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Author: INDIAinF1 Desk
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Hamilton leads free practice time sheets in Bahrain: F1
Bahrain, 29 February 2024: The opening weekend of the longest season in Formula 1 history saw Mercedes write the first headline. The Toto Wolff-run team had both its drivers at the top of the time sheet come the end of the second free practice session, the one that is most relevant as it was held in similar conditions to those found in tomorrow’s qualifying and Saturday’s race. Quickest was Lewis Hamilton (1:30.374) while team-mate George Russell was just 206 thousandths of a second slower. Behind the Mercedes duo came five drivers from five different teams in the following order: Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), Oscar Piastri (McLaren), Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and Nico Hulkenberg (Haas), all within 286 thousandths, the German’s time 510 thousandths slower than Hamilton’s.
Quite strong winds were the order of the day, as well as much cooler temperatures than usual for the Bahrain Grand Prix and to a lesser extent to those experienced at last week’s test, with the mercury dropping below 20° for air temperature in FP2. It should be noted that this event is taking place a bit earlier in the year than usual. Hamilton’s time was just under six tenths faster than the best FP2 time from last year, when Alonso posted a 1:30.907 and 666 thousandths off the 2023 pole time set by Verstappen.
Max, 6th in Free Practice
Lewis Hamilton set the pace in the second practice session for this weekend’s season-opening FIA Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, with the Mercedes driver finishing two tenths of a second clear of team-mate George and with defending World Champion Max Verstappen in sixth place.
At the start of the session, drivers went out on a mix of Soft and medium tyres, with many of the expected frontrunners opting for the red-walled C3 compound. Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez was quicker to the fore with a time of 1:31.629 but that was soon beaten by Charles Leclerc who logged a lap of 131.578 in the Ferrari SF-24. However, both were easily bypassed by Hamilton who posted a lap of 1:30.751 to take top spot. Alonso then split the top two with a 1m31.035s. Hamilton though was improving all the time and the seven-time champion eventually worked his way to 1:30.374 to seal first place for good.
Further down the order, Verstappen’s opening lap was half a second down on Hamilton’s P1 time and, although he later improved on the same set of tyres, he failed to make a serious move up the order and eventually had to settle for the sixth place earned by his best time of 1:30.851.
Behind Hamilton, Russell slotted in behind to sit second, posting a best time of 1:30.580 on his second set of Softs to finish 0.206 behind his team-mate. Fernando Alonso ended up in third place, eight hundredths of a second behind Russell and fourth place went to Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz on 1:30.769, a time that put him 0.015s ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and with Verstappen 0.477s off Hamilton in P6.
These performance runs of the first half hour then gave way to longer running, which meant that Nico Hülkenberg finished in P7 for Haas, just three hundredths of a second off Verstappen, while Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll was eighth, 0.007s behind the German. Leclerc and Pérez rounded out the top 10, ahead of Williams’ Alex Albon, with RB’s Daniel Ricciardo in P12 ahead of the second Williams of Logan Sargeant.2024 FIA Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix – Free Practice 2
1 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes !:30.374 25 215.584
2 George Russell Mercedes !:30.580 0.206 23 215.093
3 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin/Mercedes !:30.660 0.286 22 214.904
4 Carlos Sainz Ferrari !:30.769 0.395 25 214.645
5 Oscar Piastri McLaren/Mercedes !:30.784 0.410 27 214.610
6 Max Verstappen Red Bull/Honda RBPT !:30.851 0.477 25 214.452
7 Nico Hülkenberg Haas/Ferrari !:30.884 0.510 23 214.374
8 Lance Stroll Aston Martin/Mercedes !:30.891 0.517 26 214.357
9 Charles Leclerc Ferrari !:31.113 0.739 26 213.835
10 Sergio Pérez Red Bull/Honda RBPT !:31.115 0.741 26 213.830
11 Alexander Albon Williams/Mercedes !:31.333 0.959 26 213.320
12 Daniel Ricciardo RB/Honda RBPT !:31.516 1.142 26 212.893
13 Logan Sargeant Williams/Mercedes !:31.715 1.341 27 212.431
14 Kevin Magnussen Haas/Ferrari !:31.764 1.390 27 212.318
15 Yuki Tsunoda RB/Honda RBPT !:31.881 1.507 29 212.048
16 Pierre Gasly Alpine/Renault !:31.951 1.577 25 211.886
17 Valtteri Bottas Sauber/Ferrari !:32.001 1.627 24 211.771
18 Esteban Ocon Alpine/Renault !:32.027 1.653 25 211.711
19 Zhou Guanyu Sauber/Ferrari !:32.048 1.674 28 211.663
20 Lando Norris McLaren/Mercedes !:32.608 2.234 25 210.383 -
Kush Maini take pole in the first round F2 at Sakhir
Sakhir, 29 February 2024: Kush Maini scored his maiden pole position in FIA Formula 2 as he beat out teammate Gabriel Bortoleto to seal a P1 start for Saturday’s Feature Race.
