INDIA in F1

Category: Indians Abroad

News about Indians racing in different motorsports events abroad

  • Jehan Daruvala wins Lady Wigram Trophy again

    Jehan Daruvala wins Lady Wigram Trophy again

    Christchurch, 17 Jan 2017: Jehan Daruvala representing the Sahara Force India Academy, achieved the rare distinction of successfully defending the Lady Wigram Trophy Title. The Mumbai based teenager had won the same trophy which is amongst New Zealand’s most prestigious races, in spectacular fashion last year, after starting 15th on the grid.  Jehan is the first racer since 1993 to successfully defend the trophy!

    In race 2, earlier in the day, Jehan started fifth as per the reverse grid rules. A bad start by him meant he fell down the order to 8th. The 3.33 Ruapuna Circuit at Christchurch is immensely difficult to overtake and Jehan was unable to gain back his lost positions. On the penultimate lap, the racer behind Jehan made an opportunistic lunge in a bid to overtake Jehan. The move resulted in contact and Jehan’s right front wheel had extensive damage, forcing him to retire from the 15 lap race. The race was won by Thomas Randle of Australia.

    The Lady Wigram Trophy was the third and biggest race of the weekend. Jehan made an excellent start from pole, and immediately pulled away from the rest of the grid. His impressive pace ensured that he continued to increase his lead to almost three seconds, before the safety car was deployed. Jehan once again pulled away at the restart and soon built up his lead when, once again, the safety car was deployed due to another incident. The second restart also saw Jehan pull away again, but almost immediately the red flag was brought out, suspending the race.

    The final restart of the day had Jehan pull away at the front. He soon built up his customary lead and took the chequered flag ahead of British racer Enaam Ahmed and Pedro Piquet, and successfully defended his 2016 title.

    “Race 2 was unfortunate, after I was hit and had to retire. I am happy I could keep my focus up and managed the three restarts well, in the Lady Wigram Trophy Race. My pace was really good and the team have done a fantastic job in giving me a great car. I would really like to thank everyone who have been part of my success and most importantly I must thank Sahara Force India for their continued support” said Jehan after winning the prestigious 20 lap race.

    The Lady Wigram Trophy was first contested in 1951 and numerous Formula 1 greats have won the trophy including Jack Brabham, Stirling Moss, Jackie Stewart, Bruce McLaren and Jim Clark. Jehan’s excellent weekend also saw him clock the fastest lap in race 3, bag two pole positions and a second place in race 1.

    The Toyota Racing Series will now move next weekend to the Teretonga Park circuit in Invercargill, New Zealand.

    eom/Rayo Racing Motorsports press release

    Jehan Daruwala with the trophy. A Rayo Racing image
  • Double Pole, Circuit Record & 2nd to start off Jehan’s 2017 season  

    Double Pole, Circuit Record & 2nd to start off Jehan’s 2017 season  

    Jehan Dharuwala on 14 Jan 2017 after claiming double pole. Image by Rayo Racing

    Christchurch, New Zealand: Sahara Force India Academy Racer Jehan Daruvala, has begun his 2017 in the best possible way, as he grabbed the first two pole positions of the season and went on to break the circuit record for the Toyota Racing Series Cars in Christchurch, New Zealand.

    The eighteen year old Mumbai student was quick throughout practice amongst a competitive grid of 20 cars which also includes home favourite and Ferrari Academy Racer – Marcus Armstrong, RedBull Academy Racer – Richard Verschoor, Pedro Piquet – Son of Former F1 World Champion, Nelson Piquet and many more highly accomplished racers from all over the world.

    Jehan dominated the first qualifying session and bagged pole position for race 1 with a laptime of 1:17.424 around the 3.33km Ruapuna Park Circuit. Marcus Armstrong was right behind Jehan 0.158 seconds adrift. Austrian racer Ferdinand Habsburg was third.

