    At the front, Norris was pulling away from Verstappen and with 20 laps left the Red Bull man was 14.5s off the lead. Behind him Leclerc’s battle with Piastri was helping, however, and the Ferrari and McLaren drivers were now over six seconds adrift in third and fourth respectively. 

    On lap 55, Mercedes pitted Russell for a set of used Soft tyres, with the Mercedes driver charged with using the pace of the C3 tyres to haul his way back past Pérez, who had been boosted to sixth again. The gamble failed to pay off, however, and both two-stopping Mercedes drivers soon found their Soft tyres going off. 

    At the front, Norris was in cruise control and after 72 largely smooth and comfortable laps the Briton powered past the chequered flag to take the second win of his career. The victory and the point for the fastest lap he set on the final tour, mean that Norris now has 225 points, 70 behind championship leader Verstappen. 

    Behind the top two, Leclerc kept Piastri at bay to take his seventh podium finish of 2024. Sainz took fifth for Ferrari and Pérez held firm in sixth to Red Bull’s overall  points tally to 434, 30 clear of McLaren with Ferrari a further 34 points back in third. Behind Pérez, Russell led home team-mate Hamilton, Pierre Gasly secured ninth for Alpine and the final point went to Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso. 

    2024 FIA Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix – Race 
    1 Lando Norris McLaren/Mercedes 72 1:30’45.519 
    2 Max Verstappen Red Bull/Honda RBPT 72 1:31’08.415 22.896
    3 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 72 1:31’10.958 25.439
    4 Oscar Piastri McLaren/Mercedes 72 1:31’12.856 27.337
    5 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 72 1:31’17.656 32.137
    6 Sergio Pérez Red Bull/Honda RBPT 72 1:31’25.061 39.542
    7 George Russell Mercedes 72 1:31’30.136 44.617
    8 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 72 1:31’35.118 49.599
    9 Pierre Gasly Alpine/Renault 71 1:30’54.123 1 lap /8.604
    10 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin/Mercedes 71 1:30’59.052 1 lap /13.533
    11 Nico Hülkenberg Haas/Ferrari 71 1:31’04.733 1 lap /19.214
    12 Daniel Ricciardo RB/Honda RBPT 71 1:31’06.586 1 lap /21.067
    13 Lance Stroll Aston Martin/Mercedes 71 1:31’11.231 1 lap /25.712
    14 Alexander Albon Williams/Mercedes 71 1:31’26.230 1 lap /40.711
    15 Esteban Ocon Alpine/Renault 71 1:31’32.397 1 lap /46.878
    16 Logan Sargeant Williams/Mercedes 71 1:31’50.058 1 lap /1’04.539
    17 Yuki Tsunoda RB/Honda RBPT 71 1:31’50.665 1 lap /1’05.146
    18 Kevin Magnussen Haas/Ferrari 71 1:31’51.226 1 lap /1’05.707
    19 Valtteri Bottas Sauber/Ferrari 70 1:30’48.767 2 laps /3.248
    20 Zhou Guanyu Sauber/Ferrari 70 1:31’21.538 2 laps /36.019

  • Double for Hugh Barter in F4; India’s Divy Nandan earns maiden podium

    Double for Hugh Barter in F4; India’s Divy Nandan earns maiden podium

    Chennai, 25 August 2024: India’s rookie driver Divy Nandan from Gurugram secured his first-ever podium finish in the Indian F4 Championship, taking an impressive third place in Race 2 at the Madras International Circuit on Sunday.

    In the premier Indian Racing League (IRL) class, Malaysian driver Alister Yoong of the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers team demonstrated his racing prowess with a commanding lights-to-flag victory. Aussie driver Isaac Demellweek of Chennai Turbo Riders team came second ahead of Divy Nandan of Ahmedabad Apex Racers team. For Divy, the first trainee of Narain Karthikeyan Racing Academy, who took up racing only a few years back, this is a big moment in his fledgling career. Born on January 5th, 2003, the BBA Sports Management student of PES University, Bengaluru. Narain, the first Indian to race in Formula 1, took him under his wings in 2021 and fast tracked his growth and in four years, Divy had showed tremendous improvement by dint of hard work and committment.

    Meanwhile, Australia’s Hugh Barter, representing Godspeed Kochi, bounced back from a challenging Saturday by claiming a sensational double victory in the Formula 4 Indian Championship. The first round of the Indian Racing Festival, promoted by Racing Promotions Private Limited, concluded on a high note.

    Hugh Barter of Godspeed Kochi

    Starting from pole position, Yoong, the 21-year-old son of former Formula 1 driver Alex Yoong, showcased his exceptional skills, fending off an early challenge from Hyderabad Blackbirds’ Akhil Rabindra, who settled for second place.

    Leander Paes pats Yoong

    Indian tennis legend Leander Paes, was at hand to hug and congratulate Alister Yoong, immediately after his victory. The Kolkata giant is here to support the Shirachi Rarh Bengal Tigers team. “I had a beautiful car today. Absolutely no issues. So, yeah, I had a good start, and it is nice to win,” said Yoong.