On his final attempt in Qualifying, Maini completed a lap of 1:41.696 to go to the top of the timesheets. Bortoleto followed his teammate across the line to place second, two-tenths off the pole-winning effort.
Campos Racing’s Isack Hadjar completed a lap good enough for third having led the way earlier in the session.
It was Maini who set the early pace for Invicta Racing aided by a strong middle sector, he completed a lap of 1:42.533 to lead Hauger by just 0.045s.
With 10 minutes gone, the drivers returned to the pitlane for some fresher tyres. However, that was when Campos elected to send Hadjar and Josep María Martí out on track for the first time in the session.
Hadjar then went to the top of the timesheets with a lap of 1:42.418, with Martí behind him across the line going to second, 0.021s off the Frenchman’s benchmark effort.
The rest of the field then emerged from the pit lane ahead of their final runs with Maloney going fastest. But the Bajan’s time was quickly eclipsed by the Invicta pair of Maini and Bortoleto, with Hadjar then going to third.
Maloney, and a number of other drivers including ART Grands Prix’s Victor Martins, made their second attempts at the top spot, but with the Pirelli rubber not offering more than one push lap on the abrasive Bahrain tarmac, no driver could eclipse Maini’s time.
With Invicta locking out the front row and Hadjar following in third, Zane Maloney and Dennis Hauger rounded out the top five for Rodin Motorsport and MP Motorsport respectively.
Rookies Ritomo Miyata and Zak O’ Sullivan followed for Rodin and ART Grand Prix, while Enzo Fittipaldi placed eighth for Van Amersfoort Racing.
Victor Martins qualified ninth for ART, with Taylor Barnard set to line up on pole for Friday’s Sprint Race after qualifying 10th for PHM AIX Racing.
Attentions now turns to the 23-lap Sakhir Sprint Race with lights out set to occur at 17:15 local time on Friday, March 1.
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Flash: Big Rock Motorsports emerges triumphant in the inaugural CEAT ISRL season
“We are boys from Way DownUnder, We are not afraid of blood and thunder,”
“Of little things, we don’t care and the impossible, we will dare,”…
goes the Aussie fan song. And Matt Moss and Reid Taylor will vouch for the same… The Aussie duo helped the Kolar Kings, Big Rock, to emerge as champions.
Bangalore, February 25, 2024: Stunning overall display by Big Rock Motorsports, under the leadership of Dakar veteran CS Santosh, saw that the Bengaluru team excelled in their home round to extend their overall lead in the points table and emerge triumphant in the CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) which concluded its inaugural season with a breath-taking Grand Finale in Bangalore on Sunday.
In an exhilarating display of skill and determination, the home team, BigRock Motorsport saw their Aussie hero Matt Moss win the 450cc international race to spearhead the team’s victorious run. Securing their place as the champions of the inaugural CEAT ISRL season, the Kolar-based team did well in the third and final round at Bengaluru, considered as their home round. The team dominated the Grand Finale, replicating their outstanding performances from Round 2 after a rather mediocre start in Round 1 despite taking lead in the points table. They garnered good points but lost the feature races to Jordi Tixier in Round 1. However, the Aussie rider, lived upto the expectations and reversed the fortunes in the second round and assisted the team to keep up the lead in the final round with a deserving win. Beaing the star athlete Matt Moss, riding the Kawasaki, clinched the first place in the 450cc international race, solidifying his team’s position to emerge as Supercross League champion.
The 250cc international race was once again led by the formidable Reid Taylor of BigRock Motorsports showcased his prowess on the track. In the 250cc India Asia Mix category, the dynamic rider Thanarat Penjan of BigRock Motorsport, riding the Kawasaki, claimed the top spot, adding another feather to their cap.