    Qualifying session 2 was a far closer affair as Jehan once again bagged pole for Race 3 & broke the circuit record as well. (Race 2 starting positions are based on the reverse grid of Race 1 finish). This time however Marcus was a lot closer, being just one thousandth of a second slower than Jehan. British racer Enaam Ahmed was third, also within just one tenth of a second of Jehan. Jehan’s laptime of 1:16.800 was well under the earlier record of 1:17.062

    Race 1 saw Jehan start well from his pole position slot upfront. He pulled away and soon opened up a comfortable gap of over one second to maintain his lead without any challenges from behind. A safety car period soon ensued and during the restart down the extremely long start finish straight, Marcus who was right behind Jehan took advantage of the excellent slip stream. Jehan could unfortunately do nothing about the situation, as in such a case, the car behind was able to build up a lot more speed and overtake easily. The positions remained the same, due to limited overtaking opportunities and Marcus won the race less than a second ahead of Jehan. Richard Verschoor came in third a further 1.1 seconds behind Jehan. Interestingly three different Formula 1 Team’s Academy racers completed the podium in race 1.

    “It has been an excellent start to the season. I was quick straightaway and I am happy with the double pole earlier today. There was nothing I could do at the restart due to the slip stream that Marcus had from my car and I had to settle for second.” said Jehan who will contest another two races tomorrow.

    Ruapuna Park incidentally, is the same venue where Jehan won his maiden race in Formula Cars, a year ago. Jehan will start fifth in Race 2 as per the reverse grid rules and Pole for Race 3.

    **END**

  • Aishwarya, Shruthi for Thailand ARRC

    Aishwarya, Shruthi for Thailand ARRC

    Chennai, 15 Dec 2016: Aishwarya Madhusudhan and Shruthi Nagarajan are scheduled to attend the 2016 FIM Asia Cup of Road Racing in Thailand to be held from Dec 16 to 18 at the Circuit in Nakhonchaisri.

    They will be astride an Yamaha Exciter 150cc, an FMSCI press release said.

    The two ladies made the country proud in the previous race by turning out to be the first two female riders from India to compete at the FIM Asia Cup Road Racing in Taiwan and have performed well in their maiden attempt.

    Aishwarya Madhusudhan has also received an award in Delhi from the TIE Young Achievers Award on Dec 16 and rushed to to Thailand after the awards presentation.

    Sujith Kumar, Chairman of 2w Racing Commission said: “Aishwarya and Shruthi are among the fastest lady riders in our country at present and we feel their participation in international events would inspire more women to join the sport”.

    “Aishwarya and Shruti have redefined the threshold for women riders in India via their successful participation in the 2016 FIM Asia Cup of Road Racing. Their dauntless commitment and passion towards the sport is truly inspiring and I am sure that this is just the beginning of a great future that lies ahead of them. I do wish them the very best in all their future racing engagements” complimented Akbar Ebrahim, the new President of FMSCI.

    eom/david

  • Joey Mawson takes title lead; Newey wins Race 3

    Joey Mawson takes title lead; Newey wins Race 3

    Dubai, 10 Dec 2016: Australian driver Joey Mawson stormed to the top of the championship with a win in the final race of Round 2 of the MRF Challenge 2016 in Dubai. Mawson won ahead of Felipe Drugovich fellow Aussie Zane Goddard as championship rivals Harrison Newey and Mick Schumacher were both forced to retire. However 18 year old Newey survived all the action around him to win his second race of the weekend when he crossed the chequered flag in Race 3. Newey beat Race 2 winner Drugovich and Mawson in Race 3 of the weekend.

    In Race 3, Mawson started on pole position with Newey alongside him. Newey got the perfect start and got past the Australian as they headed into turn 1. Behind them Mick Schumacher and Juri Vips collided in turn 1 forcing both drivers to retire. This brought out the safety car. At the restart Mawson got the jump on Newey and took the lead into turn 1. Mawson started to push for a gap but ran wide and lost out to both Newey and Drugovich. Newey crossed the finish line to take his second win of the weekend with Drugovich in 2nd and Mawson in 3rd. Pedro Cardoso finished in 4th place ahead of Van Kalmthout and Dylan Young. Indian driver Parth Ghorpade finished in a strong 7th place with Zane Goddard, Pavan Ravishankar and Yoshiaki Katayama rounding off the top 10.

