INDIA in F1

Category: Indians Abroad

News about Indians racing in different motorsports events abroad

  • Maini tops 1st session in Barcelona: GP3 2nd test

    Maini tops 1st session in Barcelona: GP3 2nd test

    Barcelona, 19 April 2017: Arjun Maini has set the bar for the second GP3 Series pre-season test by topping the timesheets this morning at the Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona, with the Indian grabbing the top spot late in a session which started with rain and ended on a fully dry track with a laptime of 1:34.163, just three tenths faster than Niko Kari and Santino Ferrucci.

    The session opened to unexpectedly cold and wet conditions, and although all drivers were straight out for installations there was no meani

    Arjun Maini at second Test at barcelona Pic by Zak Mauger/GP3 Media Service (1).jpg Image added on 20 April 2017 from second day action.

    ngful running, with the ART quartet the only drivers to set laptimes, and well off the regular pace. Anthoine Hubert led the way at the one hour mark, with teammate George Russell taking over at the halfway mark, but it was only around the second hour that drivers were switching to slicks and setting competitive times, with Nirei Fukuzumi taking over on top of the timesheets.

    The field made up for lost time in the final hour, with Kari setting the pace with 45 minutes remaining on 1:35.367, with Ferrucci slotting into P2 briefly before being displaced by Fukuzumi just seconds before the American grabbed the top spot by two tenths. The Japanese driver struck back with half an hour remaining, breaking the 35s barrier with a 1:34.761, ahead of Leonardo Pulcini and Ferrucci, but with ten minutes to go Maini grabbed the top spot by half a second, and then went even quicker with 5 minutes remaining to secure the top of the timesheets.

    With the times tumbling late in the session not everyone had time to respond: 8 drivers are within 1 second of Maini’s time, and all bar one are within 2 seconds. There will be time for a further answer when the teams return to their pits after lunch, in two hours’ time.

    Day 1 Morning results

    Driver Team Laptime Laps
    1 Arjun Maini Jenzer Motorsport 1:34.163 24
    2 Niko Kari Arden International 1:34.522 23
    3 Santino Ferrucci DAMS 1:34.651 16
    4 Nirei Fukuzumi ART Grand Prix 1:34.761 45
    5 Leonardo Pulcini Arden International 1:34.828 19
    6 Raoul Hyman Campos Racing 1:34.877 18
    7 Dorian Boccolacci Trident 1:34.929 12
    8 Giuliano Alesi Trident 1:35.146 13
    9 Alessio Lorandi Jenzer Motorsport 1:35.173 16
    10 Marcos Siebert Campos Racing 1:35.249 19
    11 Kevin Joerg Trident 1:35.261 14
    12 Steijn Schothorst Arden International 1:35.330 19
    13 Anthoine Hubert ART Grand Prix 1:35.379 45
    14 Julien Falchero Campos Racing 1:35.407 25
    15 Tatiana Calderon DAMS 1:35.415 17
    16 Bruno Baptista DAMS 1:35.639 17
    17 Jack Aitken ART Grand Prix 1:35.748 41
    18 George Russell ART Grand Prix 1:36.094 40
    19 Ryan Tveter Trident 1:36.545 12

    eom/Source: www.GP3series.com

  • Jehan makes an impressive F3 Euro debut

    Jehan makes an impressive F3 Euro debut

    Silverstone, 19 April 2017: Sahara Force India Academy racer, Jehan Daruvala had an impressive debut in the highly competitive FIA Formula 3 European Championship. The Mumbai-based teenager stepped up to F3, after two commendable seasons in Formula Renault 2.0. Jehan’s first F3 weekend saw him on pace with the front runners and earned him two rookie podiums by Sunday.

