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Moodubidire Adventure Drive 2024, a huge success
Moodabidri, 27 August 2024: The 4th edition of the Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) rally, Moodubidire Adventure Drive 2024, which attracted 35 participants from across South India, concluded successfully here on Sunday.
Moodubidire, traditionally known for its educational institutions, is now emerging as a new hub for motorsports, and in the forefront of this new interest are the efforts of the Tribhuvan Automotive Sports Club (TASC) and the Bedra Adventure Club (BAC), whose initiatives have attracted the cream of talent and propelled interest in the sport in this region.
The event, rooted in a motorsports history that dates back to 1988, was further strengthened in 2013 when BAC joined forces with TASC. This year’s rally marked a significant milestone, continuing to build on the legacy of motorsports in the region. Abhayachandra Jain, Former Minister for Fisheries, Youth Services, and Sports in the Government of Karnataka, inaugurated the event in the presence of Kuldeep M, President of TASC, and Akshay Jain, President of BAC.
The Indian Motor Sports Club (IMSC) played a crucial role in organising and providing technical support for the TSD event, ensuring it adhered to the high standards set by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (fmsci). It’s involvement has not only added prestige to the event but enhanced the standards of organising and it also highlights the growing recognition for Moodabidri, as the new hub of motorsports activities.
Moodubidire Adventure Drive 2024 participants and winners The closing ceremony was a grand affair, which saw notable motorsport athletes being felicitated. The ceremony was graced by Vivek Alva, Managing Trustee of Alvas Education Foundation, Abhijeet M, Secretary of TASC, Pratap Jain, Treasurer of TASC, along with Kuldeep and Akshay, Presidents of TASC and BAC, respectively. The event garnered praise from the Tourism Department of Karnataka and the Coastal Tourism Department of Mangalore, who commended the organisers for their efforts in promoting motorsports.
In the various competitive categories, the winners were celebrated for their outstanding performances. In the Novice class, Sampath Gowda and Vinay took the top spot, followed by Umar Farooq and Praveen Perera in second place, and Koushik and Sachin in third.
The Doctor category saw Vinoy Prasad and Swopna Rai clinching first place, with Smrithi Shetty and Shibin Girish taking second, and Mahaveera Jain and Rakshit Kumar finishing third.
The Start Arch and the people who made the start possible at the Moodubidire Adventure Drive 2024. Photos arranged by organisers The Couple category was led by Shrutha Jayant and Jayanth M Jain, followed by Joshil Kumar and Priyanka in second place, and Shaewari and Abhinanta in third.
In the Bedra category, Raksha Balal and Vikram Jain emerged victorious, with Pradeep K and Sanjeet Jain in second place, and Rizhwan and Imran in third.
The Club category saw Akhil Nayak and Chiranth Jain taking the top honors, followed by Zahir Manipady and Vinoth Kumar in second place, and Dilip Kumar Jain and Samruda Pai in third.
The Corporate category was won by AbulalaPuthige and Saravana Kumar, followed by Darshan and Pradeep in second place, and Vishwak Kasturi and Vivek Tripathi in third.
In the Expert category was won by David Sharon and Meghana Sarkar who defeated Kartik Maruthi and Shankar Anand and AbulalaPuthige and Saravana Kumar finished third.
Certificates were presented to several individuals who made significant contributions to motorsports. Among those honoured were Musa Sherif, recognised for his outstanding role as a co-driver and his extensive contributions to Indian motorsports, and Ashwin Naik, celebrated for his achievements on both national and international rally circuits.
Dr Sajeesh Reghunathan, MPT, was acknowledged for his dual expertise in motorsports and physiotherapy, while Aroor Vikram Rao was honoured for his remarkable rallying career.
Prathijna Shetty, Vikram Rao, Dean Mascarenas, Sudeep Kotari, and Adan Ahmed were also recognised for their dedication and accomplishments in the sport.
The Indian Motor Sports Club (IMSC) received special recognition for its pivotal role in organising and conducting the TSD event, highlighting the collective efforts that have made this event a success.
The Moodubidire Adventure Drive 2024 concluded with the promise of future events, continuing to nurture the passion for motorsports in the region. The organisers expressed their gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and supporters who contributed to the event’s success.
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Sidvin supported Pragathi Gowda gets a podium in her class at Rallye des Vallees
Remiremont (France), 26 August 2024: Bengaluru’s ace rally driver, Pragathi Gowda, finished a creditable third in her class and overall 37th in the Rallye des Vallees 2024 here on Sunday.
India’s top lady driver supported by Sidvin and MRF Tyres, Pragathi, made a stunning debut in the Rally 5 spec car and clocked a time of 23 minutes and 51.8 seconds. She won a podium in her class on debut and as she raced on equal footing with male drivers, which also included France’s National Champion Yoan Corberand, who finished first in her class.
After three months of rigorous training in Europe, the 26-year-old Pragathi, along with Brazilian co-driver Gabriel Morales, not only blazed to the podium in her category while finishing 37th overall.
Pragathi Gowda is supported by Sidvin and MRF Tyres. “My first international rally in France was an incredible experience. We had a very productive test day and a perfect recce in the build-up to this beautiful rally. It was a challenging rally for me but with each kilometre I drove I gained confidence in the car and with my co-driver. I was able to match the speed of other top drivers, I was doing about 165kmph in some places and averaged about 102 kmh speed through the race on these narrow roads,” Pragathi said.
Pragathi and co-driver Morales in action. Photos from Pragathi Gowda “Thanks to the support provided by everyone on my team, I improved my time stage-after-stage. I am really happy with my first rally experience in France and I will continue to work hard to improve my performance in the upcoming rallies. Also being acknowledged by some of the top rallyists here has been overwhelming and I am encouraged to do better in the upcoming race this weekend,” she added.
Driving a Renault Clio Rally 5 car fitted with Indian-made MRF tyres, Pragathi showed immense pace in the first special stage to come 5th in her class and 80th overall. With a better grip on the track, she went on to improve her timing by a whopping 32 seconds across the second and third special stages to finish on the podium.
The Rallye des Vallees 2024 is a high-speed rally on narrow asphalt roads which begs impeccable precision and one misstep could mean the end of the rally. Pragathi braved this challenge, achieving a top speed of almost 165kmph in some areas of the circuit and clocked an average speed of 102.5 Kmph at the end of the rally, an impressive drive that was applauded by many of the local champions.
After an exhilarating drive that saw her match the speed of some of the top experienced drivers, Pragathi will put the pedal to the metal again in a gravel race this weekend at the Rallye Terre de Lozere.
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Lando Norris wins Dutch Grand Prix ahead of Verstappen and Leclerc
Zandvoort (The Netherlands) 25 August 2024: Lando Norris ended Max Verstappen’s home dominance with a crushing Dutch Grand Prix victory that saw the McLaren driver beat the Red Bull Racing by almost 23 seconds, as Charles Leclerc claimed a seventh podium finish of the season with third place.
For a brief period after the start Norris’ second win of the season looked in doubt. Verstappen reacted quickest to the lights going out and on the short run to Turn 1 he passed the Briton to steal an early lead and a potential fourth successive win at his home grand prix.
However, Verstappen was unable to carve out a lead and on lap 18 Norris closed in under DRS on the pit straight to reclaim the lead. And with clean air ahead the McLaren driver stretched his legs to eventually take the chequered flag with 22.8 seconds in hand over his title rival.
“It feels amazing, yeah, once again,” said Norris afterwards. “I wouldn’t say a perfect race, because of lap one again, but afterwards it was beautiful. The pace was very strong. The car was unbelievable today, so I could get comfortable, I could push and get past Max, which was the main thing, and just go from there.”