    Tennis legend Leander Paes pats Alister Yoong, after his win. Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan
    Alister Yoong with the trophy. Photos by Srinivasa Krishnan

    Czech driver Gabriela Jilkova of Goa Aces JA Racing took third, delivering an impressive performance in a race that saw little change at the front during the 25-minute plus one-lap event.

    On the Formula 4 side, 19-year-old Hugh Barter from the Godspeed Kochi team dominated Race 2, winning by over 18 seconds, and followed it up with another convincing victory in Race 3. Even a Safety Car period, which bunched up the grid and erased his lead, couldn’t stop Barter’s charge. He earned 10 points for his Race 2 win, 25 points for Race 3, and additional bonus points for pole positions.

    Barter displayed relentless aggression in Race 2, climbing from P15 to P1 in just seven laps. He pulled away from the pack with his blistering pace. Australian Isaac Demellweek (Chennai Turbo Riders) finished second, with India’s Divy Nandan (Ahmedabad Apex Racers) taking third. Bengaluru teenager Abhay Mohan (Bangalore Speedsters) impressed as well, finishing eighth after starting in P16.

    In the next race, Barter got off to another strong start and built a lead of over 10 seconds before the Safety Car intervened due to an on-track incident. Once the race resumed, Barter quickly regained his lead, securing a comfortable win. Behind him, South African Aqil Alibhai (Hyderabad Blackbirds) finished second, followed by Ruhaan Alva (Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers) in third. Indian drivers Jaden Rahaman Pariat, Divy Nandan, and Abhay Mohan completed the top six, giving local fans more reasons to celebrate. For Alva, the weekend was especially fruitful with three podium finishes in five races across two categories.

    The Indian Racing Festival, spanning five rounds, will continue with the historic night street race in the heart of Chennai next weekend. The event is sponsored by Kingfisher Soda, JK Tyres, Mobil 1, and Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Limited.

    JK Tyre-FMSCI National Racing Championship

    In the Formula LGB4 class, Bengaluru’s Tijil Rao (Dark Don Racing) delivered a brilliant performance, combining aggression with defense to claim a well-deserved victory in Race 2. He held off veteran Raghul Rangasamy (MSPORT), while Mehul Agarwal (Dark Don Racing) from Kolkata secured third place with a last-lap push.

    The race featured some dramatic moments, beginning with pole-sitter Chetan Surineni (Ahura Racing) stalling on the grid, allowing Rao and Agarwal to take the lead. Despite a Safety Car period, the positions remained unchanged. Rao defended his lead brilliantly against Rangasamy, who had overtaken Agarwal, while Agarwal battled with Abhay Mohan before finishing in third. Behind them, Viswas Vijayaraj (Dark Don Racing) made a remarkable recovery from P15 to P10, and Neev Datta climbed from P21 to P8 in a 24-car grid.

    RE Continental Cup

    In the RE Continental Cup, Coimbatore’s Navaneeth Kumar S claimed victory over Race 1 winner Anish Shetty from Bengaluru in a close finish among the Professionals. The duo finished ahead of Chennai’s Soorya PM, who was promoted to third place after Abhishek Vasudev received a 30-second penalty for “overtaking under a yellow flag.”

    Navaneeth Kumar S (bike #6) wins Race 1 ahead of Anish Shetty bike #2)

    In the Amateur category, Bengaluru’s Yogesh P achieved a double with another dominant win, finishing Race 2 eight seconds ahead of Johnson Saldanha (Mangaluru), while Nijin A (Pathanamthitta) secured third place.

    The results (Provisional):

    Indian Racing League Race-2 (Driver B – 25mins+1 lap):1. Alister Yoong (Malaysia, Shirachi Rarh Bengal Tigers) 27mins, 15.226secs);2. Akhil Rabindra (India, Hyderabad Blackbirds) (27:19.810);3. Gabriela Jilkova (Czech Republic, Goa Aces JA Racing) (27:35.127). Fastest Lap: Sohil Shah

    Formula 4 Indian (Race-2, 25 mins+1 lap):1. Hugh Barter (Australia,Godspeed Kochi) (27:06.573);2. Isaac Demellweek (Australia, Chennai Turbo Riders) (27:25.297);3. Divy Nandan (India, Ahmedabad Apex Racers) (27:29.102). Fastest Lap: Hugh Barter

    Race-3 (25 mins+1 lap):1.Hugh Barter (Australia, Godspeed Kochi) (27:06.536);2. Aqil Alibhai (South Africa, Hyderabad Blackbirds) (27:10.134);3. Ruhaan Alva (India, Shirachi Rarh Bengal Tigers) (27:11.549). Fastest Lap: Hugh Barter

    JK Tyre-FMSCI National Racing Championship

    Formula LGB 4 (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Tijil Rao (Bengaluru, Dark Don Racing) (21:38.184);2. Raghul Rangasamy (Mamallapuram, MSPORT) (21:38.653);3. Mehul Agarwal (Kolkata, Dark Don Racing) (21:41.780).