    The first round of the 2017 F3 calendar was held at the famed 5.9km Silverstone Formula 1 circuit. Jehan was 11th in the first practice but improved significantly to finish third in the second session, just 0.28 seconds off the quickest time. Jehan continued his impressive pace to qualify fifth out of 19 racers in the first qualifying session. He was 0.28 seconds off the local British racer Lando Norris who bagged pole. Qualifying session 2 saw Jehan narrow down the gap to 0.173 seconds off pole, set by Callum Illot. With such a small gap, Jehan who is with Carlin team is qualified 6th which shows the competitiveness of the series.

    Race 1 started under the safety car due to rain and Jehan did not have an ideal race. He soon dropped down the order to 8th, before falling even further. Once the conditions improved, Jehan was able to make back some ground and eventually finished in the points with tenth. “Testing here, was under much better conditions. It took me a bit of time to adjust to the damp conditions on slick tyres which lost me a few places. It is good that I was able to recover at the end and finish in the points in my first F3 race” said Jehan after Race 1, which was eventually won by Norris.

    The start of Race 2 went terrible for Jehan. Overnight rain meant that the inside of the track was still wet and most racers on that side of the track had a bad start. As they fell down the order, Jehan found himself in 14th  after the start! Jehan was on pace immediately though and he slowly started climbing back, up the order. Ahead of him, race 1 winner Lando Norris also had a bad start and Jehan went on to have an exciting battle with Lando. On the last lap of the race, Jehan got the better of him and overtook Lando for eighth and finished in the same position.  Jehan’s impressive pace saw him overtake more cars than anyone else in race 2 which was won by Swedish racer Joel Eriksson.

    In the Rookie classification in Race 2, Jehan was second behind Mick Schumacher while Lando was 3rd .

    Race 3 grid was based on the second fastest lap in Qualifying 2. Jehan started well from fifth and managed to hold his position. Soon he overtook Lando to move into fourth. Jake Dennis joined them to make it a three car battle and soon got the better of Lando. Jehan then made a small mistake which allowed Lando to overtake both cars at one time, dropping Jehan to fifth once again. Jehan was then overtaken by Jake, which dropped Jehan to sixth, where he eventually finished. Callum Illot won the race.

    In the rookie classification in Race 3, Jehan once again bagged the trophy for coming 2nd behind Lando Norris while Joey Mawson was third.

    “ There were many positives from my first weekend in Formula 3. Qualifying 5th, 6th and 5th for the 3 races of the weekend and finishing in the points in all 3 races was very satisfying. The experience of battling through the field from 14th to 8th in Race 2 and the top 6 finish in Race 3 was a good result. I must thank everyone at Carlin for the hard work they have put in over the winter to give me a competitive car.”

    Jehan came away from the first event 3rd in the Rookie Championship and 8th in the overall table. Jehan’s next race will be at the end of April where the FIA Formula 3 European Championship will race alongside the World Touring Car Championship in Monza.

    eom/Rayo Racing press release

    Jehan Daruvala on way to podium in Silverstone on Sunday (16 Apr 2017). A Rayo Racing image
  • Mixed bag for Sarath: FIM Asia Road Racing

    Mixed bag for Sarath: FIM Asia Road Racing

    File photo of Sarath Kumar by Anand Philar

    Buriram, 17 April 2017: India’s Shankar Sarath Kumar and his team RAMA Honda Racing by NTS T.Pro Ten10 had mixed fortunes in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship here over the weekend.

    Sarath Kumar picked up three points from the first race of the SuperSport 600cc class, but drew blank in the next while team-mate Rajiv Sethu missed the Asia Production 250cc double-header due to a crash during free practice session.

    Both the Chennai-based riders are supported by Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India and Honda Motorsports Japan besides John Sudheer of RAMA Group of Companies and are part of a five-rider team.

    For Sarath Kumar, it was hard work through the race weekend, but he did well to gradually improve his timings that reflected his ability to adapt to the 600cc bike as he scored points for the third consecutive race this season to take his tally to seven from two rounds.

    However, in the second race, Sarath battled to control the bike, especially through some of the corners and came away without any points.