The Grand Finale in Bangalore drew an unprecedented crowd of over 8000+ spectators, taking the total physical attendance over 30000+ for the season setting a new global record and creating an electric atmosphere. The racing spectacle exceeded expectations, captivating the audience with high-speed action, daring manoeuvres, and nail-biting finishes. The event marked a new chapter in Indian motorsports, bringing together racing enthusiasts, distinguished guests, and top-notch riders from around the world.
Veer Patel, Managing Director of Lilleria Group and Co-Founder of CEAT ISRL, shared his excitement, stating, “The Grand Finale in Bangalore has exceeded our expectations and set the stage for an even more thrilling second season. We have set a new global record with the maximum physical representation anywhere in the world for a Supercross event. It gives me immense pleasure to see our collective dream to take shape in reality. I am confident that with the support of FMSI, FIM, racing teams and all partners we will make India as the focal point for Supercross in the world. On behalf of CEAT ISRL, we congratulate all winners and participants for showcasing their skills and talent, which has led to the success of the inaugural season and is a testament to our collective vision.”
The CEAT ISRL Grand Finale showcased not only the skill and competitiveness of the riders but also the league’s commitment to creating a global extravaganza. The series has successfully positioned India on the world map of Supercross racing, attracting attention from riders, sponsors, and fans worldwide.
As the inaugural season concludes, the CEAT ISRL looks forward to building on this success, continuing to provide a safe and competitive platform for riders of all ages and skill levels. The league remains dedicated to promoting youth development and environmental sustainability, embodying the spirit of sportsmanship and excellence.
Full article with result to follow…
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Rookie Nicolo Bulega wins historic maiden win: WorldSBK
- Nicolo Bulega achieved a remarkable feat by winning Race 1 at Phillip Island on his WorldSBK debut, becoming the first rider to accomplish this since Alvaro Bautista in 2019.
- After four years away from racing, Andrea Iannone made a stunning return, leading the race and ultimately securing a podium finish.
- Despite initially finishing in fourth place, Toprak Razgatlioglu received a penalty for a Pit Intervention Time infringement, which dropped him to fifth.
Philip Island, 24 February 2024: WorldSBK Race 1 at Phillip Island provided thrilling action and historic moments with intense battles among the leading riders and strategic maneuvers during the pit stop phase between Laps 9 and 11.Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) stole the show by claiming victory on his WorldSBK debut, achieving a remarkable feat as the first WorldSSP Reigning Champion to win on his first SBK race, marking an unprecedented accomplishment in the championship’s history.
Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) displayed impressive pace and strategy to claim second place. Making a sensational return to racing, Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) secured third place after leading in the early stages of the race. Locatelli and Iannone completed an all-Italian podium sweep, echoing a milestone last achieved in 1993.Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) demonstrated strong competitiveness, finishing in fourth position, followed closely by Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK), who initially crossed the line in fourth but was demoted to fifth.
Alvaro Bautista(Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) struggled to find his rhythm, ultimately finishing in 15th position after a crash, while Jonathan Rea’s(Pata Prometeon Yamaha) difficulties persisted as he crossed the line outside the points in 17th place. Australian Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK), encountered misfortune during the race, as a collision with another rider led to an early retirement.P1 | Nicolo Bulega | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
“Maybe it’s the best day of my life! It’s difficult to already believe it but it is something incredible; I was dreaming about this for many months but now it’s reality. I took pole position; I won my first race and got the lap record. It’s something special that I’ll never forget.
I started to cry a little bit and then, there were good emotions as I saw all my guys on the finish line and all my guys with a big, incredible smile. It was so nice for me. It’s incredible because this team is like my second family, and they always believed in me. When I came here from Moto2™, I was in a bad moment, but they kept believing. This is my third year with them, and we started in a very good way. I’ll try to continue giving them a lot of smiles. I’m ready for my first Tissot Superpole Race and I’ll try to do my best.” -
Eurosport India to broadcast MotoGP races again
Mumbai, 22 February 2024: Eurosport India reacquired the broadcast rights for MotoGP in India and South Asia region and the premier Motorcycle World Championship conducted by promoters Dorna on behalf of world body FIM will be eagerly awaited sporting spectacle.
Eurosport India, from the house of Warner Bros., Discovery and the go-to destination for passionate sports fans, has been the home for motorsports in India. It has signed a three-year deal with Dorna, the commercial rights holder, to broadcast MotoGP.
Eurosport India broadcast the MotoGP races from 2020 to 2022, igniting widespread enthusiasm for the sport throughout India. Now, as MotoGP makes its way back to Eurosport for the 2024 season, fans can anticipate an exhilarating 21-race calendar kicking off with the QatarGP on March 8.