    RE Continental GT Cup (Race-2, 6 laps) Professionals: 1. Navaneeth Kumar S (Puducherry) (11:51.466);2. Anish Shetty (Bengaluru) (11:51.644);3.Soorya PM (Chennai) (11:56.614).

    Amateurs: 1. Yogesh P (Bengaluru) (12:47.013);2.Johnson Saldanha (Mangaluru) (12:55.118);3. Nijin A (Pathanamthitta, Kerala) (12:55.327).

  • Historic F4 victory for Jaden Pariat on debut; Lancaster wins IRL race

    Historic F4 victory for Jaden Pariat on debut; Lancaster wins IRL race

    Chennai, 24 August 2024: Seventeen-year-old Jaden Rahman Pariat from Shillong, who was crowned the Formula 2000 Indian National Champion last Sunday at the same venue, made history by becoming only the third Indian to win a race in the F4 Indian Championship. Both the races were filled with drama, twists, and turns. In the other race, veteran Jon Lancaster from Leeds, England, claimed victory in the Indian Racing League during Round 1 of the Indian Racing Festival at the Madras International Circuit on Saturday.

    Jaden Rahman Pariat, Bangalore Speedsters

    Promoted by Racing Promotions Private Limited, and presented by Kingfisher Soda, the second edition of the Indian Racing League and the Indian F4 Championship kicked off with eight teams and 16 drivers while the IRL had six teams with 24 drivers, including female racers competing on equal footing with their male counterparts. In the first edition of F4 India, only Shahan Ali Mohsin and Rishon Rajiv had race wins, and Jaden, Bangalore Speedsters driver, joins the elite group, with this victory which fell on his lap, in the last lap, well almost.

    “Oh man!, it was so difficult to keep the car on the track. All I can say is that, THANK YOU, ALMIGHTY! I had gear box issues. But I managed to move to P2. I did not know what went wrong with him (Aqil Alibhai). But before that, I was wide and did manage to keep my place as Ruhaan failed to capitalise on it. After the start, I saw him move away. But I persisted in my third place and it paid dividends. In the end, I cam around and saw that his car was parked. I said oh my God, I just need to finish,” that is how Jaden put his thoughts about the race.

    Jaden Pariat, who made a mistake and went off the track, but shot back with brilliant defensive driving to keep his P2, before taking the lead at the fag end due to a stalled car… at the Madras International Circuit on Saturday. Photos by Srinivasa Krishnan

    Meanwhile, the Hyderabad Blackbirds team had a challenging afternoon. First, Hugh Barter of GodSpeed Kochi retired from the F4 Indian Championship race while poised for an easy victory, handing the win to Pariat of Bangalore Speedsters. Later, Hyderabad Blackbirds driver, Swiss ace Neel Jani, also retired just as he was about to secure a win, gifting the victory to Chennai Turbo Riders’ Lancaster.

    Though Lancaster and Pariat shone, Ruhaan Alva, the teenager from Bengaluru racing for Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, earned praise for his podium finishes in both races, which remained uncertain until the very end.

    The 39-year-old Lancaster triumphed in a dramatic IRL Race 1 for A Drivers. Pole-sitter Alva dropped to fifth after going off the track midway through the race, allowing Lancaster to take the lead ahead of Jani. However, Lancaster went wide exiting Turn 2, and Jani took the lead. In a final twist, with three minutes and one lap remaining, Jani retired, and Lancaster regained the lead, with Portugal’s Alvaro Parente (Speed Demons Delhi) finishing second, ahead of the fast-finishing Alva, who climbed back to P3 after some impressive laps. The positions remained unchanged at the finish. “That’s racing for you. I took my chances,” said Lancaster. Alva earned bonus points for the fastest lap of the race and pole position.

    Jon Lancaster, UK, Chennai Turbo Riders

    In the Formula 4 Indian race, Pariat set the stage for his campaign in the first lap, overtaking Alva to move into P3 behind Hyderabad Blackbirds teammates Barter and Aqil Alibhai (South Africa). Despite a strangely tilted rear wing, Barter built a massive lead, which he maintained until the final lap before retiring. Prior to that, Alibhai had comfortably held off Pariat, but the South African noticeably lost pace in the final laps, allowing Pariat to catch up and move into P2. In the final lap, with Barter’s retirement, Pariat took the lead and secured a well-deserved victory. Alibhai just managed to hold off Alva for second, with the Bengaluru driver completing the podium.

    “I don’t know what to say. When I saw Barter parked on the back loop, I knew I had a chance to win, and I told myself to just bring the car home safely, which I did. I must thank God for this win. There’s no other way to describe it,” said Jaden.

    F4 podium: Left, Aqil Alibhai (South Africa, Black Birds Hyderabad), centre, Jaden Pariat, Bangalore Speedsers, and Ruhaan Alva’s representative, as Ruhaan (not in pic, 3rd place) had to get ready for IRL race. Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan

    The Indian Racing Festival, which spans five rounds, will include a historic night street race in the heart of Chennai next weekend. The event is sponsored by Kingfisher Soda, JK Tyres, Mobil 1, and Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Limited.