    In Race 4 pole sitter Young got bogged down as Van Kalmthout stormed into the lead with Mawson settling into 2nd place. Newey also had a good start and was up to 3rd position by the end of the first lap. On lap 3 Newey started to slow and eventually had to retire with a technical problem on his car. Mawson wasted no time passing Van Kalmthout with Drugovich folloing through as well. Meanwhile Schumacher, who started last, put in brilliant couple of opening corners and was 5th by the end of lap 1. He moved up to 3rd and looked to be challenging for 2nd place when he had a puncture and had to retire in what has been a disastrous day for the German. Mawson had an easy run to the finish line to win his first race of the series. Drugovich got his 3rd consecutive podium finish as he finished in 2nd place. Van Kalmthout crossed the line in 3rd place but was given a 10 second penalty that dropped him to 8th place. Goddard got 3rd ahead of Vips and Young.

    Joey Mawson finished on the podium in all 4 races and got pole position as well. He commented, “The whole weekend has just been great. The car has been great all weekend and I really enjoy driving here at the Dubai Autodrome. My competitors had a tough day but I am sure they will fight back and I look forward to driving in India next.”

    Harrison Newey was happy to win his 2nd race of the weekend. He commented, “I am really happy to win in what was an eventful race. Joey (Mawson) has always been a great competitor so it was good to finish ahead of him. It was a shame with the problem in the second race today.”

    Mawson currently leads the championship with 141 points with Newey on 113 and Drugovich in 3rd on 105 points. Schumacher’s double DNF drops him to 4th place with 102 points. Next race is in New Delhi on Jan 27-29.

    MRF Challenge 2016, Round 1, Dubai, Race 3: 1.Harrison Newey; 2. Felipe Drugovich 1.767 (Time difference to first); 3.Joey Mawson 2.812; Pedro Cardoso 3.727; 5.Van Kalmthout 10.077; 6.Dylan Young 11.748; 7.Parth Ghorpade 14.532; 8.Zane Goddard 15.218; 9.Pavan Ravishankar 15.601; 10.Yoshiaki Katayama 16.399.

    MRF Challenge 2016, Round 2, Dubai, Race 4: 1.Joey Mawson; 2.Felipe Drugovich 4.685; 3.Zane Goddard 13.225; 4.Juri Vips 13.925; 5.Dylan Young 19.154; 6.Kimi Schramm 20.844; 7.Yoshiaki Katayama 21.152; 8.Van Kalmthout 21.224; 9.Manuel Maldonado 34.495; 10.Bobby Eberle 46.652.

     

    Joey Mawson takes championship lead even as Newey wins Race 3 in Dubai on Saturday. An MRF image

    eom/david/MRF press release

  • Harrison fights back to win opening race

    Harrison fights back to win opening race

    Dubai, 9 Dec 2016: 18 year old British driver Harrison Newey fought back to win Race 1 of the MRF Challenge 2016 in Dubai. Newey, who was cheered on by his father and legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey, had a close battle with Australian driver Joey Mawson before coming out ahead at the opening race of the season. Mick Schumacher came home in 3rd place. Earlier in the day Mawson set the fastest lap ever done by the MRF F2000 around the Dubai Autodrome to claim pole position for the second round of the championship. Schumacher’s championship lead at the top has been cut down to 9 points with Mawson in 2nd and Newey one point further back in 3rd.

    It was qualifying that started the day off for the motorsport fans in Dubai with all eyes on the MRF F2000 cars and the impending duel between Newey and Schumacher. Newey was in fine form in practice but the pack behind him closed the gap down overnight. Newey set a lap time of 1:56.020 only for Mawson to put in a stunning lap of 1:55.945 to take his first pole position of the season. Behind the top two were Schumacher, Juri Vips and Pedro Cardoso.

    Starting on pole position, Mawson got a good start off the line but Newey tried to go around the outside heading into turn 1. Mawson just managed to hold on. Schumacher in 3rd stayed on the rear wing of Newey but was not close enough to challenge. Newey started to close in on Mawson and on lap 4 he passed the Australian driver after both were side by side for 3 corners. Schumacher applied pressure on Mawson but could not find a way past. Newey set a string of fastest laps and took the chequered flag ahead of Mawson and Schumacher. Cardoso held off fast charging Brazilian driver Drugovich for 4th place with Vips finishing in 6th place. Kimi Schramm finished in 7th place ahead of Dylan Young, Van Kalmthout and Manuel Maldonado. Indian driver Parth Ghorpade fought back from last place at the end of the first corner to finish in 11th position.