    Rajiv Sethu could not start the races in the AP250 due to crash he suffered in the third Free Practice session. The bike is damaged and as it was a new model bike, the frame was not available immediately and hence he had to sit out the weekend.

    Team manager Ramji Govindarajan said: “Overall, it was not a great weekend for the whole team. Out top rider Taiga Hada (Japan) had a crash in Race 1 and finished seventh in the next to score some points.

    “Our only other rider in the AP250 class, Tomoyoshi Koyama managed to finish sixth and seventh in the two races with the bike still under development. He fought hard with the second batch of riders who still had faster bikes.

    “We now look ahead to Suzuka round in June. With much deserved recovery, training and development time for the team and the riders, we will re-group strongly for the Suzuka outing.”

    eom/FMSCI release

  • Sarath, Rajiv set for Thailand campaign: ARRC

    Sarath, Rajiv set for Thailand campaign: ARRC

    Buriram (Thailand), 13 April 2017: India’s S Sarath Kumar and Rajiv Sethu, both representing Rama Honda Racing team by NTS T.Pro Ten10 team, will renew their respective campaigns in the second round of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at the Chang International Circuit here on Friday, hoping to improve on their performance in the previous outing in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, a fortnight ago.

    Sarath Kumar, participating in the SuperSport 600cc class on a Honda CBR 600WR bike, picked up points in both the races in Johor while Sethu, astride the all new Honda CBR 250RR, made his debut in the highly competitive Asia Production 250cc.

    Both the Chennai-based riders, supported by Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, Honda Motorsports Japan and John Sudheer of Rama Group of Companies, are part of a five-rider team that includes Japan’s Tiga Hada who delivered a double podium in Johor.

    Sarath, shrugging off a collar bone injury that he suffered after a crash during pre-season test session, put in two impressive rides in Johor as he improved his time with each outing.

    “I need to focus on my pace in Round 2. This circuit is fast and is one of my favourite as compared Johor. I am now feeling more confident on the bike and I hope good results will come from Round 2.

    “I have been working hard on adapting to SuperSport style of riding. In Johor, I was still riding the 600 like a 250cc, carrying a lot of corner speed and losing precious time exiting the corner. Now, after a lot of data analysis and inputs from my team, I have started adapting to the big bike and I hope to score more points.

    “The only setback is a crack in my collar bone from the crash during pre-season test, but I think, it is manageable. Honda and my team have been very supportive and I hope I give them something good this round,” said Sarath on the eve of the Buriram round.

    Sethu, who is aiming for a top-15 finish here, said: “The AP250 category is very competitive. I have to come to terms with the competition and it is important that the all new Honda CBR250RR should be set up right. This bike is brand new, very powerful and a perfect package for the road racing.

    “My expectations for this round is to finish in top 15 which in itself will be a great improvement on my lap times and riding. It’s a step by step learning.”

    John Sudheer, Team Ambassador and Director Rama Group of Companies: “I am very excited about Thailand round as I enjoy the circuit a lot as compared to the others in the season. Also, Thailand is like my second home. The crowd here is electrifying and with the season of Songkran Festival, we are sure there will be a lot of celebration at the circuit and if we can add some cheer to the festival with some victory by Tiga Hada and improved performance by our Indian racers, I will be very glad.”

    Ramji Govindarajan, Team Manager: “Our season kicked off well with double podiums in Round 1 by Tiga Hada who has been a transformation this year. We expect some fireworks from Tomoyashi Koyama on CBR250RR this round. With regard to our own boys, we hope Sarath to have a better run in Chang International Circuit as his understanding of the bike has improved as compared to last year and even the first round. For Rajiv Sethu, this will be learning year for him which he can from his teammates who have over 30 years of combined experience racing and we are confident that he will improve his performance as the development of the new Honda CBR250RR Improves. Overall, we expect a good race across both AP250 and SS600.”

    eom/AP Media Comm release

    File photo of Sarath Kumar by Anand Philar

  • Armaan grabs third place to begin his Pro-class

    Sepang (Malaysia), April 10: India’s dashing racer Armaan Ebrahim overcame rain and technical problems to grab a commendable third-place finish in the Super Trofeo Asia Series here over the weekend.