Behind the top two at the start, Mercedes’ George Russell beat McLaren’s Oscar Piastri to the punch to steal third place, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc also gained a place, blasting around the outside of Sergio Pérez in the second Red Bull to take fifth place.
At the front Verstappen succeeded in breaking the DRS gap to Norris and over the first handful of laps eked out an 1.2s advantage over the McLaren man.
However, after dropping back from the dirty air behind Verstapen, Norris began to close in, and on lap 15 the McLaren driver was suddenly back in DRS range. Verstappen, meanwhile, was reporting that his tyres were “numb, they don’t grip” and that handed Norris the opportunity he required and on lap 18, with the aid of DRS, he powered past the Red Bull driver to reclaim the lead and with pace in abundance he quickly built up an almost six-second gap to the Dutchman.
Behind the leading pair, Russell was now over six seconds adrift in third, with fourth-placed Piastri coming under increasing pressure from Leclerc and with Pérez still locked in sixth place.
With Verstappen steadily losing ground, Red Bull pulled the trigger on his sole pit stop at the end of lap 27. With new Hard tyres on board he rejoined in fifth place, behind Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz. McLaren reacted immediately and Norris headed into the pit lane at the end of the following lap. And after his switch to the C1 compound he emerged in P4, five seconds ahead of the Red Bull driver.
Piastri was the last of the frontrunners to pit, at the end of lap 33. And after fitting a set of C1 Hard tyres, the Australian rejoined in fifth, just behind Russell. He soon dismissed the Mercedes driver but though he closed in on Leclerc, he couldn’t find a way past the Ferrari man.
Pérez was now coming under pressure from the increasingly pacy Sainz and on lap 45 the Ferrari driver attacked. The Spaniard was twice frustrated by the Mexican’s robust defending, but at the third time of asking Sainz used DRS and a late-braking lunge to get past the Mexican into Tarzan on lap 48.
At the front, Norris was pulling away from Verstappen and with 20 laps left the Red Bull man was 14.5s off the lead. Behind him Leclerc’s battle with Piastri was helping, however, and the Ferrari and McLaren drivers were now over six seconds adrift in third and fourth respectively.
On lap 55, Mercedes pitted Russell for a set of used Soft tyres, with the Mercedes driver charged with using the pace of the C3 tyres to haul his way back past Pérez, who had been boosted to sixth again. The gamble failed to pay off, however, and both two-stopping Mercedes drivers soon found their Soft tyres going off.
At the front, Norris was in cruise control and after 72 largely smooth and comfortable laps the Briton powered past the chequered flag to take the second win of his career. The victory and the point for the fastest lap he set on the final tour, mean that Norris now has 225 points, 70 behind championship leader Verstappen.
Behind the top two, Leclerc kept Piastri at bay to take his seventh podium finish of 2024. Sainz took fifth for Ferrari and Pérez held firm in sixth to Red Bull’s overall points tally to 434, 30 clear of McLaren with Ferrari a further 34 points back in third. Behind Pérez, Russell led home team-mate Hamilton, Pierre Gasly secured ninth for Alpine and the final point went to Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso.
2024 FIA Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix – Race
1 Lando Norris McLaren/Mercedes 72 1:30’45.519
2 Max Verstappen Red Bull/Honda RBPT 72 1:31’08.415 22.896
3 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 72 1:31’10.958 25.439
4 Oscar Piastri McLaren/Mercedes 72 1:31’12.856 27.337
5 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 72 1:31’17.656 32.137
6 Sergio Pérez Red Bull/Honda RBPT 72 1:31’25.061 39.542
7 George Russell Mercedes 72 1:31’30.136 44.617
8 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 72 1:31’35.118 49.599
9 Pierre Gasly Alpine/Renault 71 1:30’54.123 1 lap /8.604
10 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin/Mercedes 71 1:30’59.052 1 lap /13.533
11 Nico Hülkenberg Haas/Ferrari 71 1:31’04.733 1 lap /19.214
12 Daniel Ricciardo RB/Honda RBPT 71 1:31’06.586 1 lap /21.067
13 Lance Stroll Aston Martin/Mercedes 71 1:31’11.231 1 lap /25.712
14 Alexander Albon Williams/Mercedes 71 1:31’26.230 1 lap /40.711
15 Esteban Ocon Alpine/Renault 71 1:31’32.397 1 lap /46.878
16 Logan Sargeant Williams/Mercedes 71 1:31’50.058 1 lap /1’04.539
17 Yuki Tsunoda RB/Honda RBPT 71 1:31’50.665 1 lap /1’05.146
18 Kevin Magnussen Haas/Ferrari 71 1:31’51.226 1 lap /1’05.707
19 Valtteri Bottas Sauber/Ferrari 70 1:30’48.767 2 laps /3.248
20 Zhou Guanyu Sauber/Ferrari 70 1:31’21.538 2 laps /36.019 -
Double for Hugh Barter in F4; India’s Divy Nandan earns maiden podium
Chennai, 25 August 2024: India’s rookie driver Divy Nandan from Gurugram secured his first-ever podium finish in the Indian F4 Championship, taking an impressive third place in Race 2 at the Madras International Circuit on Sunday.
In the premier Indian Racing League (IRL) class, Malaysian driver Alister Yoong of the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers team demonstrated his racing prowess with a commanding lights-to-flag victory. Aussie driver Isaac Demellweek of Chennai Turbo Riders team came second ahead of Divy Nandan of Ahmedabad Apex Racers team. For Divy, the first trainee of Narain Karthikeyan Racing Academy, who took up racing only a few years back, this is a big moment in his fledgling career. Born on January 5th, 2003, the BBA Sports Management student of PES University, Bengaluru. Narain, the first Indian to race in Formula 1, took him under his wings in 2021 and fast tracked his growth and in four years, Divy had showed tremendous improvement by dint of hard work and committment.
Meanwhile, Australia’s Hugh Barter, representing Godspeed Kochi, bounced back from a challenging Saturday by claiming a sensational double victory in the Formula 4 Indian Championship. The first round of the Indian Racing Festival, promoted by Racing Promotions Private Limited, concluded on a high note.
Hugh Barter of Godspeed Kochi Starting from pole position, Yoong, the 21-year-old son of former Formula 1 driver Alex Yoong, showcased his exceptional skills, fending off an early challenge from Hyderabad Blackbirds’ Akhil Rabindra, who settled for second place.
Leander Paes pats Yoong
Indian tennis legend Leander Paes, was at hand to hug and congratulate Alister Yoong, immediately after his victory. The Kolkata giant is here to support the Shirachi Rarh Bengal Tigers team. “I had a beautiful car today. Absolutely no issues. So, yeah, I had a good start, and it is nice to win,” said Yoong.
Tennis legend Leander Paes pats Alister Yoong, after his win. Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan Alister Yoong with the trophy. Photos by Srinivasa Krishnan Czech driver Gabriela Jilkova of Goa Aces JA Racing took third, delivering an impressive performance in a race that saw little change at the front during the 25-minute plus one-lap event.
On the Formula 4 side, 19-year-old Hugh Barter from the Godspeed Kochi team dominated Race 2, winning by over 18 seconds, and followed it up with another convincing victory in Race 3. Even a Safety Car period, which bunched up the grid and erased his lead, couldn’t stop Barter’s charge. He earned 10 points for his Race 2 win, 25 points for Race 3, and additional bonus points for pole positions.