    Harrison Newey was happy to get his title ambitions back on track. He commented, “I was disappointed not to be on pole position today. I had a good start and was behind Joey (Mawson) for the first few laps. It was a hard but fair battle with Joey but I managed to get past. I am really happy to win here but it is important to pick up useful points in every race this weekend.”

    Results: MRF Challenge 2016, Round 2, Dubai, Qualifying: 1. Joey Mawson 1:55.945; 2. Harrison Newey 1:56.020; 3. Mick Schumacher 1:56.260;4.  Juri Vips 1:56.607; 5. Pedro Cardoso 1:56.682.

    MRF Challenge 2016, Round 1, Dubai, Race 1: 1. Harrison Newey; 2. Joey Mawson (time difference 2.572); 3. Mick Schumacher (3.335); 4. Pedro Cardoso (7.941).

     

    eom/MRF


    Newey leading Schumacher in Race 1 in Dubai on Friday. An MRF image

    press release

  • Harrison tops practice sessions: MRF Challenge

    Harrison tops practice sessions: MRF Challenge

    Dubai, 8 Dec 2016: Harrison Newey, son of legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey, comfortably topped both practice sessions for Round 2 of the MRF Challenge 2016 at the Dubai Autodrome. He was faster than Felipe Drugovich and Juri Vips in FP1. In FP2, he was ahead of Drugovich and Joey Mawson. Newey set a blistering pace going half a second faster than his nearest rival in both sessions. His lap time is 3 seconds faster than the times in practice last year showing a vastly improved MRF F2000.

    In the opening practice session of the weekend it was newcomer Mawson who was the first to set a competitive time with 20 minutes remaining on the clock. He set a 2:01.345 to go top of the leader board. Newey then began a string of fastest laps which saw going fastest with a 1:59.772. With 5 minutes to go, he again went fastest to finish with a 1:58.231. Brazilian Drugovich was half a second slower with a 1:58.771. He was followed by Juri Vips, Mawson and Kimi Schramm. Championship leader Mick Schumacher had a quiet session and finished down in 6th position.

    Free practice 2 saw Mawson wasting no time in getting up to speed and was again one of the front runners to go fastest with a 1:59.883. Newey continued to show impressive pace and immediately went faster with a 1:58.976. Newey once again proved to be too fast as he was the only driver to dip into the 1min 57sec lap when he set a 1:57.942 to go fastest. Drivers behind him continued to improve but the closest anyone could get was Drugovich again with a 1:58.642, albeit a full six tenths off the pace. Mawson finished in 3rd place ahead of Schumacher and Van Kalmthout. Indian driver Parth Ghorpade finished at the back of the grid as he spent time familiarizing himself with the car, after being out of a racing car for more than a year.

    Harrison Newey, commented, “It was a real pleasure to drive out there. The car felt really good and quick. This circuit is quite challenging for the drivers so it is important to concentrate the whole time. We have to ensure that we carry this momentum tomorrow as starting in front will be critical. I will now work with the engineers to make sure we have the best possible setup for tomorrow.”

    Qualifying and Races 1&2 will take place on Friday, December 9, with Races 3&4 taking place on Saturday, December 10.

    MRF Challenge 2016, Round 2, Dubai, Free Practice 2:

    Pos Driver Name Total Time
    1 Harrison Newey 1:57.942
    2 Felipe Drugovich 1:58.673
    3 Joey Mawson 1:58.738
    4 Mick Schumacher 1:58.969
    5 Van Kalmthout 1:59.074
    Harrison Newey during a pracitce session in Dubai on Thursday. An MRF image

     

    About MRF Challenge

    In its fifth year, the MRF Challenge will feature MRF Formula 2000 race cars, which have been made in India by JA Motorsport, who are based in Coimbatore. The Formula 3 style car has been built by JA Motorsport in technical collaboration with Dallara, and is considered to be the fastest of its kind in Asia. The new car is powered by a 2 litre Mountune Duratec engine with max power of 230 bhp and shod on MRF Z.L.O. tyres. The car will also feature advanced aerodynamics with underbody diffuser and a Hewland 6-speed sequential gearbox.

    This year the grid has yet another promising line-up headed by the returning Newey and Schumacher. Joining them is German F4 Champion Joey Mawson, 2015 Italian F4 Champion and F3 race winner Ralf Aron, Japanese F3 Champion (National Class) Yoshiaki Katayama and Manuel Maldonado, cousin of former F1 race winner Pastor Maldonado.