    Armaan, spearheading Team FFF Racing, began in the sixth position in the first race after struggling with the balance of the car in Qualifying. But he showed his skill and speed once again to climb his way up to the third position.

    But that’s when his troubles started: the overhead conditions changed suddenly and he was caught racing on slicks while the rain pelted and made the track slippery.

    As if that was not enough, he had trouble with his radio and missed out on making his pit stop during the stipulated window, earning his teammate a drive through penalty, which pushed the team down to seventh place at the checkered flag.

    In the crucial main race, teammate Jack Bartholomew from the United Kingdom, started the race seventh on the grid. By the time Armaan got into action again, it looked like he had no chance.

    But the young Indian made the most of the out lap and the first flying to jump to fifth during the pit stop cycle. He gained two more positions in the rest of the race to finish third overall.

    “I am happy with the way we tackled this weekend,” Armaan said. “It’s great to finish on the podium, especially given all our woes today,” he added.

    Armaan conceded that they have a lot of work to do on the car to reach their fastest and best speeds. “I am sure that by the time we arrive in Thailand for the second round my team would do the needful and we will come back stronger,” he said.

    eom/press release

  • Ruhaan Alva scores another win in Italy

    Ruhaan Alva scores another win in Italy

    Bengaluru, 10 April 2017: India’s Ruhaan Alva, supported by Italian kart manufacturer Birel Art and representing MLG Racing team, drove brilliantly to overtake two front runners on the last lap and scored a fine win in the Easykart Championship in Lonato, Italy, on Sunday.

    Ruhaan, the 10-year old schoolboy from Bengaluru, had won the Mini-60 class race in the first round last month in Castelletto, Italy, but decided to move to the more competitive Easykart 60 category. The Indian youngster did extremely well to qualify for pole position in a field of 27 racers, and in the final, kept his cool on the last lap while storming from third to first in a tight finish where less than a second separated the top three.

    Ruhaan was involved in a three-way battle throughout the 12-lap final. Going into the last lap, he was placed third behind Patrese Lorenzo of Italy and Czech Adam Kowalski, but overtook both to clinch victory that put him fourth in the Championship.

    Ruhaan’s father, Umakanth Alva, said: “We decided to move Ruhaan from the Mini-60 category which has just six racers to the more competitive Easy Kart 60 category. It is important that Ruhaan learn to fight the competition keeping in mind that he is trying for the WSK Championship (World Championship) this year.”

    Birel ART India’s team principal Marco Bartoli said: “We are very proud of Ruhaan’s win today. The top three kept swapping positions until the last lap. With one lap to go, he overtook two drivers and pulled off gap to the chequered flag. He made India very proud!”

    eom/AP Media Communications

  • Armaan steps up to Pro class: Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Series

    Armaan steps up to Pro class: Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Series

    Chennai, 5 

    File photo of Armaan Ebrahim by AP Media Comm.

    April 2017: Indian racer Armaan Ebrahim took a giant step towards his dream of  FIA World Endurance Championship by signing up to race in the ultra competitive Pro Class of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Championship for the 2017 season.

    Armaan will turn out for FFF Racing and will have UK’s teenage sensation Jack Bartholomew as his partner. The exciting duo meld into a formidable team in the company of Carrie Schreiner and Richard ‘Spike’ Goddard, who will race alongside them in FFF’s second Lamborghini Huracan. 

    “We are delighted to have Armaan in our Super Trofeo Asia programme,” FFF Racing Team Owner, Sean Fu Songyang, said on Tuesday night. “He is a proven race winner and, along with Jack, will be the car to beat,” he added.