Barter displayed relentless aggression in Race 2, climbing from P15 to P1 in just seven laps. He pulled away from the pack with his blistering pace. Australian Isaac Demellweek (Chennai Turbo Riders) finished second, with India’s Divy Nandan (Ahmedabad Apex Racers) taking third. Bengaluru teenager Abhay Mohan (Bangalore Speedsters) impressed as well, finishing eighth after starting in P16.
In the next race, Barter got off to another strong start and built a lead of over 10 seconds before the Safety Car intervened due to an on-track incident. Once the race resumed, Barter quickly regained his lead, securing a comfortable win. Behind him, South African Aqil Alibhai (Hyderabad Blackbirds) finished second, followed by Ruhaan Alva (Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers) in third. Indian drivers Jaden Rahaman Pariat, Divy Nandan, and Abhay Mohan completed the top six, giving local fans more reasons to celebrate. For Alva, the weekend was especially fruitful with three podium finishes in five races across two categories.
The Indian Racing Festival, spanning five rounds, will continue with the historic night street race in the heart of Chennai next weekend. The event is sponsored by Kingfisher Soda, JK Tyres, Mobil 1, and Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Limited.
JK Tyre-FMSCI National Racing Championship
In the Formula LGB4 class, Bengaluru’s Tijil Rao (Dark Don Racing) delivered a brilliant performance, combining aggression with defense to claim a well-deserved victory in Race 2. He held off veteran Raghul Rangasamy (MSPORT), while Mehul Agarwal (Dark Don Racing) from Kolkata secured third place with a last-lap push.
The race featured some dramatic moments, beginning with pole-sitter Chetan Surineni (Ahura Racing) stalling on the grid, allowing Rao and Agarwal to take the lead. Despite a Safety Car period, the positions remained unchanged. Rao defended his lead brilliantly against Rangasamy, who had overtaken Agarwal, while Agarwal battled with Abhay Mohan before finishing in third. Behind them, Viswas Vijayaraj (Dark Don Racing) made a remarkable recovery from P15 to P10, and Neev Datta climbed from P21 to P8 in a 24-car grid.
RE Continental Cup
In the RE Continental Cup, Coimbatore’s Navaneeth Kumar S claimed victory over Race 1 winner Anish Shetty from Bengaluru in a close finish among the Professionals. The duo finished ahead of Chennai’s Soorya PM, who was promoted to third place after Abhishek Vasudev received a 30-second penalty for “overtaking under a yellow flag.”
Navaneeth Kumar S (bike #6) wins Race 1 ahead of Anish Shetty bike #2) In the Amateur category, Bengaluru’s Yogesh P achieved a double with another dominant win, finishing Race 2 eight seconds ahead of Johnson Saldanha (Mangaluru), while Nijin A (Pathanamthitta) secured third place.
The results (Provisional):
Indian Racing League Race-2 (Driver B – 25mins+1 lap):1. Alister Yoong (Malaysia, Shirachi Rarh Bengal Tigers) 27mins, 15.226secs);2. Akhil Rabindra (India, Hyderabad Blackbirds) (27:19.810);3. Gabriela Jilkova (Czech Republic, Goa Aces JA Racing) (27:35.127). Fastest Lap: Sohil Shah
Formula 4 Indian (Race-2, 25 mins+1 lap):1. Hugh Barter (Australia,Godspeed Kochi) (27:06.573);2. Isaac Demellweek (Australia, Chennai Turbo Riders) (27:25.297);3. Divy Nandan (India, Ahmedabad Apex Racers) (27:29.102). Fastest Lap: Hugh Barter
Race-3 (25 mins+1 lap):1.Hugh Barter (Australia, Godspeed Kochi) (27:06.536);2. Aqil Alibhai (South Africa, Hyderabad Blackbirds) (27:10.134);3. Ruhaan Alva (India, Shirachi Rarh Bengal Tigers) (27:11.549). Fastest Lap: Hugh Barter
JK Tyre-FMSCI National Racing Championship
Formula LGB 4 (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Tijil Rao (Bengaluru, Dark Don Racing) (21:38.184);2. Raghul Rangasamy (Mamallapuram, MSPORT) (21:38.653);3. Mehul Agarwal (Kolkata, Dark Don Racing) (21:41.780).
RE Continental GT Cup (Race-2, 6 laps) Professionals: 1. Navaneeth Kumar S (Puducherry) (11:51.466);2. Anish Shetty (Bengaluru) (11:51.644);3.Soorya PM (Chennai) (11:56.614).
Amateurs: 1. Yogesh P (Bengaluru) (12:47.013);2.Johnson Saldanha (Mangaluru) (12:55.118);3. Nijin A (Pathanamthitta, Kerala) (12:55.327).
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Norris takes pole ahead of Verstappen for Dutch GP
Zandvoort (the Netherlands), 24 August 2024: Lando Norris delivered a blistering final flying lap in qualifying at Zandvoort to deny home hero Max Verstappen a fourth straight Dutch Grand pole position. Oscar Piastri finished third in the closely contested session and will start ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell on the second row of the grid.
At the start of Q1 it was Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll who was quickly into the groove, with the Canadian taking top spot ahead of Williams’ Alex Albon and Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton then eclipsed all three as Norris appeared for the first time in P2 ahead of Verstappen.
In the closing stages Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz jumped to P1 and was then displaced by Mercedes’ George Russell. Further back, Pérez was on track and seeking a significant improvement in order jump up from P16 and out of the drop zone. The Mexican made the most of the improving track and in the final moments he vaulted to top spot with a lap of 1:11.006, 0.043s ahead of Russell and more than three tenths clear of Sainz.
Ruled out at the end of Q1 were RB’s Daniel Ricciardo in P16, Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, the Kick Sauber cars of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, and Sargeant who failed to make it out on track in Q1 following a heavy crash in FP3.
Sainz and Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc were first out on track at the start of Q2 and it was Leclerc who set the early pace on 1:11.665, just under two tenths of his team-mate. Piastri moved to the top of the order with his first flyer of 1:10.505 a second clear of Leclerc but the Australian was edged out of top spot by Norris who posted a time of 1:10.496. And when Russell slotted into third place, Verstappen’s first flyer of 1:10.811 left him in fourth place.
Comfortable with their opening runs, the top four drivers chose to sit out the final flyers and it was only Verstappen’s confidence that was dented, with the Dutchman demoted to P8 as Stroll claimed P4 ahead of Pérez, Leclerc and Williams’ Alex Albon.
The big fallers at this stage were Sainz and Hamilton who exited in the session in 11th and 12h respectively, ahead of fellow fallers Yuki Tsunoda of RB and the Haas pairing of Hülkenberg and Magnussen.
At the start of Q3, it was Norris who seized provisional pole, with the McLaren driver setting a benchmark of 1:10.074, 0.119s clear of Piastri. Verstappen, who hit the kerbs hard enough in Turns 11 and 12 to ask for his floor to be checked on his return to the garage, took third place 0.148s off Norris’ P1 time.
Verstappen then sent the Dutch fans wild with a final flyer that sent him to top of the order, but Norris had pace in hand and after a session-best sector 1 time the McLaren driver delivered improvements in the final sectors to claim pole a significant three tenths ahead of Verstappen.