    MRF Challenge 2016 Calendar:

    Round 1: November 17-19, 2016, Bahrain, Bahrain International Circuit (WEC Support Race)

    Round 2: December 7-9, 2016, Dubai, Dubai Autodrome

    Round 3: January 27-29, 2016, New Delhi, Buddh International Circuit

    Round 4: February 17-19, 2016, Chennai, Madras Motor Race Track

    eom

     

  • Jehan Daruvala steps up to Formula 3

    Jehan Daruvala steps up to Formula 3

    Bangalore, 9 Dec 2016: Force India Academy Racer, Jehan Daruvala, has confirmed his participation in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship. The 18-year-old Mumbai-based racer has been signed up by the world renowned team, Carlin, for their 2017 campaign according to Raymond Banajee of RR Motorsports here on Thursday.

    In a press release, he stated that Jehan’s maiden entry into Formula 3 comes after two productive seasons in Formula Renault, where he had 11 podiums at various circuits across Europe. After the conclusion of the Formula Renault season, the young Indian went on to participate in numerous Formula 3 tests and was eventually signed to Carlin after consistently being one of the fastest drivers during their tests.

    Formula 3, considered as one of the most important rungs on the ladder to Formula One, consistently attracts a highly competitive grid. Numerous Formula 1 winners, such as Nico Rosberg, Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher, have all honed their skills in Formula 3 before their debut at the pinnacle of motorsport.

    The championship will consist of 30 races over ten weekends and will visit some of the iconic Formula One circuits in addition to two street circuits at Pau and Norisring. The car Jehan will be racing will put out approximately 240 bhp while weighing just 565 kgs, driver included. Each round will have three races preceded by two practice sessions of 40 minutes each and two qualifying sessions of 20 minutes each.

    Carlin, as a team has one of motorsport’s most reputable legacies, with over 330 race wins across numerous racing series. Rosberg, Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat are just some of the Formula One racers who have competed for Carlin prior to getting their big break. The first Indian representative in Formula One, Narain Karthikeyan, also raced with Carlin. Last month, the team won and also came third in the FIA F3 World Cup at the prestigious street circuit of Macau, with Antonio Felix Da Costa.

    Team boss, Trevor Carlin added, “It’s fantastic to have Jehan on board with us for 2017. He has already tested with us in the Formula Three car and I have no doubt he will be competitive from the outset in his rookie season in the championship. Once again it’s going to be a really close season of racing but Jehan is a strong addition to the team and we’re already looking forward to the first weekend of the 2017 FIA Formula Three European Championship.”

    Jehan will also race in the 2017 Toyota Racing Series in New Zealand prior to commencing his Formula 3 season. The young Mumbaikar had multiple victories and was the overall runner-up in his maiden participation in the Toyota Racing Series earlier this year.

    “My first two years in single seaters have been a fantastic learning experience. After finishing in the top five in the Formula Renault NEC in 2015 and 2016, and having finished 2nd in the Toyota Racing Series this year, I am confident of stepping up to the highly competitive FIA F3 European Championship.

    I really enjoy driving the Formula 3 car, as I feel that the high downforce seems to suit my driving style. I am happy with how testing has been so far and I am really looking forward to my first season of Formula 3. It has been great working with Carlin, they are one of the best in the business. I must also thank Sahara Force India for all their vital support,” said Jehan on his signing with Carlin.

    Deputy Team Principal of Sahara Force India Formula One Team, Robert Fernley said: “We are delighted to support our Academy driver, Jehan, as he progresses to the next stage of his career. Ever since we identified his talent as a recruit in our ‘One From A Billion’ programme, he has continued to impress and delivered the results needed to progress up the motor racing ladder. Formula 3 is the next logical step and Carlin is a fantastic team with a track record of developing young talent. We look forward to seeing Jehan grow as a racer as he competes in this fiercely competitive championship.”