    The Super Trofeo Asia series begins this weekend (April 7-9) at Sepang, Malaysia. Buriram, Suzuka and Fuji will host the next three rounds while the final race will be held in Imola, Italy.

    For Armaan, it’s the logical step forward after excelling in the Pro-Am Class over the last two seasons. “After winning the title last year, it was natural for me to get into the Pro Class,” the young Indian said. “I have a good teammate and I am looking forward to making 2017 a grand one,” he added.

    Armaan thanked FFF Racing for not only signing him up but also for stitching together such a strong team. “I would like to thank all my partners — JK Tyres, Puma and Lamborghini India — for turning my dream into reality,” he said.

    Son of one of India’s top racers Akbar Ebrahim, who is currently the FMSCI president, Armaan began his career as a teenaged prodigy, becoming the Formula LGB champion as a 16-year-old. He quickly moved up the ladder, racing in the Formula BMW in Asia, Formula Renualt V6, GP2 Asia and the A1GP. He showed his speed and mettle for three seasons in Formula 2 championships before moving to the Super Trofeo Asia in 2015.

    eom/press release

  • Sarath Kumar scores points in Round 1

    Sarath Kumar scores points in Round 1

    Sarath Kumar in action at Johor Bahru on Sunday. A Honda Ten10 image

    Johor Bahru (Malaysia), 3 April 2017: Shankar Sarath Kumar, representing RAMA Honda Racing by NTS T.Pro Ten10 team, and supported by Honda 2Wheelers India, made a promising start to his campaign in the 2017 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship by picking up points in the SuperSport 600cc class double-header here over the weekend.

    Chennai-based Sarath, coming back from a knee injury, improved his time and consistency, and appeared more comfortable with the bike, Honda CBR 600WR, especially in Race 2, while scoring points in both the races.

    The other Indian in the fray, Rajiv Sethu, also in the RAMA Honda Racing team by NTS T.Pro Ten10 team livery, and participating in the Asia Production 250cc class,became the first rider from his country to race a Honda CBR 250RR.

    With limited development time and test, the Chennai-based youngster made good use of the platform to finish ahead of few bikes on the grid to hold out great promise at the start of the new season.

    Sarath and Sethu are part of a five-rider contingent in two classes, backed by John Sudheer of RAMA Group of Companies and who is also the team ambassador.

    For RAMA Honda Racing team by NTS T.Pro Ten10 team, it was a fruitful weekend in the SuperSport 600cc class as Japanese ace Tiga Hada delivered two podium finishes in the double-header. He finished second in Race-1 and won Race-2 to take an early lead in the championship.

    Reflecting on his performance in the first round, Sarath Kumar said: “Although I fell down in preliminary tests and hurt my right shoulder, I was able to ride without any problem. We communicated well with the new mechanics and I hope to improve step by step. I am happy that I scored points in both the races.”

    Rajiv Sethu said: “I am thankful to the team for able to finish the race safely. It was a learning curve for me, racing with quality riders. It was a first time for me and my team and I hope to grow as the season progresses.”

    Team Owner, Yusuke Teshima: “We appreciate the cooperation of many people and I am thankful that the season of the Asia Road Race Championship has started in this way. We are proud that Tiga Hada achieved victory in the first round and it is a good start to the season. We are also thankful to our supporters RAMA, NTS, Honda, WebikeMSK.”

    eom/AP Media Comm press release

  • Honda supported Sarath, Rajiv for 2017 ARRC;

    Johor Bahru (Malaysia), 31 March 2017: India’s top two-wheeler racers, Shankar Sarath Kumar and Rajiv Sethu, representing RAMA Honda Racing team by NTS T.Pro Ten10 team, and supported by Honda 2Wheelers India, are taking part in the 2017 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which commences here tomorrow, April 1, with the first round.