2024 FIA Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix – Qualifying
1 Lando Norris McLaren/Mercedes 1:09.673 – –
2 Max Verstappen Red Bull/Honda RBPT 1:10.029 0.356 0.511
3 Oscar Piastri McLaren/Mercedes 1:10.172 0.499 0.716
4 George Russell Mercedes 1:10.244 0.571 0.820
5 Sergio Pérez Red Bull/Honda RBPT 1:10.416 0.743 1.066
6 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 1:10.582 0.909 1.305
7 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin/Mercedes 1:10.633 0.960 1.378
8 Alexander Albon Williams/Mercedes 1:10.653 0.980 1.407
9 Lance Stroll Aston Martin/Mercedes 1:10.857 1.184 1.699
10 Pierre Gasly Alpine/Renault 1:10.977 1.304 1.872
11 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 1:10.914 1.241 1.781
12 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1:10.948 1.275 1.830
13 Yuki Tsunoda RB/Honda RBPT 1:10.955 1.282 1.840
14 Nico Hülkenberg Haas/Ferrari 1:11.215 1.542 2.213
15 Kevin Magnussen Haas/Ferrari 1:11.295 1.622 2.328
16 Daniel Ricciardo RB/Honda RBPT 1:11.943 2.270 3.258
17 Esteban Ocon Alpine/Renault 1:11.995 2.322 3.333
18 Valtteri Bottas Sauber/Ferrari 1:12.168 2.495 3.581
19 Zhou Guanyu Sauber/Ferrari 1:13.261 3.588 5.150
20 Logan Sargeant Williams/Mercedes – – – -
Historic F4 victory for Jaden Pariat on debut; Lancaster wins IRL race
Chennai, 24 August 2024: Seventeen-year-old Jaden Rahman Pariat from Shillong, who was crowned the Formula 2000 Indian National Champion last Sunday at the same venue, made history by becoming only the third Indian to win a race in the F4 Indian Championship. Both the races were filled with drama, twists, and turns. In the other race, veteran Jon Lancaster from Leeds, England, claimed victory in the Indian Racing League during Round 1 of the Indian Racing Festival at the Madras International Circuit on Saturday.
Jaden Rahman Pariat, Bangalore Speedsters Promoted by Racing Promotions Private Limited, and presented by Kingfisher Soda, the second edition of the Indian Racing League and the Indian F4 Championship kicked off with eight teams and 16 drivers while the IRL had six teams with 24 drivers, including female racers competing on equal footing with their male counterparts. In the first edition of F4 India, only Shahan Ali Mohsin and Rishon Rajiv had race wins, and Jaden, Bangalore Speedsters driver, joins the elite group, with this victory which fell on his lap, in the last lap, well almost.
“Oh man!, it was so difficult to keep the car on the track. All I can say is that, THANK YOU, ALMIGHTY! I had gear box issues. But I managed to move to P2. I did not know what went wrong with him (Aqil Alibhai). But before that, I was wide and did manage to keep my place as Ruhaan failed to capitalise on it. After the start, I saw him move away. But I persisted in my third place and it paid dividends. In the end, I cam around and saw that his car was parked. I said oh my God, I just need to finish,” that is how Jaden put his thoughts about the race.
Jaden Pariat, who made a mistake and went off the track, but shot back with brilliant defensive driving to keep his P2, before taking the lead at the fag end due to a stalled car… at the Madras International Circuit on Saturday. Photos by Srinivasa Krishnan Meanwhile, the Hyderabad Blackbirds team had a challenging afternoon. First, Hugh Barter of GodSpeed Kochi retired from the F4 Indian Championship race while poised for an easy victory, handing the win to Pariat of Bangalore Speedsters. Later, Hyderabad Blackbirds driver, Swiss ace Neel Jani, also retired just as he was about to secure a win, gifting the victory to Chennai Turbo Riders’ Lancaster.
Though Lancaster and Pariat shone, Ruhaan Alva, the teenager from Bengaluru racing for Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, earned praise for his podium finishes in both races, which remained uncertain until the very end.
The 39-year-old Lancaster triumphed in a dramatic IRL Race 1 for A Drivers. Pole-sitter Alva dropped to fifth after going off the track midway through the race, allowing Lancaster to take the lead ahead of Jani. However, Lancaster went wide exiting Turn 2, and Jani took the lead. In a final twist, with three minutes and one lap remaining, Jani retired, and Lancaster regained the lead, with Portugal’s Alvaro Parente (Speed Demons Delhi) finishing second, ahead of the fast-finishing Alva, who climbed back to P3 after some impressive laps. The positions remained unchanged at the finish. “That’s racing for you. I took my chances,” said Lancaster. Alva earned bonus points for the fastest lap of the race and pole position.
Jon Lancaster, UK, Chennai Turbo Riders In the Formula 4 Indian race, Pariat set the stage for his campaign in the first lap, overtaking Alva to move into P3 behind Hyderabad Blackbirds teammates Barter and Aqil Alibhai (South Africa). Despite a strangely tilted rear wing, Barter built a massive lead, which he maintained until the final lap before retiring. Prior to that, Alibhai had comfortably held off Pariat, but the South African noticeably lost pace in the final laps, allowing Pariat to catch up and move into P2. In the final lap, with Barter’s retirement, Pariat took the lead and secured a well-deserved victory. Alibhai just managed to hold off Alva for second, with the Bengaluru driver completing the podium.
“I don’t know what to say. When I saw Barter parked on the back loop, I knew I had a chance to win, and I told myself to just bring the car home safely, which I did. I must thank God for this win. There’s no other way to describe it,” said Jaden.
F4 podium: Left, Aqil Alibhai (South Africa, Black Birds Hyderabad), centre, Jaden Pariat, Bangalore Speedsers, and Ruhaan Alva’s representative, as Ruhaan (not in pic, 3rd place) had to get ready for IRL race. Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan The Indian Racing Festival, which spans five rounds, will include a historic night street race in the heart of Chennai next weekend. The event is sponsored by Kingfisher Soda, JK Tyres, Mobil 1, and Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Limited.
JK Tyre-FMSCI National Racing Championship:
Jon Lancaster in action Formula LGB 4: Coimbatore’s Bala Prasath secured a thrilling victory in the Formula LGB 4 class, with the top three finishers separated by less than a second. The eight-lap race saw Prasath fend off a strong challenge from the MSport pair of teenager Abhay Mohan and veteran Raghul Rangasamy, while pole-sitter Dark Don Racing’s Viswas Vijayaraj from Nellore finished a distant 16th.
RE Continental Cup: As expected, Bengaluru’s Anish Shetty took the top spot in the Professionals class, delivering a strong performance after starting from P2 on the grid behind pole-sitter Abhishek Vasudev, also from Bengaluru. Vasudev finished 10th due to a puncture, while Shetty comfortably won the first race of the double-header, with over four seconds to spare ahead of Puducherry’s Navaneeth Kumar. Bengaluru’s Jagadeesh Nagaraj completed the podium.
Further down the grid, another Bengaluru driver, Yogesh P, topped the Amateur class, finishing ahead of Johring Waris (Umrangso, Assam) and Nijin A (Pathanamthitta, Kerala).
The results (Provisional):
From left: Alvaro Parente (2nd), Jon Lancaster (winner) and Ruhaan Alva (3rd) in the IRL race. Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan IRL Race-1 (Driver A – 25 mins+1 lap):1.Jon Lancaster (UK, Chennai Turbo Riders) (27mins, 15.812secs);2. Alvaro Parente (Portugal, Speed Demons Delhi) (27:16.327);3. Ruhaan Alva (India, ShrachiRarh Bengal Tigers) (27:16.972).
Formula 4 Indian (Race-1, 25mins+1 lap):1. Jaden Rahman Pariat (India, Bangalore Speedsters) (27:14.967);2. Aqil Alibhai (South Africa, Black Birds Hyderabad) (27:19.427);3. Ruhaan Alva (India, ShirahiRarh Bengal Tigers) (27:19.922).