    JK Tyre-FMSCI National Racing Championship:

    Jon Lancaster in action

    Formula LGB 4: Coimbatore’s Bala Prasath secured a thrilling victory in the Formula LGB 4 class, with the top three finishers separated by less than a second. The eight-lap race saw Prasath fend off a strong challenge from the MSport pair of teenager Abhay Mohan and veteran Raghul Rangasamy, while pole-sitter Dark Don Racing’s Viswas Vijayaraj from Nellore finished a distant 16th.

    RE Continental Cup: As expected, Bengaluru’s Anish Shetty took the top spot in the Professionals class, delivering a strong performance after starting from P2 on the grid behind pole-sitter Abhishek Vasudev, also from Bengaluru. Vasudev finished 10th due to a puncture, while Shetty comfortably won the first race of the double-header, with over four seconds to spare ahead of Puducherry’s Navaneeth Kumar. Bengaluru’s Jagadeesh Nagaraj completed the podium.

    Further down the grid, another Bengaluru driver, Yogesh P, topped the Amateur class, finishing ahead of Johring Waris (Umrangso, Assam) and Nijin A (Pathanamthitta, Kerala).

    The results (Provisional):

    From left: Alvaro Parente (2nd), Jon Lancaster (winner) and Ruhaan Alva (3rd) in the IRL race. Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan

    IRL Race-1 (Driver A – 25 mins+1 lap):1.Jon Lancaster (UK, Chennai Turbo Riders) (27mins, 15.812secs);2. Alvaro Parente (Portugal, Speed Demons Delhi) (27:16.327);3. Ruhaan Alva (India, ShrachiRarh Bengal Tigers) (27:16.972).

    Formula 4 Indian (Race-1, 25mins+1 lap):1. Jaden Rahman Pariat (India, Bangalore Speedsters) (27:14.967);2. Aqil Alibhai (South Africa, Black Birds Hyderabad) (27:19.427);3. Ruhaan Alva (India, ShirahiRarh Bengal Tigers) (27:19.922).

    JK Tyre-FMSCI National Racing Championship

    Formula LGB F4 (Race-1, 8 laps):1. Bala Prasath (Coimbatore, Dark Don Racing) (18:57.188);2. Abhay Mohan (Bengaluru, MSPORT) (18:57.690);3. Raghul Rangasamy (Mamallapuram, MSPORT) (18:57.993).

    RE Continental GT Cup (Race-1, 6 laps) – Professionals:1. Anish Shetty (Bengaluru) (11:55.531);2. Navaneeth Kumar S (Puducherry) (11:59.767);3. Jagadeesh Nagaraja (Bengaluru) (12:00.779).Amateurs: 1. Yogesh P (Bengaluru) (12:29.228); 2. Johring Waris (Umrangso) (12:30.745); 3. Nijin A (Pathanamthit) (13:19.923).

    F4 Indian Teams Championships

    1. Bangalore Speedsters 25 pointe;
    2. Hyderabad Blackbirsd 22+1(fastest lap);
    3. Ahmedabad Apex Racers 22;
    4. Shirachi Rarh Bengal Tigers 17;
    5. Chennai Turbo Riders 9;
    6. Goa Aces 6;
    7. GodSpeed Kochi 3; (pole)
    8. Speed Demons Delhi 0.
  • Emerging talent set to ignite Indian F4 Championship in 2024

    Emerging talent set to ignite Indian F4 Championship in 2024

    Chennai, 23 August 2024: The 2024 Indian Formula 4 (F4) Championship promises to be a showcase of rising stars from across the globe, with drivers as young as 15-years-old ready to take on the track. Each team brings a mix of fresh talent and experienced contenders, adding intrigue to the championship.

    Goa Aces JA Racing

    Leading the charge for Goa Aces is 16-year-old Australian Giancarlo Artho, the first driver announced for the team. Artho made headlines as one of the 24 drivers chosen for the 2023 Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) Asia-Pacific selections, although he missed qualifying for the final round. Despite the setback, Artho rebounded by winning the F4 Global Shootout Program (FGSP), securing a coveted free seat for his single-seater debut.

    Joining Artho is 17-year-old Aiva Anagnostiadis, who made history as the team’s first female driver. Anagnostiadis, a former Australian female karting champion, is part of Alpine’s Rac(H)er program and tested for Argenti Motorsport in British F4 this year. With her eyes set on a future in the F1 Academy, she’s a formidable addition to the team.

    Speed Demons Delhi

    Speed Demons Delhi’s lineup features Zakariya Mohammed, a rising star despite having no international karting experience. Mohammed finished third in the FGSP, earning a 25% scholarship and a spot on the team. He’s eager to capitalize on his opportunity and make strides in the coming weeks.

    Another exciting addition to the team is 15-year-old Danish driver Alba Hurup Larsen. Larsen, a winner of the FIA Girls on Track program supported by the FDA, is already making waves. Though not officially part of the FDA, her Indian F4 experience may be a stepping stone to the F1 Academy next year.