    The Indian teenager started his racing career in karting in 2009 before winning his first national title a year later, at just 11 years of age. He remains the first and only Indian to win the CIK FIA Asia Pacific KF3 Championship and the British KF3 Championship. He also remains the only Indian to have ever stood on the podium of any World Championship in motorsport, finishing as the second runner up of the 2014 World Karting Championship, in his very first year in the senior category of karting. In 2015 he moved to cars, winning the first place rookie trophy in his debut event of the Formula Renault NEC series. His maiden victory in cars came in the 2016 Toyota Racing Series, which he finished as the overall runner up in his maiden attempt.

    File photo of Jehan Dharuwala after his podium in Budapest early this year. Image courtesy Jehan Dharuwala

    eom/David

     

     

  • Mick Schumacher takes the lead with a double

    Mick Schumacher takes the lead with a double

    Bahrain, 19 Nov 2016: German driver Mick Schumacher got his MRF Challenge 2016 off to the perfect start by winning two races and taking the championship lead after Round 1 in Bahrain. Schumacher finished ahead of Joey Mawson and Ralf Aron in Race 2. Aron struck back in Race 3 to win comfortably with Schumacher taking the win in Race 4. Schumacher leads the championship with 75 points ahead of Aron (72) and Mawson (61).

    In Race 2 Schumacher started from the front row alongside Brazilian rookie Felipe Drugovich, who was on the reverse grid pole position. Schumacher had a great start and took the lead going into Turn 1, with Drugovich managing to hold off Race 1 winner Newey and Aussie driver Mawson. It was just a matter of time before both drivers passed Drugovich, while Aron recovered from a poor start to also quickly start catching the lead bunch of drivers. Schumacher pulled away while Newey had Mawson all over him and on Lap 3 the he passed him to move into 2nd place. Aron set some fast lap times to close in on Newey. Schumacher crossed the finish line comfortably in 1st place to take his maiden MRF Challenge win ahead of Mawson. Aron was on Newey’s tail and overtook him on the last lap to take the final podium spot, with the pair being separated by a mere 0.016s. Drugovich finished in 5th place ahead of Kimi Schramm and Dylan Young.

    In Race 3 Pole-sitter Newey had a torrid start and got jumped by the chasing pack heading into the first corner. Mawson took the lead with Aron in 2nd and Schumacher 3rd. Schumacher pulled off a brilliant overtaking move into turn 9 to get past Aron but the latter struck back down the main straight to get back into 2nd place. Newey was forced to retire on lap 1 bringing out the Safety car for the first time this season. At the restart, Aron wasted no time in overtaking Mawson and then pulled away, winning by a margin of 6.566s. Schumacher came under late pressure from Drugovich, but the German managed to hold on to 3rd position by a mere 0.248s. Juri Vips took 5th place ahead of Pedro Cardoso and Schramm.

    In Race 4 Schumacher got the jump on pole-sitter Cardoso to slot into second place behind Vips. It was turn 9 again that Schumacher pounced and got past Vips to take the lead and pull away. Behind, it was a battle between Joey Mawson and European F3 regular Ralf Aron for fourth and they were soon joined by Harrison Newey, who made up eight places to sixth in the opening few laps. Newey managed to go past Aron at Turn 1 on Lap 4 to move into the top five and later was gifted fourth after Mawson’s mistake. Schumacher crossed the line in 1st place ahead of first time podium winner Vips and Cardoso.

    Mick Schumacher was happy to get his challenge off to to a great start. He said, “I am happy with the overall start to the championship. In the last race I felt it was important to get past Juri Vips soon in order to get the win. The circuit was enjoyable to drive on and I now look forward to the next race in Dubai.”

    Ralf Aron was pleased to get his first win under his belt. He commented, “I managed to get a good start and then after that the car felt great. I am really happy to take my first win in the series. In Race 4 my tyres were old while the others had new ones so it was not as easy. Anyway to go away with three podiums is a good start.”