Eurosport India has obtained the broadcast rights for MotoGP in India, thanks to a new agreement with Dorna via Fairstreet Sports, the promoter of the Indian Grand Prix.
Anurag Singh Thakur, Honourable Union Minister, Ministry of Information and Broadcast and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports said: “We are delighted to welcome Eurosport as the TV broadcast partner for MotoGP in India. This collaboration between Eurosport and MotoGP is not just about bringing the world’s premier motorcycle racing to our screens; it’s a testament to the growing appetite for international sports in the country. I am profoundly encouraged by the potential this partnership holds for elevating the sports broadcasting infrastructure and culture in our country. It will undoubtedly inspire more young athletes and enthusiasts to pursue their passion for motorsports, contributing significantly to our nation’s sporting legacy.”
Daniel Rossomondo, Chief Commercial Officer – Dorna Sports said: “Eurosport is a pre-eminent destination for sports fans as well as a hub of motorsport in India. We believe this makes Eurosport the perfect platform to showcase this thrilling sport to all our fans in India. I’m excited to see 2024 get in gear and I know that our riders can deliver an outstanding performance for everyone to enjoy.”
Arjun Nowhar, General Manager – South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery,said: “We are delighted to announce the return of MotoGP to our loyal fans across India. It brings us immense pleasure to see fans throughout the country enjoying all the races from the comfort of their homes, and we eagerly anticipate the second MotoGP Bharat race later this year.”
Pushkar Nath Srivastava, CEO, Fairstreet Sports said: “We are thrilled to join synergies with Eurosport for the broadcast of MotoGP Bharat. This partnership marks a significant step towards giving MotoGP fans in India and worldwide a thrilling experience via Eurosport’s extensive linear coverage of the sport and their commitment to deliver high quality viewing experience. We look forward to working together and expanding the reach of the sport to existing and new fans alike.”
Eurosport India has been a go to destination for all motorsport enthusiasts with their wide range of offerings which include NASCAR, Bennetts British Superbikes and more. Over the years, Eurosport have also broadcasted F2, WorldSBK, FIM-EWC, FIA-WEC, DTM, SpeedwayGP, W-Series.
About Warner Bros. Discovery – Eurosport India
Eurosport India, Warner Bros. Discovery’s premium sports brand, represents WBD’s portfolio of sports channels and platforms in the Indian market. It engages fans and broad audiences with sports from all across the globe. Eurosport India is the home to some of the most exclusive sports properties around the globe including Pro Wrestling, Tour de France, PGA Tour, Table Tennis, Tennis, Motorsport, Cricket and Football to name a few in the Indian market. All these sports can also be enjoyed by fans on their OTT platform discovery+ app.
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Harith Noah gets fmsci special Motorsports athlete award for his Dakar exploits
Chennai, 21 February 2024: A franchise-based two-wheeler racing league is scheduled to be launched in India later this year, according to Akbar Ebrahim, President, Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India.
Speaking at the FMSCI Annual Awards function here today, Ebrahim said: “We have plans to launch a two-wheeler racing league this year. This will be in addition to the existing 2W Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) and Indian Racing League (4W). These franchise-based leagues will expand the Indian motorsport horizon.
“Last year, we conducted the FIM MotoGP which was appreciated throughout the World as we put together a fantastic event. We thank the UP government for its whole-hearted support. FMSCI thanks the volunteers, officials, marshals and those involved in the technical side of the sport. The eyes of the World are now on India as we occupy a special place in the global motorsport fraternity.”
Ebrahim stated that the night races in Chennai, as part of the Indian Racing League, have received the go-ahead following a High Court verdict. “We would like to thank the Tamil Nadu government for all the support extended in making it happen,” he said.
Special awards were presented to Kerala’s Harith Noah, the Class 2 winner and 11th Overall in the grueling Dakar 2024 Rally, and Prarthana Murugavel (Bengaluru), the gold medallist in Karting Slalom at the FIA Asia-Pacific Motorsport Championship.
Rivaan Dev Preetham, the 10-year-old Chennai lad, received a rousing reception for being the youngest awardee as he received the trophy for winning the Micro Max title in the MECO-FMSCI Rotax Max National Karting Championship.
In all, 105 champions across 11 disciplines, both two-wheelers and four-wheelers, apart from promoters and sponsors, were presented with the awards.