JK Tyre-FMSCI National Racing Championship
Formula LGB F4 (Race-1, 8 laps):1. Bala Prasath (Coimbatore, Dark Don Racing) (18:57.188);2. Abhay Mohan (Bengaluru, MSPORT) (18:57.690);3. Raghul Rangasamy (Mamallapuram, MSPORT) (18:57.993).
RE Continental GT Cup (Race-1, 6 laps) – Professionals:1. Anish Shetty (Bengaluru) (11:55.531);2. Navaneeth Kumar S (Puducherry) (11:59.767);3. Jagadeesh Nagaraja (Bengaluru) (12:00.779).Amateurs: 1. Yogesh P (Bengaluru) (12:29.228); 2. Johring Waris (Umrangso) (12:30.745); 3. Nijin A (Pathanamthit) (13:19.923).
F4 Indian Teams Championships
- Bangalore Speedsters 25 pointe;
- Hyderabad Blackbirsd 22+1(fastest lap);
- Ahmedabad Apex Racers 22;
- Shirachi Rarh Bengal Tigers 17;
- Chennai Turbo Riders 9;
- Goa Aces 6;
- GodSpeed Kochi 3; (pole)
- Speed Demons Delhi 0.
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Kolkata Royal Tigers make IRL debut; A brief look at the teams
Chennai, 23 August 2024: As the second season of the Indian Formula 4 Championship (Indian F4) kicks off at the Madras International Circuit, racing fans across India are eager to witness the spectacle once again. The championship, organized by Racing Promotions Private Limited, features a mix of seasoned racers and rising stars from around the globe, with teams competing for the coveted championship title. Here’s a look at the drivers set to compete in the Indian Racing League. The six teams are Goa Aces, Hyderabad Blackbirds, Speed Demons Delhi, Kolkata Royal Tigers, Chennai Turbo Riders, and Bangalore Speedsters. There are some last-minute changes of drivers which will be updated soon.
Goa Aces:
Jaden Pariat, who was crowned the Formula 2000 Indian champions last Sunday turns out for Bangalore Speedsters at a practice session on Friday. Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan Goa Aces JA Racing has an impressive lineup of talented drivers who have made their mark in various motorsports championships across the globe.
Sohil Shah, a young Indian driver born on February 24, 2001, is a rising star in Indian motorsport. He recently became the 2023 Indian Racing League Champion, a prestigious title that marks his growing dominance in racing. In 2022, Sohil secured 3rd place overall in the F2000 category and competed in the Formula 4 UAE, showcasing his versatility and commitment to racing at high levels.
Shahan Ali Mohsin, another Indian talent, was born on July 13, 2004. Despite his young age, Shahan has already achieved remarkable success. In 2023, he clinched three wins and seven podium finishes in the F4 India series. The previous year, he impressed in the Indian Racing League, winning a Sprint Race and finishing P2 in the Feature Race. Shahan was also the 2021 champion of the Indian National Car Racing Championship in the MRF Formula 1600 class, further cementing his position as one of India’s brightest motorsport prospects.
Raoul Hyman, a British driver born on May 12, 1996, brings a wealth of experience to Goa Aces JA Racing. In 2023, Raoul not only became the Indian Racing League Champion but also competed in the Super Formula Championship. His standout achievement came in 2022 when he was crowned the FIA Formula Regional Americas Champion, proving his mettle in international racing.
Gabriela Jílková, hailing from the Czech Republic, was born on April 2, 1995. Gabriela’s racing career has been impressive, and in 2023 and 2024, she served as a Porsche Formula E Sim and Development Driver. Her diverse racing accomplishments include securing 3rd place in the 2023 FFSA GT4 and earning a race victory in the Prototype Cup Germany. Gabriela’s adaptability across different racing formats highlights her talent and dedication to motorsports.
Chennai Turbo Riders
Chennai Turbo Riders boasts a lineup of skilled drivers who have made significant strides in motorsport, representing a blend of seasoned champions and rising stars.
Sandeep Kumar, born on November 11, 1992, is a proven force in Indian motorsport. In 2023, he emerged as the MRF Challenge Formula 2000 National Champion, further solidifying his reputation as a top driver. Sandeep has consistently performed at a high level, finishing as the Vice National Champion in the 2022 MRF Indian Touring Car Championship. Additionally, he holds the title of National Champion in the MRF Volkswagen Polo Cup, highlighting his versatility across different racing formats.
Ace photojournalist Srinivasa Krishnan captures a Chennai Turbo Riders car during a practice session on Friday. Mohamed Ryan, born on March 29, 2004, is one of the promising young talents in Indian motorsport. His impressive runner-up finish in the 2022 MRF Formula 2000 series showcases his potential in competitive racing. Mohamed’s journey began with success in karting, where he won the 2019 Rotax Junior Max Karting Championship, and in 2020, he competed in the MRF 1300 Indian National Racing Championship. With his rapid progression, Mohamed is a driver to watch closely.
Jon Lancaster, a British driver born on December 10, 1988, brings a wealth of international experience to the team. In 2024, Jon secured podium finishes in the European GT4 series, and in 2023, he achieved multiple podiums in the McLaren Trophy. His extensive background in various high-profile racing championships makes him a valuable asset for Chennai Turbo Riders, contributing both skill and experience to the team.
Emily Duggan, born on August 13, 1996, is an accomplished driver with multiple race wins in Series X3 Supercar and a strong presence in the Super3 series. She has consistently delivered top-10 finishes in the Toyota 86 Championship, demonstrating her racing acumen and competitiveness in a variety of racing categories. Emily’s success across different formats highlights her adaptability and determination.
With a mix of national champions and international contenders, Chennai Turbo Riders is primed for success in the racing world.
Speed Demons Delhi
This diverse and talented team is poised to make its presence felt representing Goa Aces JA Racing with skill and passion on the track.
Speed Demons Delhi has assembled a formidable team of experienced and emerging talent from around the world. Each driver brings unique strengths and a proven track record, making them a competitive force on the racing circuit.
Akash Gowda, an Indian driver born on August 27, 1998, has consistently demonstrated his potential in motorsport. In 2022, he competed in the Indian Racing League, and before that, he raced in the F3 Asian Championship during the 2018-19 season. Akash’s participation in these high-profile racing series underscores his dedication to climbing the ranks in motorsports.
Sai Sanjay, born on December 3, 2002, is a promising young driver from India. His career highlights include becoming the first driver from Tamil Nadu to compete in the prestigious British GT series in 2024. In 2023, he showcased his racing prowess by winning the GT Cup Snetterton Finale, and in 2022, he was crowned the MRF Formula 2000 Champion. Sai’s rapid ascent in the racing world signals a bright future ahead.
Alvaro Parente, a seasoned Portuguese driver born on October 4, 1984, brings extensive international experience to Speed Demons Delhi. Alvaro’s impressive career includes winning the 2016 Pirelli World Challenge America Championship and the 2016 Bathurst 12-Hour endurance race. In 2015, he also claimed the GT Open Championship, making him a highly accomplished and versatile driver in the world of GT racing.
Angelique Detavernier, from Belgium, was born on January 24, 1986, and has an impressive resume across various racing formats. In 2024, she competed in the Campionato Italiano Sport Prototipi, further establishing her versatility as a driver. Angelique’s accomplishments include a podium finish in the 2022 Championat de France GT4 and another podium in the 2021 Belcar Endurance Prototype series. Her experience and success in endurance racing make her a valuable asset to the team.
With a mix of youth, experience, and international success, Speed Demons Delhi is well-positioned to compete at the highest levels of racing.