    Chennai Turbo Riders

    Chennai Turbo Riders are betting on the talent of 17-year-old Jayden Hamilton, who has been competing in the Australian Formula Open series. Despite narrowly missing the championship title, Hamilton’s impressive performance at the FGSP earned him a spot on the team.

    Also racing for Chennai is Isaac Demellweek, a New South Wales karting champion. Demellweek has participated in several international karting finals this year, including the Champions of the Future Academy, where he’s yet to make his mark on the standings.

    Hyderabad Blackbirds

    Hyderabad Blackbirds are putting their faith in 16-year-old Shriya Lohia, the first Indian driver announced for the 2024 season. Lohia made a name for herself last year by becoming the only female point-scorer in the championship.

    Joining her is 17-year-old South African Aqil Alibhai, a hot favorite for the title. Alibhai has already built a strong reputation in the UK with podium finishes in Ginetta Junior and British F4. His experience and skill make him a contender to watch.

    Rarh Bengal Tigers

    Leading Rarh Bengal Tigers is Ruhaan Alva, a 17-year-old talent from India who has been turning heads for years. Alva competed in GB4 last season, finishing 10th overall despite missing the final rounds. He also made history as the youngest winner in the Indian Racing League.

    His teammate, Tarun Muthiaiah, brings a different profile, having only raced in India. Competing in the MRF Formula 2000 series, Muthiaiah finished third this year but lacks the international experience of his peers.

    Bangalore Speedsters

    Bangalore Speedsters boast 17-year-old Jaden Pariat, whose motorsport record is as impressive as it is diverse. Pariat secured a podium in British F4 in 2023 and went on to dominate the MRF Formula 2000 series this year, clinching the title with eight wins in 12 races.

    His teammate, Abhay Mohan, follows a similar trajectory. Mohan transitioned from a successful karting career to single-seaters, winning the MRF Formula 1600 championship last Sunday, August 18.

    Godspeed Kochi

    Godspeed Kochi is set to surprise with 18-year-old Hugh Barter, an Australian-Japanese driver making an unexpected return to single-seaters. Barter was highly regarded as one of the brightest young talents, finishing runner-up in French and Spanish F4 in 2022. However, after missing the FIA F3 season finale due to financial issues, Barter’s move to Indian F4 could be his path back to the top.

    Ahmedabad Apex Racers

    Ahmedabad Apex Racers are banking on 17-year-old Indian driver Veer Sheth. After success in karting across India and the UAE, Sheth made the jump to single-seaters last year, finishing third in the MRF Formula 1600 series. He will be joined by Divy Nandan, who was the first trainee at Narain Karthikeyan Academy. The Delhi driver graduated from karting and has taken part in the Indian Formula races in 2023.

    As these young drivers gear up for the 2024 season, the Indian F4 Championship is shaping up to be an exciting battleground for the next generation of motorsport stars.

    About the Formula 4 Indian Championship

    Entering its second year, the Formula 4 Indian Championship is India’s only FIA-certified single-seater series. After a successful debut season, Indian F4 continues to provide young racing talent with the opportunity to earn super license points, paving the way to Formula 1. The 2024 season features 16 drivers from 8 teams, competing across 5 rounds, including street circuits and permanent tracks. MP Motorsports manages the cars, which are equipped with Mygale F4 Gen 2 chassis and Alpine 1.3L Turbo engines, reaching top speeds of 210 km/h.

  • Diana Pundole creates history, becomes first woman to win a National title

    Diana Pundole creates history, becomes first woman to win a National title

    Chennai, 18 August 2024: As expected, teenagers Jaden Rahman Pariat (Shillong) and Bengaluru’s Abhay Mohan emerged champions in the premier MRF single-seater categories while Diana Pundole from Pune broke the glass ceiling by becoming the first female driver to win a championship title as the curtains came down on an action-packed fourth and final round of the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Car Racing Championship 2024 – Powered by STORM-X at the Madras International Circuit, here on Sunday.

    Others to win the championship in their respective categories were: Biren Pithawalla (Mumbai, N1 Racing) in Indian Touring Cars, Srinivas Teja (Chennai, Performance Racing) in Indian Junior Touring Cars, Viswas Vijayaraj (Nellore, DTS Racing) in Formula LGB 1300 and Diana Pundole, the mother of two from Pune, who also became the first female to annex the title in the MRF Saloons category. Incidentally, she celebrated her 28th birthday on Friday last. “But I didn’t touch my phone because I wanted to focus on this weekend’s races. I can’t describe the feelings now, but I’m very happy, of course,” she said.

    Jaden Pariat, left, and Abhay Mohan

    Businessman from Lonavla Dhruv Chavan survived massive battles through six races over the weekend to win the championship in the Polo Cup.

    Today, Jaden could not add to his eight wins, as he finished second behind Bengaluru’s Chetan Surineni in both MRF Formula 2000 races today. However, the 17-year-old Jaden accrued sufficient points to annex his maiden championship with Surineni in second spot on the leaderboard. “I have proved to myself that I have it in me to win a championship. After my win yesterday, I just wanted to bring the car home without trying anything risky, but it’s great to win my first-ever championship. It is also good for Chetan (Surineni) to win both races today,” said Jaden.  