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CEAT Supercross league set for final showdown in Bengaluru
Bangalore, 21 February 2024: The CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) is gearing up for its grand finale, marking the culmination of a historic inaugural season at Bengaluru on Sunday.
The third and final round is set to take place in Bangalore on the 25th of February, that will conclude the first-ever franchise-based Supercross league in the world. The race will be held at the Open Grounds, Survey No. 95-110, Behind Floating Walls, opposite Dash Square, Airport Road, Chikkajala.
After the thrilling races in Pune and Ahmedabad, where the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex and EKA Arena witnessed high-octane action, the CEAT ISRL has left a mark on the motorsports landscape in India. The inaugural season has not only showcased the skill and prowess of the riders but has also established India as a global hub for Supercross.
The leading teams like Bigrock Motorsports, BB Racing and Mohite’s Racing Team, have battled it out in the first two rounds, and are ready for the final showdown. With six franchise teams and 48 riders from around the world, the competition is fierce, promising an exhilarating display of speed, skill, and determination. The categories are: 450cc international riders, 250cc international riders, 250cc India-Asia mix, and the highly competitive 85cc junior class.
Veer Patel, Co-founder and Director of the CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League, expressed his anticipation for the grand finale, stating, “As we approach the final round of our inaugural season in Bangalore, the journey of the CEAT ISRL has been nothing short of phenomenal. The passion, talent, and sportsmanship displayed by the riders in Pune and Ahmedabad have set the stage for an unforgettable finale. We have witnessed India emerge as a force in the world of Supercross, and the grand finale in Bangalore is poised to be a celebration of this remarkable journey.”
The league, accredited by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), has garnered global attention with its unique franchise-based format, attracting over 100 riders from different corners of the world. The CEAT ISRL has not only focused on delivering high-octane racing excitement but has also integrated star-studded music extravaganzas, creating a cultural phenomenon that extends beyond the racetrack.
The city of Bangalore, known for its vibrant culture and enthusiastic sporting community, is all set to host the grand finale with open arms and promises to be the perfect stage for the climax of the inaugural season.
As the CEAT ISRL gears up for the final showdown, it reaffirms its commitment to community engagement, talent development, and environmental sustainability. The league is not just about races; it’s a movement that aims to inspire and nurture the passion for Supercross in India.
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Jaden Pariat dominates the opening round of MMSC Car Racing Nationals; Triple for Abhay
Chennai, 18 February 2024: Teenager Jaden Rahaman Pariat of Shillong showcased his immense talent dishing out high speeds that touched 199 kmph dominated the opening round of the National races in the MRF Formula 2000 class. He won the final two races after losing an unexpected first race, which he was leading by over 18 seconds, but lost in the final lap with his engine playing a stop-start game. “I had to switch it on for at least eight times. But I am glad I could salvage the second place an the points,’” quipped the gentle giant who did a few races in the British F4 last year. “I feel this car is much faster and powerful than the ones at British F4,” he revealed.
Diana Pundole, the lady from Pune, bulldozed her way to two victories in the saloon class dominating a male field to begin the season on a promising note. Last year, she ended up second in many races and is raring to go for the champion ship this season.
Meanshile, Bengaluru’s Abhay Mohan, the youngest competitor at 15 years of age, in the MRF Formula 1600 category, swept to a triple crown while as the first round of the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Car Racing Championship 2024 concluded at the Madras International Circuit here on Sunday.
Diana Pundole flanked by second-placed Anirudha Arvind (left) and third-placed Jai Prashanth Venkat in Race-1 of MRF Saloons. Diana went on notch a double (Feb 18) Photo by Anand Philar Mumbai’s Biren Pithawalla (Team N1 Racing) crowned himself with a grand double in the Indian Touring Cars category as did Angad Matharoo (Buzzing Hornet Motorsport) from Chandigarh in the Super Stock class.
Also notching a double was Pune’s Diana Pundole, a mother of two, in the MRF Saloons (Toyota Etios) category besides one P3 finish, while DTS Racing dominated the Formula LGB 1300 triple-header, with a podium sweep as Nellore’s Viswas Vijayaraj won two races and team-mate Arya Singh, the other with Balaprasath finishing third in all three outings.
Jaden, the 17-year-old from Shillong, displayed impressive pace to win both the races today in the MRF F2000 category to make up for his P2 finish yesterday when he surrendered a massive lead in the last lap due to engine issues. Bengaluru’s Chetan Surineni, the Race-1 winner yesterday, came in second in both the outings today.