    Sarath Kumar, coming off a knee injury that severely impacted his 2016 season, will continue his campaign in the SuperSport 600cc class on a Honda CBR 600WR while Rajiv Sethu, riding the all new Honda CBR 250RR, has moved to Asia Production 250cc after a season in the Asia Dream Cup. Both are supported by Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India and Honda Motorsports Japan as a key talent development from India in the international racing series.

    Sarath and Sethu, both Chennai-based, are also part of a five-rider contingent in two classes, backed by John Sudheer of RAMA Group of Companies and who is also the team ambassador.

    The team also includes three experienced riders led by “pocket rocket” Tomoyoshi Koyama who shifts to the crucial AP250 class from SS600. While Tiga Hada takes up the mantle in SS600 to lead the championship fight for Honda, ARRC rookie Sena Yamada begins his Asian stint with vast experience in the European Moto3 and Moto2 circuits and is the dark horse to watch out for.

    Looking forward to the 2017 season, Sarath Kumar said: “I am happy to get back to riding the SS600 this year. Personally for me, 2016 was a challenging year with injuries. This season, I have worked very hard and want to put up a strong performance.

    “Throughout my career, Ten10 Racing with Honda 2Wheelers India always had faith in me and powered my dreams. I hope to deliver my best for them. I also thank Mr John Sudheer who has come forward to support this sport and a talent like me.”

    Making his debut in the ARRC is the 2016 Indian National champion and former Asia Dream Cup participant, is Rajiv Sethu, the young rising talent from Chennai.

    Visibly excited at his debut, Rajiv Sethu, said: “For any Indian racer, getting global exposure is a big opportunity. Honda 2Wheelers India has made my dream come true. I look forward to ride and learn from riders like Koyama San who is among the most experienced racers in the World.

    “The 2017 season for me is all about improving my riding and presence in international races. This is my first exposure in ARRC and it’s a big deal for me. I will do my best to make my team and country proud.”

    HMSI Statement by Prabhu Nagaraj: “India is making gradual but consistent progress in motorsport and our boys going international arena is great for the sport. As part of our rider development program two young talented Indian riders Sarath and Rajiv will be seen in action in ARRC this year. We are extremely delighted to have them in our international mix and are confident that they will put up a great show. I’m sure these riders will be creating and supporting dreams for many more young riders to make a career in Racing. Also, the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) will return to India later this year and this will be another great opportunity for the riders as well as the motorsport fans in India.”

    Team Owner, Yusuke Teshima: “I am so happy to put together such a big team across two classes this season in FIM Asia Road Racing Championship in collaboration with India. The team comprises of very talented racers from India and Japan and this will be a great platform for them to grow to the next level of professional motorcycle racing. We are confident of putting up some good performances for Honda and our sponsor, RAMA, this year.”

    Team Ambassador, John Sudheer: “I have been associated with the team for one year during the 2016 season and I have been to all their races. The kind of passion and commitment they have towards this sport made me decide to continue my support for the 2017 season, this time with my own brand RAMA (Royal Asia Movie Awards). I see this as a perfect platform for Asian collaboration, uniting Asia through motorcycle racing.  Moreover, with Indian talents involved and benefiting through this sport, it is something exciting to see especially when they carry my brand across Asia.”

    2017 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship: The FIM Asia Road Racing Championship is the regional motorcycle road racing championship for Asia, held since 1996. This championship is part of the production-based category of racing, similar to the Supersport World Championship, British Supersport Championship and AMA Supersport Championship. Modified versions of production motorcycles that are available to the public are featured in the race. The Championship is currently divided into three open-make classes and two mono-brand developmental classes. The open-make categories are the SuperSports 600cc, Asia Production 250cc and Underbone 130cc. The developmental classes race on single-make motorcycles.​

    eom/AP Media Comm release

  • Jehan Daruvala, first Indian to win New Zealand GP

    Jehan Daruvala, first Indian to win New Zealand GP

    Jehan Daruvala (centre) becomes the first Indian to win New Zealand GP on Sunday. 12 Feb 2017. Image courtesy Rayo Racing.