    MRF Challenge 2016, Round 1, Bahrain, Race 2:

    Pos Driver Name Total Time
    1 Mick Schumacher 20:18.365
    2 Joey Mawson 20:20.243
    3 Ralf Aron 20:25.917
    4 Harrison Newey 20:25.933
    5 Felipe Drugovich 20:31.973
    6 Kimi Schramm 20:36.912
    7 Dylan Young 20:48.811
    8 Bruna Tomaselli 20:50.304
    9 Manuel Maldonado 20:51.572
    10 Pavan Ravishanker 20:52.861

    MRF Challenge 2016, Round 1, Bahrain, Race 3:

    Pos Driver Name Total Time
    1 Ralf Aron 21:09.925
    2 Joey Mawson 21:16.493
    3 Mick Schumacher 21:20.470
    4 Felipe Drugovich 21:20.718
    5 Juri Vips 21:23.848
    6 Pedro Cardoso 21:24.067
    7 Kimi Schramm 21:25.016
    8 Dylan Young 21:29.378
    9 Yoshiaki Katayama 21:30.515
    10 Bruna Tomaselli 21:32.410
    Mick Schumacher receiving the 1st place trophy from Arun Mammen, MD, MRF Tyres on Saturday. An MRF image
    Mick Schumacher receiving the 1st place trophy from Arun Mammen, MD, MRF Tyres on Saturday. An MRF image

    MRF Challenge 2016, Round 1, Bahrain, Race 4:

    Pos Driver Name Total Time
    1 Mick Schumacher 20:20.843
    2 Juri Vips 20:23.145
    3 Pedro Cardoso 20:24.452
    4 Harrison Newey 20:25.027
    5 Ralf Aron 20:27.138
    6 Joey Mawson 20:28.716
    7 Kimi Schramm 20:29.246
    8 Felipe Drugovich 20:30.369
    9 Dylan Young 20:36.502
    10 Yoshiaki Katayama 20:39.558
  • Harrison Newey wins opening race

    Harrison Newey wins opening race

    Bahrain, 18 Nov 2016: Eighteen-year-old British driver Harrison Newey dominated qualifying and Race 1 of the MRF Challenge 2016 in Bahrain. Newey, son of legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey, was in a league of his own as he won comfortably ahead of Ralf Aron and Joey Mawson. Earlier in the day Newey set the fastest lap to qualify on pole position for the opening round of the championship.

    It was qualifying that started the day off for the motorsport fans in Bahrain with all eyes on the MRF F2000 cars. As the times started to tumble Newey set a 2:00.316, the fastest time ever set by these cars at this circuit. Mawson, who led for more than half the session had no answer and settled for 2nd with a 2:00.628. Behind him on the grid were Aron, Mick Schumacher and Van Kalmthout.

    As the drivers formed on the grid 5th placed Kalmthout encountered problems. When the lights went out Newey made the perfect start to lead comfortably into the first corner. Mawson managed to keep 2nd place ahead of a charging Schumacher and Aron. On lap 2 Aron passed Schumacher to move into 3rd place and then set his sights on catching Mawson. An interesting battle ensued with Mawson and Aron going side by side through corners 4, 5, 6, 7 before Aron finally got ahead. Behind them Juri Vips got past Schumacher but the German driver was trying everything possible to get back ahead. At the front Newey stretched out his lead to 5 seconds and was untroubled as he crossed the finish line to win the opening race of the season. Estonian driver Aron finished in 2nd place ahead of Mawson and Vips. Schumacher crossed the line in 5th place ahead of Felipe Drugovich.

    Harrison Newey, who took a commanding win, was ecstatic with his start to the season. He commented, “I could not have hoped for a better start to the season. In qualifying the car was just great and I was able to extract maximum from it. I had the perfect getaway and after that it was all about controlling the pace. I hope I can carry this same form for the rest of the weekend.”

    Ralf Aron, was pleased to finish second after what he called a disappointing qualifying session. He commented, “Am absolutely thrilled to finish in 2nd place after a great battle with Mawson. I did not have the best start but managed to pick off Vips and Schumacher in the 2nd lap. It was a clean fight with Mawson and I am happy to start the season with a podium. I should have been higher up in qualifying but I will take this result.”