Reviewing his performance this weekend, Jaden said: “I did some preparation by watching my onboard videos from my December race. I realised there was plenty in the car. It was a question of putting things together which I did this weekend. I feel there is still a lot I can extract from this car. Of course, my stint in British Formula 4 helped, but the F2000 is far quicker and I felt very comfortable this weekend.”
Abhay Mohan, as in the first race yesterday, was in a league of his own in both the outings today to complete a triple crown and underline his talent and potential. “My only target for this round was to be on top, which I did. The car too was pretty good and so were the MRF tyres. My preparation was to get fit and learn from my Formula LGB 1300 outing last season. Yes, I feel good to have won all three races this weekend,” said Abhay.
Biren, having won a close Race-1 on Saturday, started P4 on the reverse grid in today’s 10-lap Race-2, but in the very first lap, seized the lead, hotly pursued by Ritesh Rai (Arka Motorsport) and, cousin and team-mate Ananth Pithawalla.
The trio quickly distanced themselves from the pack before both Rai and Ananth packed up with punctures. Rai rejoined after a visit to the pit, but it was too late. Ananth suffered yet another tyre-burst to finish the weekend without points. Meanwhile, Biren was in cruise mode and comfortably won the race ahead of pole-sitter Pratik Sonawane (Buzzing Hornet Motorsport) and Deepak Ravikumar (Team Performance Racing).
Down the combined grid, Srinivas Teja (Team Performance Racing) edged out Race-1 winner and team-mate Hatim Shabbir Jamnagarwala in the Indian Junior Touring Cars class, while Matharoo fought his way to his second win of the weekend with a late burst in the Super Stock category.
The results (Provisional):
MRF Formula 2000 (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Jaden Rahman Pariat (Shillong) (15mins, 44.717secs); 2. Chetan Surineni (Bengaluru) (16:02.706). Tarun Muthaiah (Bengaluru) who finished third was disqualified for a black flag violation. Race-3 (8 laps): 1. Jaden Rahman Pariat (12:35.788); 2. Chetan Surineni (12:50.154); 3. Tarun Muthaiah (13:31.154).
MRF Formula 1600 (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Abhay Mohan (Bengaluru) (17:14.365); 2. Zahan Commissariat (Mumbai) (17:26.618); 3. Monith Kumaran (Chennai) (15:47.911+1 lap). Race-3 (8 laps): 1. Abhay Mohan (13:51.711); 2. Zahan Commissariat (14:00.143); 3. Raaj Bakhru (Mumbai) (14:03.179).
Indian Touring Cars (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Biren Pithawala (Mumbai, Team N1 Racing) (19:14.983); 2. Pratik Sonawane (Pune, Buzzing Hornet Motorsport) (19:35.983); 3. Deepak Ravikumar (Chennai, Performance Racing) (19:36.365).
Indian Junior Touring Cars (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Srinivas Teja ((Chennai, Performance Racing) (19:43.845); 2. Hatim Shabbir Jamnagarwala (Chennai, Performance Racing) (19:44.608); 3. Yug Italiya (Mumbai, Team N1 Racing) (19:54.746).
Super Stock (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Angad Matharoo (Chandigarh, Buzzing Hornet MS) (21:03.892); 2. Manan Patel (Mumbai, Redline Racing) (21:04.737); 3. Anirudha Arvind (Chennai, Redline Racing India) (21:13.128).
MRF Saloons (Toyota Etios) Race-2 (10 laps): 1. Anirudha Arvind (Chennai, Redline Racing) (20:47.868); 2. Jai Prashanth Venkat (Coimbatore, Redline Racing) (20:54.145); 3. Diana Pundole (Pune, Redline Racing) (20:54.735). Race-3 (8 laps): 1. Diana Pundole (16:31.795); 2. Anirudha Arvind (16:33.562); 3. Kesara Godage (Sri Lanka, Redline Racing) (16:43.645);
Formula LGB 1300 (Race-1, 8 laps): 1. Viswas Vijayaraj (Nellore, DTS Racing) (14:57.600); 2. Arya Singh (Kolkata, DTS Racing) (15:00.136); 3. Balaprasath (Coimbatore, DTS Racing) (15:14.379). Race-2 (8 laps): 1. Arya Singh (15:07.040); 2. Viswas Vijayaraj (15:11.098); 3. Balaprasath (15:15.423). Race-3 (8 laps): 1. Viswas Vijayaraj (14:56.286); 2. Arya Singh (15:01.417); 3. Balaprasath (15:06.693).