    Similarly, 16-year-old Abhay Mohan marked his debut season by clinching his maiden championship in the MRF Formula 1600 category though he was denied an all-win record by Mumbai’s Zahan Commissariat. With 11 wins from 12 starts, Abhay emerged champion by a massive margin. “It is still to sink in. I mean, winning a championship in my debut season is great, but I can’t find words to express my happiness. It was a good run overall and I thank my JA Motorsports, my family and friends for their support,” said Abhay.

    Nellore’s 26-year-old Viswas Vijayaraj claimed the title in the Formula LGB 1300 category despite retiring early in the last two races, one of which was won by Mira Erda who, starting from pole, held off stiff competition to score her first-ever win in single-seater since her debut in 2014. “I have waited for 10 years for this moment. I have been racing in a single-seater class since 2014, but apart from a few podiums, I have never won a race. So, I am absolutely delighted by today’s win which I am told is the first by a female driver in FLGB 1300,” said an ecstatic 23-year-old Mira who is also making a career as a driver-coach.

    The day’s post-lunch session was extended due to a couple of crashes and spins leading to Red Flag stoppages with title contenders involved in wheel-to-wheel battles.

    Provisional results:

    MRF F2000 (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Chetan Surineni (Bengaluru) (15min, 59.892sec); 2. Jaden Rahman Pariat (Shillong) (16:03.671); 3. Akhil Agarwal (Mumbai) (16:26.390). Race-3 (8 laps): 1. Chetan Surineni (16:17.445); 2. Jaden Rahman Pariat (16:18.863); 3. Tarun Muthaiah (Bengaluru) (16:31.961). Champion driver: Jaden Rahman Pariat (Shillong).

    MRF F1600 (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Zahan Commissariat (Mumbai) (17:31.861); 2. Abha Mohan (Bengaluru) (17:32.137); 3. Saishiva Sankaran (Pune) (17:35.536). Race-3 (8 laps): 1. Abhay Mohan (16:45.609); 2. Saishiva Sankaran (16:49.407); 3. Raaj Bakhru (Mumbai) (16:57.507). Champion driver: Abhay Mohan (Bengaluru).

    Indian Touring Cars (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Biren Pithawalla (Mumbai, Team N1) (19:15.391); 2. Anant Pithawalla (Mumbai, Team N1) (19:35.441); 3. Jeevanantham Subramaniam (Coimbatore, Pvt.) (20:04.964). Race-3 (6 laps): 1. Biren Pithawalla (11:34.635); 2. Deepak Ravikumar (Chennai, Team Performance Racing) (11:34.970); 3. Anant Pithawalla (11:38.379). Champion driver: Biren Pithawalla (Mumbai, Team N1).

    Indian Junior Touring Cars (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Srinivas Teja (Chennai, Performance Racing) (19:42.384); 2. Hatim Shabbir (Chennai, Team Performance Racing) (19:43.443); 3. Yug Italiya (Mumbai, Team N1) (20:05.723). Race-3 (6 laps): 1. Srinivas Teja (11:50.328); 2. Hatim Shabir (11:50.786); 3. Nikung Vagh (Surat, Team N1) (12:00.937). Champion driver: Srinivas Teja (Chennai, Performance Racing).

    Super Stock (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Justin Singh (Gurugram, Redline Racing) (21:07.530); 2. Anirudha Aravind (Chennai, Redline Racing India) (21:09.109); Angad Matharoo (Chandigarh, Buzzing Hornet Motorsports) (21:11.496). Race-3 (6 laps): 1. Justin Singh (12:35.884); 2. Anirudha Aravind (12:40.607); 3. Manan Patel (Mumbai, Redline Racing India) (12:40.825). Champion Driver: Withheld pending investigation.

    Formula LGB 1300 (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Mira Erda (Vadodara, DTS Racing) (19:53.382); 2. Dilijith TS (Thrissur, DTS Racing) (19:54.804); 3.  Dhruv Goswami (Bengaluru, MSport) (19:57.549). Race-3 (8 laps): 1. Diljith TS (15:08.241); 2. Balaprasath (Thrissur, DTS Racing) (15:11.699); 3. Neev Datta (New Delhi, MSport) (15:17.425). Champion driver: Viswas Vijayaraj (Nellore, DTS Racing).

    MRF Saloons (Toyota Etios) Race-2 (10 laps): 1. Anirudha Aravind (Chennai) (21:03.555); 2. Diana Pundole (Pune) (21:03.824); 3. Muskaan Jubbal (Delhi) (21:04.229). Race-3 (8 laps): 1. Diana Pundole (16:42.428); 2. Anirudha Aravind (16:46.799); 3. Muskaan Jubbal (16:49.432). All Redline Racing. Champion driver: Diana Pundole (Pune, Redline Racing).