    MRF Challenge 2016, Round 1, Bahrain, Qualifying:

    Pos Driver Name Total Time
    1 Harrison Newey 2:00.316
    2 Joey Mawson 2:00.628
    3 Ralf Aron 2:00.944
    4 Mick Schumacher 2:01.209
    5 Van Kalmthout 2:01.339

    MRF Challenge 2016, Round 1, Bahrain, Race 1:

     

    Pos Driver Name Total Time
    1 Harrison Newey 20:19.964
    2 Ralf Aron 20:24.941
    3 Joey Mawson 20:27.788
    4 Juri Vips 20:33.106
    5 Mick Schumacher 20:34.023
    6 Felipe Drugovich 20:35.087
    7 Pedro Cardoso 20:40.184
    8 Kimi Schramm 20:46.008
    9 Dylan Young 20:47.104
    10 Yoshiaki Katayama 20:47.912

     

    Newey leading the pack in Race 1. An MRF image
    Newey leading the pack in Race 1. An MRF image

    MRF Challenge 2016, Round 1, Bahrain, Race 1:

     

    Pos Driver Name Total Time
    1 Harrison Newey 20:19.964
    2 Ralf Aron 20:24.941
    3 Joey Mawson 20:27.788
    4 Juri Vips 20:33.106
    5 Mick Schumacher 20:34.023
    6 Felipe Drugovich 20:35.087
    7 Pedro Cardoso 20:40.184
    8 Kimi Schramm 20:46.008
    9 Dylan Young 20:47.104
    10 Yoshiaki Katayama 20:47.912

    eom/MRF press release

  • Mick Schumacher goes fastest in practice

    Mick Schumacher goes fastest in practice

    Bahrain, 17 Nov 2016: Mick Schumacher topped the opening day of practice for the MRF Challenge 2016 season opener in Bahrain by setting the fastest time in Free Practice 2. The German driver clocked a 2:00.467 to go one tenth faster than German F4 Champion Joey Mawson. Earlier in the day Estonian driver Ralf Aron clocked the fastest time in Free Practice 1, ahead of Schumacher and Harrison Newey.

    In the opening practice session of the weekend it was Newey who first went fastest as the other drivers spent time familiarizing themselves with the circuit. Halfway through the session Newey led with a 2:02.449 ahead of Mawson and Schumacher. The next 10 minutes saw Newey and Schumacher exchange fastest laps with latter setting a time of 2:01.370. Newey went one tenth faster with a 2:01.263 as the session was coming to an end only to be pipped by Italian F4 champion Ralf Aron on the last timed lap who did a 2:01.144. Juri Vips and Kimi Schramm completed the top 5.

    Free practice 2 saw Mawson wasting no time in getting up to speed and went fastest with a 2:01.783. Behind him Newey and Aron also went fast but were couple of tenths off the pace. Schumacher then posted a 2:00.783 to be the first driver to dip into the 2min time. He went even faster to set a 2:00.467 to top the sheets. Mawson went 2nd with a 2:00.566 with Aron in 3rd with a 2:00.889.  Van Kalmthout and Manuel Maldonado completed the top 5.

    Mick Schumacher, commented, “It is my first time driving here so I spent the first few laps familiarizing myself with the circuit, which I really enjoyed driving at. The car is step forward from last year’s car and I felt comfortable straight away. I was happy with how today went but now it is time to focus on qualifying and the race for tomorrow.”

    All drivers were using the updated MRF 2000, which features a new updated Mountune Engine amongst aerodynamic changes. The time set by Schumacher was a full 3 seconds faster than the time set by Alessio Picariello in qualifying for the event last year. The drivers were happy with the updated car and feel there is lot for potential yet to be unlocked by India’s fastest single seater race car.

    Harrison Newey, who is only 1 of the 3 drivers to have driven last season was very happy with the updated new car. He commented, “The updated car is definitely a step forward. You can feel the engine and braking is much better. The car is also lighter so finding a right balance is easier. I am happy with practice today and look forward to getting up there in qualifying tomorrow.”

    Qualifying will take place tomorrow along with Race 1&2.

    MRF Challenge 2016, Round 1, Bahrain, Free Practice 1:

    1. Ralf Aron – 2:01.144
    2. Harrison Newey – 2:01.263
    3. Mick Schumacher – 2:01.370
    4. Juri Vips – 2:01.699
    5. Kimi Schramm – 2:01.738

    MRF Challenge 2016, Round 1, Bahrain, Free Practice 2:

    1. Mick Schumacher – 2:00.467
    2. Joey Mawson – 2:00.566
    3. Ralf Aron – 2:00.889
    4. K Van Kalmthout – 2:01.225
    5. Manuel Maldonado – 2:01.717
    Mick Schumacher in Bahrain on Thursday. An MRF image
    Mick Schumacher in Bahrain on Thursday. An MRF image

    eom/MRF press release