    Manfeild (New Zealand), 13 Feb 2017 : Sahara Force India Academy Racer, Jehan Daruvala registered the first Grand Prix victory for 2017 when he won the New Zealand Grand Prix in style at the Chris Amon Circuit here on Sunday.

    Jehan’s brilliant lights-to-flag feat makes him the first and only Indian to win a Grand Prix in motorsport. Keke Rosberg, Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Stirling Moss, John Surtees, Bruce McLaren are some of the illustrious past winner of this Grand Prix.

    Earlier in the weekend of the Toyota Racing Series, Jehan bagged pole position for Race 1 and the New Zealand GP as well. The extremely close qualifying sessions saw four racers within two tenths of a second in each session. Jehan lapped the 3-km circuit to bag pole in race 1, just seven hundredths of a second in front of former Brazilian World F1 Champion’s son, Pedro Piquet. Ferrari Academy Racer Marcus Armstrong of New Zealand was a further eight hundredths of a second adrift. The top two remained the same for the New Zealand GP, while Thomas Randle bagged third.

    Jehan started well from pole for race 1, but relinquished his position to Piquet, after having to brake on the dirty side the circuit into turn one. Piquet held his lead which remained for the entire race. Jehan followed him home with another second place, ahead of Marcus Armstrong.

    The result meant that Jehan had to start third due to the reverse grid regulations for race 2. Jehan lost a position and eventually finished in seventh after damage to his car after contact from another driver.

    The New Zealand Grand Prix was the main feature race and the third race of the weekend. This Grand Prix is the only other ‘Grand Prix’ besides the Macau GP, in motorsport, outside of Formula 1 and therefore very prestigious for all racers. Jehan had a good start from pole and went on to open up a lead while the racers behind him fought for position. Jehan was able to stay ahead of the pack while continuing to make no mistakes up in front. An incident then brought out the red flag, but Jehan kept up his rhythm by getting a good re start and leading once again. The 35 lap long race was the longest of the season and towards the end of the race Marcus Armstrong pulled closer to Jehan. Jehan was able to keep his cool and won the Grand Prix with a margin of less than a second ahead of Armstrong. Thomas Randle was less than half a second further behind in third.

    Jehan is the first Indian to ever stand on the podium in any FIA World Championship, when he was second runner up at the FIA CIK World Karting Championship in 2014. Prior to that, he became the first and only Indian to win a Karting Championship in Europe when he won the British KF3 Championship. In 2012 he became the first and only Indian to win a CIK Championship when we won the FIA CIK Asia Pacific KF3 Championship in Macau. Now, Jehan has earned another feather in his cap by becoming the first and only Indian to win a Grand Prix in Motorsport.

    Jehan’s brilliant lights to flag Grand Prix victory, is in addition to his 9 podiums in the Toyota Racing Series. Jehan’s tally meant that he had the most number of podiums and also the most number of pole positions in the 2017 series. Unfortunately a few incidents contributed heavily to his loss of points in the middle of the series and Jehan ultimately finished fifth overall.

    “I am happy with the pace I have had throughout the series. Winning the Grand Prix is absolutely fantastic and is a proud moment in my racing career so far. I am thankful for everyone around who has helped me achieve this. I am completely focused on what lies ahead and I am confident of a good first year in Formula 3. I will be continuing to work hard with testing and fitness as well” said the Indian teenager.

    Jehan will now graduate to the ultra-competitive FIA F3 European Championship where some of the world’s best Formula 1 stars have graduated from. Numerous racers from the previous years will be competing in their second or third seasons, ensuring that Jehan will have a lot to learn in his rookie season. The Sahara Force India Academy racer has however shown, he is comfortable with the higher powered car in early testing with competitive times in testing.

    eom/Rayo Racing press release