    Polo Cup (Race-4, 8 laps): 1. Romir Arya (Mumbai) (15:33.374); 2. Dhruv Chavan (Lonavala) (15:42.731); 3. Munjal Savia (Mumbai) (15:43.284). Race-5 (10 laps): 1. Aditya Patnaik (Mumbai) (19:30.762); 2. Munjal Savla (Mumbai) (19:40.753); 3. Romir Arya (Mumbai) (19:41.461). Polo Cup (Race-6, 8 laps): 1. Ojas Surve (Mumbai) (15:34.195); 2. Dhruv Chavan (15:39.358); 3. Aditya Patnaik (15:40.331). Champion driver: Dhruv Chavan (Lonavla).

  • Bagnaia produces Spielberg showstopper to defeat Martin: MotoGP

    Bagnaia produces Spielberg showstopper to defeat Martin: MotoGP

    The reigning Champion pulls five points ahead with victory over Martin as Bastianini completes the podium and Marquez suffers some drama.

    Spielberg, 18 August 2024: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) put in a stunning performance at the Motorrand Grand Prix von Österreich to take to the top step and complete the double in style. The reigning Champion went toe-to-toe with Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) before taking charge in the lead and building a gap, securing his status as Championship leader by five points and taking his 25th MotoGP™ win to equal Kevin Schwantz in 10th on the list of riders with most premier class wins. Martin’s second place is still a valuable 20-point haul to keep him in touch at the top, ahead of Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) in third for his fourth podium in five races.

    There was some drama even before the start as Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) had a holeshot device shuffle, unable to get both engaged, getting a slightly slower launch and then getting a nudge from Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) as the two headed wide out of Turn 1. Marquez ended up outside the top ten and Morbidelli further behind him.

    Meanwhile, Martin had taken the holeshot to edge out Bagnaia at the front, but the reigning Champion attacked next time round at Turn 1 and took the lead. Another move came from Martin at the penultimate corner on the same lap, but Bagnaia hit back straight away at the final corner. It remained as you were in the high-speed chess match – meanwhile, Bastianini was holding third, within touch.

    A small KTM civil war just behind then saw Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) stalk and eventually get past teammate Jack Miller, with Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) then pouncing too. Bagnaia led Martin with a gap back to Bastianini, ahead of the Binder-Bez-Miller train that Marc Marquez was, by now, fast tagging onto the back of. He was also literally tagging Miller with 19 to go as his elbow made contact with the #43’s rear tyre, but no harm done as the #93 reset and reloaded. He didn’t need to make the move, however, as Miller slid out soon after – able to rejoin but out of the fight at the front.

    And so Bagnaia led Martin, with Bastianini a couple of seconds back. And then came what was now a Binder-Bezzecchi-Marquez squabble, with the first fireworks coming from Marquez as he carved through the VR46 rider. Next stop: Binder. At Turn 6 with ten to go the #93 sliced up the inside to take over in fourth, but by now the distance to Bastianini was unlikely to be gulfed.

    More fireworks then set off in the next gaggle behind as Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) had a second shot at getting past teammate Aleix Espargaro after an earlier attempt went awry, and the #12 got it done, leaving Espargaro to fend off Morbidelli, who was on a charge.

    At the front, the gap would go up a tenth or two and then back down, but Bagnaia remained in control. The reigning Champion completed the double in style, stamping some authority on a Championship lead of 0 points, position courtesy of win count, and bumping it up to five points ahead of Martin, who came home second for a nevertheless very valuable 20 points. Bastianini, despite his quick progress up from a tougher qualifying, came home third and wasn’t able to work his used tyre magic to bridge that gap. He did have enough in hand over Marc Marquez, however, with the #93’s pace – on paper enough to put him in serious contention – going begging after his early dramas. He finished P4.

    Behind, Binder held off Bezzecchi to complete the top five, with the South African and the Italian who followed him home both able to find some key positives in the solid results in Austria. Viñales managed to pull away from his teammate to take P7, and on the very last lap Morbidelli sliced past Aleix Espargaro too, stealing eighth from the #41 Aprilia.

    Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) completed the top ten after duelling and holding off KTM test rider and wildcard Pol Espargaro, who completed an impressive weekend taking some points as well as data. Miguel Oliveira (Trackhouse Racing) homed in to within two tenths of that battle too, ahead of a tougher weekend for rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3).

    Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) had a notable Austrian GP finish – taking P14 and two points, and as top Honda by some distance. He also made a late attack to get past Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) and hold him off by a couple of tenths.

    That’s a wrap on Austria, with the paddock packing up and heading for MotorLand Aragon as MotoGP™ returns to the venue for the first time since 2022. Then, it was an incredible duel between Bagnaia and Bastianini. And in 2021, it was another: Bagnaia vs Marquez, for the first of the 25 MotoGP™ wins the reigning Champion now has under his belt. You don’t want to miss it.

  • Viswas Vijayaraj, Abhay Mohan seal title in their classes with 3 races to spare;

    Viswas Vijayaraj, Abhay Mohan seal title in their classes with 3 races to spare;

    Chennai, 17 August 2024: Viswas Vijayaraj from Nellore, Andhra Pradesh driving for DTS Racing sealed the championship in the MRF F1300 class with three races to spare while Abhay Mohan of Bengaluru continued his unbeaten run and clinched the MRF F1600 championship with three races still to be run, on the first day of the fourth and final round of the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Car Racing Championship 2024 – Powered by STORM-X at the Madras International Circuit, here on Saturday.