Bangalore Speedsters
Bangalore Speedsters brings together a dynamic and diverse team of drivers, each excelling in different areas of motorsport and contributing to the team’s competitive edge.
Abhay Mohan, an Indian racer born on 14 April 2008, has already claimed the titles of National Karting Champion in 2022 and National Champion in the MRF 1600s in 2024. He expressed his pride in competing at home, saying, “It’s a privilege to race in this championship on home soil. I want to thank my parents and the committee for this great opportunity.”
Kyle Kumaran, born on December 3, 2002, is a young Indian driver with an impressive record on the international stage. In 2022, he became the Dubai O Plate DD2 and F4 Champion, showcasing his versatility and talent. In 2021, Kyle won the IAME Summer Series as a Senior Champion and finished as the Vice World Champion in the RMC Grand Finals for the DD2 category. His rapid ascent through the racing ranks highlights his immense potential.
Rishon Rajeev, born on October 25, 2005, is another talented young driver from India. In 2023, Rishon made waves by becoming the Vice Champion in the FIA Formula 4 Indian Championship, a significant accomplishment at such a young age. He also participated in the prestigious Ferrari Driver Academy Selection Programme in the same year, reflecting his growing reputation in motorsport. Back in 2021, Rishon secured a 2nd Runner-Up position in the MRF Formula 1600, signalling his early promise in racing.
Julius Dinesen, a Danish driver born on April 21, 2007, is one of the youngest rising stars in the team. In 2023, Julius competed in the BMW M2 Cup Germany, building on his previous success as the 2022 Formula 4 Danish Champion. His early career was marked by a European Karting race win in 2021, indicating his potential to compete at higher levels of motorsport as he continues to develop his skills.
Caitlin Wood, an Australian driver born on January 15, 1997, brings a wealth of experience and accomplishments to Bangalore Speedsters. In 2024, she was named a Barbie Sports Ambassador and made history as the first Australian woman to win a class at the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Her career also includes three podium finishes in the Porsche Sprint Challenge UK, proving her competitiveness and skill across various racing formats.
With a mix of young talent and experienced champions, Bangalore Speedsters is poised to make a strong impact.
Kolkata Royal Tigers
Kolkata Royal Tigers have assembled a team of talented and diverse drivers, each bringing a wealth of experience and success from various motorsport championships worldwide.
Nikhil Bohra, born on January 25, 2005, is one of India’s promising young racers. In 2024, he achieved a significant milestone with a win in the Formula 3 Regional Middle East Championship. His 2023 season saw him securing a podium finish in the Formula 3 Regional European Championship, as well as two wins and a pole position in the Indian Racing League. Nikhil’s consistent performances demonstrate his ability to compete at the highest levels of motorsport.
Ruhaan Alva, born on May 12, 2006, is another rising star from India. In 2023, he made a mark in the British GB4 Championship by securing a podium finish. Ruhaan was also part of the Ferrari Driver Academy Asia Pacific Zone Selection in 2022, underscoring his potential as a future racing star. Additionally, he was part of the team that won the Indian Racing League in 2022, showcasing his talent and teamwork.
Alister Yoong, a Malaysian driver born on January 10, 2003, brings significant racing experience to the Kolkata Royal Tigers. In 2023, Alister had a standout season with four wins in the Italian Sports Prototype Championship. His 2022 campaign in the Indian Racing League was equally impressive, where he contributed to his team’s championship victory and finished P3 in the drivers’ standings, with three wins and two pole positions. Alister’s accomplishments in the FIA Formula 4, with multiple wins and podiums, further highlight his skill and competitiveness.
Fabienne Wohlwend, from Liechtenstein, was born on November 7, 1997, and brings a wealth of experience and success in endurance and single-seater racing. In 2024, she secured 3rd place in the 24h Nürburgring GT4 Class, demonstrating her endurance racing prowess. Fabienne also had a successful stint in the W Series from 2019 to 2022, where she achieved one pole position and three podium finishes. In 2018, she made history by winning the Ferrari Challenge World Finals, establishing herself as a highly accomplished and versatile driver.
With a strong lineup of young talents and experienced drivers, Kolkata Royal Tigers is set to make an impact in the competitive world of motorsport.
Hyderabad Blackbirds
Hyderabad Blackbirds have assembled a remarkable team of drivers, blending experienced champions with emerging talents, making them a formidable force on the racing circuit.
Akhil Rabindra, born on May 22, 1996, is a distinguished Indian driver with a strong track record. In 2022, he claimed the Indian Racing League Drivers’ Championship, further establishing his reputation in the Indian motorsport scene. Akhil’s international experience is equally impressive, with two podium finishes in the 2022 GT4 European Series. Since 2019, he has been a driver for the Aston Martin Racing Academy, where he continues to hone his skills in high-level GT racing.
Anindith Reddy, born on February 23, 1990, brings a wealth of experience and consistency to the team. In 2022, he played a crucial role in securing a 2nd place finish in the Teams’ Championship of the Indian Racing League. Anindith’s versatility is evident from his 2021 season, where he secured a win in the Indian Touring Car Championship and triumphed in the ITC Endurance KMS 50. His experience and success in endurance racing make him a valuable asset to Hyderabad Blackbirds.
Neel Jani, a Swiss driver born on December 8, 1983, is one of the most accomplished drivers on the team. Neel’s career highlights include winning the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship as the World Drivers’ Champion and achieving both pole position and victory at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. In the 2023/24 season, Neel is serving as an Audi F1 Sim Development Driver, building on his extensive experience as an F1 Test Driver from 2004 to 2012. His vast experience in endurance and Formula 1 racing brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to the team.
Laura Camps, born on March 28, 2005, is an exciting young talent from Spain. In 2023, Laura competed in the Indian Racing League, gaining valuable experience in a competitive environment. Her racing journey includes being part of the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2022, a prestigious program that identifies and nurtures young racing talents. Laura also showcased her skills in karting as a Tony Kart WSK Driver in 2022. Her inclusion in the team adds fresh energy and potential to Hyderabad Blackbirds.
With a blend of seasoned champions and emerging talents, Hyderabad Blackbirds is well-equipped to excel in this edition.
About the Formula 4 Indian Championship
Entering its second year, the Formula 4 Indian Championship is India’s only FIA-certified single-seater series. After a successful debut season, Indian F4 continues to provide young racing talent with the opportunity to earn super license points, paving the way to Formula 1. The 2024 season features 16 drivers from 8 teams, competing across 5 rounds, including street circuits and permanent tracks. MP Motorsports manages the cars, which are equipped with Mygale F4 Gen 2 chassis and Alpine 1.3L Turbo engines, reaching top speeds of 210 km/h.
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Emerging talent set to ignite Indian F4 Championship in 2024
Chennai, 23 August 2024: The 2024 Indian Formula 4 (F4) Championship promises to be a showcase of rising stars from across the globe, with drivers as young as 15-years-old ready to take on the track. Each team brings a mix of fresh talent and experienced contenders, adding intrigue to the championship.
Goa Aces JA Racing
Leading the charge for Goa Aces is 16-year-old Australian Giancarlo Artho, the first driver announced for the team. Artho made headlines as one of the 24 drivers chosen for the 2023 Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) Asia-Pacific selections, although he missed qualifying for the final round. Despite the setback, Artho rebounded by winning the F4 Global Shootout Program (FGSP), securing a coveted free seat for his single-seater debut.
Joining Artho is 17-year-old Aiva Anagnostiadis, who made history as the team’s first female driver. Anagnostiadis, a former Australian female karting champion, is part of Alpine’s Rac(H)er program and tested for Argenti Motorsport in British F4 this year. With her eyes set on a future in the F1 Academy, she’s a formidable addition to the team.