Feature photo caption: Jaden Rahman Pariat, who scored a double in the MRF F2000 category, has dominated the opening round of the 2024 season at MIC which concluded on 18 Feb 2024. Photo by Anand Philar
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CEAT Supercross league finale shifted to Bengaluru
Pune, 15 February 2024: Bengaluru will host the grand finale of the CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL), India’s first franchise-based Supercross league on February 25 at the APMC ground in Byatarayanapura.
The organisers announced a change in venue for the highly-anticipated Season One finale on Thursday. Originally slated for Delhi, the event will now move to Bengaluru, a hot-bed of motorsports events and fans.
Due to unforeseen circumstances after authorities put in place some stringent resolutions that could potentially create logistical challenges, the organising committee made a conscious decision to relocate the event to Bengaluru. The decision is made to ensure the seamless execution of the season finale and to prioritise the safety of all involved.
The huage APMC ground located at Byatarayanapura, opposite to Pheonix Mall of Asia in Bangalore has been selected as the new venue for the third and final round. The first round was held in Pune on January 28 and the second round was hosted by Ahmedabad on Feb 11.
Veer Patel, Director and Co-Founder of Supercross India said: “We acknowledge the anticipation surrounding the Season One finale, and we extend our apologies for any inconvenience caused by this adjustment. However, after careful consideration of various factors, including the prevailing circumstances, we believe that relocating the event to Bengaluru, that is considered the epitome of motorcycle events, will bolster the confidence of our partners and draw exceptional crowds. We are confident that the culminating event will offer an exhilarating Supercross racing experience to its fans.”
The CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering a world-class experience for fans and participants alike. The league looks forward to showcasing the excitement of Supercross in Bengaluru and creating lasting memories for all involved.
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All set for 2024 FIA Junior WRC – Rally Sweden
Umea (Sweden), 14 February 2024: The eagerly awaited 2024 FIA Junior WRC season kicks off this week at the legendary Rally Sweden (15 – February).
Based out of the university city of Umeå, Rally Sweden welcomes the largest FIA Junior WRC line-up in two decades, with a record-breaking 19 crews registered for round one. They will pilot identical Ford Fiesta Rally3 Evos, exclusively equipped with Pirelli tyres and Wolf Lubricants, through the frozen forests of the Västerbotten region.
As the only pure snow and ice fixture on the FIA World Rally Championship calendar, Rally Sweden presents the ultimate winter challenge. Studded tyres are essential and provide remarkable grip as drivers ‘lean’ their cars against the snowbanks at ultra-high speeds.
Diego Domínguez finished as last year’s championship runner-up, and the Paraguayan will be aiming to put all of his past experience to good use in pursuit of the top spot. Other returnees include Eamonn Kelly, Roberto Blach and Tom Rensonnet.
However, the 13 Junior WRC newcomers will be hot on their heels, with hotshots including Romet Jürgenson, Bruno Bulacia, Norbert Maior and Mille Johansson all eager to prove themselves on the global stage.
Crews will have to be on form from the outset. ‘Wolf Stage Wins’ mean a single championship point is awarded for every stage victory throughout 2024 as the drivers fight for a life-changing prize which includes an arrive-and-drive package to contest four European rounds of the 2025 WRC in an M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally2 car.
Also up for grabs this season is the ‘Craig Breen Spirit of Rallying Award’, named after the 2011 champion who tragically passed away last year. At the season’s conclusion, an independent judging panel will select the recipient based on who they feel best epitomises the never-give-up attitude and passion for the sport that Breen was universally admired for.
The rally begins on Thursday afternoon and includes 18 special stages totalling more than 300km before Sunday afternoon’s finish.
Maciej Woda, FIA Junior WRC Championship Manager, said: “Rally Sweden is a truly magical event on a surface which every rally driver must master if they are to progress to the top echelons of the sport. Add to that the huge field of M-Sport Poland-built Ford Fiesta Rally3 Evo cars, and I think we’ve got all the ingredients for a very, very exciting week.
“Predicting a winner from the 19-car entry is an impossible task, but I can’t wait to see the battles unfold out on the stages. Above all, I hope that every crew enjoys their experience of this extraordinary rally.”