    Vijayaraj won 8 of the 10 races so far and with only two races remaining on Sunday, he garnered an unbeatable lead of 63 points scoring 211 points. Barring a very unlikely ‘dq’ on the final day, he sealed the championship. for 2024. His closest driver in second place is Balaprasath of Coimbatore on 148 points.

    Viswas Vijayaraj of Nellore who clinched the championship in F1300 class.

    Abhay Mohan, 16, was impressive in maintaining his unbeaten run in the MRF Formula 1600. He won all the 9 races so for to bag 225 points and he is far ahead of Zahan Commissariat in second place with 142 points. He is provisionally crowned the National champion in F1600 class.

    In the MRF F2000 race, teenagers Jaden Rahman Pariat from Shillong also came up with fine performances to claim top honours.

    Seventeen-year-old Jaden set a scorching pace to score his eighth win in 10 outings from pole position in the MRF Formula 2000 race. He was never seriously challenged in his race.

    Elsewhere, Mumbai’s Biren Pithawalla (N1 Racing) also notched his eighth consecutive victory in the premier Indian Touring Cars class, holding off Chennai ace Deepak Ravikumar (Performance Racing) who drove a fine race to finish second with a last lap overtaking of Ananth Pithawalla (N1 Racing).

    Bengaluru’s Abhay Mohan who won the MRF F1600 title with three races to spare on 17 Aug 2024.

    Srinivas Teja (Performance Racing) and Balaprasath (DTS Racing) topped the Indian Junior Touring Cars and Super Stock categories in a race that saw its share of extremely close fights where a few cars exchanged paints.

    Viswas Vijayaraj from Nellore led a podium sweep for DTS Racing, while also scoring his eighth win to take a firm grip on the title in the Formula LGB 1300 category. His team-mates Balaprasath (Coimbatore) and Diljith TS (Thrissur) came in second and third, respectively.

    There was plenty of action in the Polo Cup which saw three of the six races scheduled being completed. All three races produced different winners underlining the competitiveness of the grid. Aditya Patnaik (Mumbai), Dhruv Chavan (Lonavla) and Romir Arya (Mumbai), the youngest competitor in this category, won a race apiece.

    Meanwhile, Daiana Pundole, the mother of two from Pune, was in total command while winning the MRF Saloons race ahead of Chennai’s Anirudha Aravind and Arunshi Vikram from Chikkamagaluru.

    The results (Provisional – all 8 laps unless mentioned):

    MRF F2000 (Race-1): 1. Jaden Rahman Pariat (Shillong) (12mins, 49.153secs); 2. Chetan Surineni (Bengaluru) (12:54.889); 3. Tarun Muthaiah (Bengaluru) (13:13.928).

    MRF F1600 (Race-1): 1. Abhay Mohan (Bengaluru) (14:00.541); 2. Zahan Commissariat (Mumba) (14:03.100); 3. Raaj Bakhru (Mumbai) (14:03.978).

    Indian Touring Cars (Race-1): 1. Biren Pithawalla (Mumbai, Team N1) (15:22.533); 2. Deepak Ravikumar (Chennai, Team Performance Racing) (15:24.900); 3. Anant Pithawalla (Mumbai, Team N1) (15:25.874).

    Indian Junior Touring Cars (Race-1): 1. Srinivas Teja (Chennai, Team Performance Racing) (15:38.598); 2. Nikung Vagh (Surat, Team N1) (15:55.340): 3. Dean Mascarenhas (Mangaluru, DB Motorsports) (16:13.472).

    Super Stock (Race-1): 1. Balaprasath (Coimbatore, DTS Racing) (16:45.693); 2. Justin Singh (Gurugram Redline Racing India) (16:46.283); 3. Manan Patel (Mumbai, Redline Racing India) (17:00.886).

    Formula LGB 1300 (Race-1, 5 laps): 1. Viswas Vijayaraj (Nellore, DTS Racing) (09:25.493); 2. Balaprasath (Coimbatore, DTS Racing) (09:26.828); 3. Diljith T. S. (Thrissur, DTS Racing) (09:27.460).

    MRF Saloons (Toyota Etios) (Race-1): 1. Diana Pundole (Pune) (16:46.605); 2. Anirudha Aravind (Chennai) (16:50.194); 3. Tarushi Vikram (Chikkamagaluru) (16:53.548). All Redline Racing.

    Polo Cup (Race-1): 1. Aditya Patnaik (Mumbai) (15:35.929); 2. Ojas Surve (Mumbai) (15:39.574); 3. Dhruv Chavan (Lonavla) (15:40.330). Race-2: 1. Dhruv Chavan (15:35.029); 2. Ojas Surve (15:35.876); 3. Aditya Patnaik (15:36.524). Race-3 (10 laps): 1. Romir Arya (Mumbai) (19:22.798); 2. Ojas Surve (19:25.236): 3. Dhruv Chavan (19:28.045).