Speed Demons Delhi
Speed Demons Delhi’s lineup features Zakariya Mohammed, a rising star despite having no international karting experience. Mohammed finished third in the FGSP, earning a 25% scholarship and a spot on the team. He’s eager to capitalize on his opportunity and make strides in the coming weeks.
Another exciting addition to the team is 15-year-old Danish driver Alba Hurup Larsen. Larsen, a winner of the FIA Girls on Track program supported by the FDA, is already making waves. Though not officially part of the FDA, her Indian F4 experience may be a stepping stone to the F1 Academy next year.
Chennai Turbo Riders
Chennai Turbo Riders are betting on the talent of 17-year-old Jayden Hamilton, who has been competing in the Australian Formula Open series. Despite narrowly missing the championship title, Hamilton’s impressive performance at the FGSP earned him a spot on the team.
Also racing for Chennai is Isaac Demellweek, a New South Wales karting champion. Demellweek has participated in several international karting finals this year, including the Champions of the Future Academy, where he’s yet to make his mark on the standings.
Hyderabad Blackbirds
Hyderabad Blackbirds are putting their faith in 16-year-old Shriya Lohia, the first Indian driver announced for the 2024 season. Lohia made a name for herself last year by becoming the only female point-scorer in the championship.
Joining her is 17-year-old South African Aqil Alibhai, a hot favorite for the title. Alibhai has already built a strong reputation in the UK with podium finishes in Ginetta Junior and British F4. His experience and skill make him a contender to watch.
Rarh Bengal Tigers
Leading Rarh Bengal Tigers is Ruhaan Alva, a 17-year-old talent from India who has been turning heads for years. Alva competed in GB4 last season, finishing 10th overall despite missing the final rounds. He also made history as the youngest winner in the Indian Racing League.
His teammate, Tarun Muthiaiah, brings a different profile, having only raced in India. Competing in the MRF Formula 2000 series, Muthiaiah finished third this year but lacks the international experience of his peers.
Bangalore Speedsters
Bangalore Speedsters boast 17-year-old Jaden Pariat, whose motorsport record is as impressive as it is diverse. Pariat secured a podium in British F4 in 2023 and went on to dominate the MRF Formula 2000 series this year, clinching the title with eight wins in 12 races.
His teammate, Abhay Mohan, follows a similar trajectory. Mohan transitioned from a successful karting career to single-seaters, winning the MRF Formula 1600 championship last Sunday, August 18.
Godspeed Kochi
Godspeed Kochi is set to surprise with 18-year-old Hugh Barter, an Australian-Japanese driver making an unexpected return to single-seaters. Barter was highly regarded as one of the brightest young talents, finishing runner-up in French and Spanish F4 in 2022. However, after missing the FIA F3 season finale due to financial issues, Barter’s move to Indian F4 could be his path back to the top.
Ahmedabad Apex Racers
Ahmedabad Apex Racers are banking on 17-year-old Indian driver Veer Sheth. After success in karting across India and the UAE, Sheth made the jump to single-seaters last year, finishing third in the MRF Formula 1600 series. He will be joined by Divy Nandan, who was the first trainee at Narain Karthikeyan Academy. The Delhi driver graduated from karting and has taken part in the Indian Formula races in 2023.
As these young drivers gear up for the 2024 season, the Indian F4 Championship is shaping up to be an exciting battleground for the next generation of motorsport stars.
About the Formula 4 Indian Championship
Entering its second year, the Formula 4 Indian Championship is India’s only FIA-certified single-seater series. After a successful debut season, Indian F4 continues to provide young racing talent with the opportunity to earn super license points, paving the way to Formula 1. The 2024 season features 16 drivers from 8 teams, competing across 5 rounds, including street circuits and permanent tracks. MP Motorsports manages the cars, which are equipped with Mygale F4 Gen 2 chassis and Alpine 1.3L Turbo engines, reaching top speeds of 210 km/h.
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Diana Pundole creates history, becomes first woman to win a National title
Chennai, 18 August 2024: As expected, teenagers Jaden Rahman Pariat (Shillong) and Bengaluru’s Abhay Mohan emerged champions in the premier MRF single-seater categories while Diana Pundole from Pune broke the glass ceiling by becoming the first female driver to win a championship title as the curtains came down on an action-packed fourth and final round of the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Car Racing Championship 2024 – Powered by STORM-X at the Madras International Circuit, here on Sunday.
Others to win the championship in their respective categories were: Biren Pithawalla (Mumbai, N1 Racing) in Indian Touring Cars, Srinivas Teja (Chennai, Performance Racing) in Indian Junior Touring Cars, Viswas Vijayaraj (Nellore, DTS Racing) in Formula LGB 1300 and Diana Pundole, the mother of two from Pune, who also became the first female to annex the title in the MRF Saloons category. Incidentally, she celebrated her 28th birthday on Friday last. “But I didn’t touch my phone because I wanted to focus on this weekend’s races. I can’t describe the feelings now, but I’m very happy, of course,” she said.
Jaden Pariat, left, and Abhay Mohan Businessman from Lonavla Dhruv Chavan survived massive battles through six races over the weekend to win the championship in the Polo Cup.
Today, Jaden could not add to his eight wins, as he finished second behind Bengaluru’s Chetan Surineni in both MRF Formula 2000 races today. However, the 17-year-old Jaden accrued sufficient points to annex his maiden championship with Surineni in second spot on the leaderboard. “I have proved to myself that I have it in me to win a championship. After my win yesterday, I just wanted to bring the car home without trying anything risky, but it’s great to win my first-ever championship. It is also good for Chetan (Surineni) to win both races today,” said Jaden.
Similarly, 16-year-old Abhay Mohan marked his debut season by clinching his maiden championship in the MRF Formula 1600 category though he was denied an all-win record by Mumbai’s Zahan Commissariat. With 11 wins from 12 starts, Abhay emerged champion by a massive margin. “It is still to sink in. I mean, winning a championship in my debut season is great, but I can’t find words to express my happiness. It was a good run overall and I thank my JA Motorsports, my family and friends for their support,” said Abhay.
Nellore’s 26-year-old Viswas Vijayaraj claimed the title in the Formula LGB 1300 category despite retiring early in the last two races, one of which was won by Mira Erda who, starting from pole, held off stiff competition to score her first-ever win in single-seater since her debut in 2014. “I have waited for 10 years for this moment. I have been racing in a single-seater class since 2014, but apart from a few podiums, I have never won a race. So, I am absolutely delighted by today’s win which I am told is the first by a female driver in FLGB 1300,” said an ecstatic 23-year-old Mira who is also making a career as a driver-coach.
The day’s post-lunch session was extended due to a couple of crashes and spins leading to Red Flag stoppages with title contenders involved in wheel-to-wheel battles.
Provisional results:
MRF F2000 (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Chetan Surineni (Bengaluru) (15min, 59.892sec); 2. Jaden Rahman Pariat (Shillong) (16:03.671); 3. Akhil Agarwal (Mumbai) (16:26.390). Race-3 (8 laps): 1. Chetan Surineni (16:17.445); 2. Jaden Rahman Pariat (16:18.863); 3. Tarun Muthaiah (Bengaluru) (16:31.961). Champion driver: Jaden Rahman Pariat (Shillong).
MRF F1600 (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Zahan Commissariat (Mumbai) (17:31.861); 2. Abha Mohan (Bengaluru) (17:32.137); 3. Saishiva Sankaran (Pune) (17:35.536). Race-3 (8 laps): 1. Abhay Mohan (16:45.609); 2. Saishiva Sankaran (16:49.407); 3. Raaj Bakhru (Mumbai) (16:57.507). Champion driver: Abhay Mohan (Bengaluru).
Indian Touring Cars (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Biren Pithawalla (Mumbai, Team N1) (19:15.391); 2. Anant Pithawalla (Mumbai, Team N1) (19:35.441); 3. Jeevanantham Subramaniam (Coimbatore, Pvt.) (20:04.964). Race-3 (6 laps): 1. Biren Pithawalla (11:34.635); 2. Deepak Ravikumar (Chennai, Team Performance Racing) (11:34.970); 3. Anant Pithawalla (11:38.379). Champion driver: Biren Pithawalla (Mumbai, Team N1).
Indian Junior Touring Cars (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Srinivas Teja (Chennai, Performance Racing) (19:42.384); 2. Hatim Shabbir (Chennai, Team Performance Racing) (19:43.443); 3. Yug Italiya (Mumbai, Team N1) (20:05.723). Race-3 (6 laps): 1. Srinivas Teja (11:50.328); 2. Hatim Shabir (11:50.786); 3. Nikung Vagh (Surat, Team N1) (12:00.937). Champion driver: Srinivas Teja (Chennai, Performance Racing).
Super Stock (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Justin Singh (Gurugram, Redline Racing) (21:07.530); 2. Anirudha Aravind (Chennai, Redline Racing India) (21:09.109); Angad Matharoo (Chandigarh, Buzzing Hornet Motorsports) (21:11.496). Race-3 (6 laps): 1. Justin Singh (12:35.884); 2. Anirudha Aravind (12:40.607); 3. Manan Patel (Mumbai, Redline Racing India) (12:40.825). Champion Driver: Withheld pending investigation.
Formula LGB 1300 (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Mira Erda (Vadodara, DTS Racing) (19:53.382); 2. Dilijith TS (Thrissur, DTS Racing) (19:54.804); 3. Dhruv Goswami (Bengaluru, MSport) (19:57.549). Race-3 (8 laps): 1. Diljith TS (15:08.241); 2. Balaprasath (Thrissur, DTS Racing) (15:11.699); 3. Neev Datta (New Delhi, MSport) (15:17.425). Champion driver: Viswas Vijayaraj (Nellore, DTS Racing).
MRF Saloons (Toyota Etios) Race-2 (10 laps): 1. Anirudha Aravind (Chennai) (21:03.555); 2. Diana Pundole (Pune) (21:03.824); 3. Muskaan Jubbal (Delhi) (21:04.229). Race-3 (8 laps): 1. Diana Pundole (16:42.428); 2. Anirudha Aravind (16:46.799); 3. Muskaan Jubbal (16:49.432). All Redline Racing. Champion driver: Diana Pundole (Pune, Redline Racing).
Polo Cup (Race-4, 8 laps): 1. Romir Arya (Mumbai) (15:33.374); 2. Dhruv Chavan (Lonavala) (15:42.731); 3. Munjal Savia (Mumbai) (15:43.284). Race-5 (10 laps): 1. Aditya Patnaik (Mumbai) (19:30.762); 2. Munjal Savla (Mumbai) (19:40.753); 3. Romir Arya (Mumbai) (19:41.461). Polo Cup (Race-6, 8 laps): 1. Ojas Surve (Mumbai) (15:34.195); 2. Dhruv Chavan (15:39.358); 3. Aditya Patnaik (15:40.331). Champion driver: Dhruv Chavan (Lonavla).
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Bagnaia produces Spielberg showstopper to defeat Martin: MotoGP
The reigning Champion pulls five points ahead with victory over Martin as Bastianini completes the podium and Marquez suffers some drama.
Spielberg, 18 August 2024: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) put in a stunning performance at the Motorrand Grand Prix von Österreich to take to the top step and complete the double in style. The reigning Champion went toe-to-toe with Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) before taking charge in the lead and building a gap, securing his status as Championship leader by five points and taking his 25th MotoGP™ win to equal Kevin Schwantz in 10th on the list of riders with most premier class wins. Martin’s second place is still a valuable 20-point haul to keep him in touch at the top, ahead of Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) in third for his fourth podium in five races.
There was some drama even before the start as Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) had a holeshot device shuffle, unable to get both engaged, getting a slightly slower launch and then getting a nudge from Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) as the two headed wide out of Turn 1. Marquez ended up outside the top ten and Morbidelli further behind him.
Meanwhile, Martin had taken the holeshot to edge out Bagnaia at the front, but the reigning Champion attacked next time round at Turn 1 and took the lead. Another move came from Martin at the penultimate corner on the same lap, but Bagnaia hit back straight away at the final corner. It remained as you were in the high-speed chess match – meanwhile, Bastianini was holding third, within touch.
A small KTM civil war just behind then saw Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) stalk and eventually get past teammate Jack Miller, with Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) then pouncing too. Bagnaia led Martin with a gap back to Bastianini, ahead of the Binder-Bez-Miller train that Marc Marquez was, by now, fast tagging onto the back of. He was also literally tagging Miller with 19 to go as his elbow made contact with the #43’s rear tyre, but no harm done as the #93 reset and reloaded. He didn’t need to make the move, however, as Miller slid out soon after – able to rejoin but out of the fight at the front.
And so Bagnaia led Martin, with Bastianini a couple of seconds back. And then came what was now a Binder-Bezzecchi-Marquez squabble, with the first fireworks coming from Marquez as he carved through the VR46 rider. Next stop: Binder. At Turn 6 with ten to go the #93 sliced up the inside to take over in fourth, but by now the distance to Bastianini was unlikely to be gulfed.
More fireworks then set off in the next gaggle behind as Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) had a second shot at getting past teammate Aleix Espargaro after an earlier attempt went awry, and the #12 got it done, leaving Espargaro to fend off Morbidelli, who was on a charge.
At the front, the gap would go up a tenth or two and then back down, but Bagnaia remained in control. The reigning Champion completed the double in style, stamping some authority on a Championship lead of 0 points, position courtesy of win count, and bumping it up to five points ahead of Martin, who came home second for a nevertheless very valuable 20 points. Bastianini, despite his quick progress up from a tougher qualifying, came home third and wasn’t able to work his used tyre magic to bridge that gap. He did have enough in hand over Marc Marquez, however, with the #93’s pace – on paper enough to put him in serious contention – going begging after his early dramas. He finished P4.
Behind, Binder held off Bezzecchi to complete the top five, with the South African and the Italian who followed him home both able to find some key positives in the solid results in Austria. Viñales managed to pull away from his teammate to take P7, and on the very last lap Morbidelli sliced past Aleix Espargaro too, stealing eighth from the #41 Aprilia.
Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) completed the top ten after duelling and holding off KTM test rider and wildcard Pol Espargaro, who completed an impressive weekend taking some points as well as data. Miguel Oliveira (Trackhouse Racing) homed in to within two tenths of that battle too, ahead of a tougher weekend for rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3).
Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) had a notable Austrian GP finish – taking P14 and two points, and as top Honda by some distance. He also made a late attack to get past Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) and hold him off by a couple of tenths.
That’s a wrap on Austria, with the paddock packing up and heading for MotorLand Aragon as MotoGP™ returns to the venue for the first time since 2022. Then, it was an incredible duel between Bagnaia and Bastianini. And in 2021, it was another: Bagnaia vs Marquez, for the first of the 25 MotoGP™ wins the reigning Champion now has under his belt. You don’t want to miss it.
