INDIA in F1

Tag: British F4

  • Injured Jaden Pariat returns with rich experience: British F4

    Injured Jaden Pariat returns with rich experience: British F4

    Snetterton (Norfolk, England), 22 May 2023: It was a disappointing end to a well-prepared week-end but Indian racing talent Jaden Pariat is high in spirits as he says, “there is much to learn and I have enjoyed the week-end despite not being able to get a result. It is racing and these things happen and it is disappointing but a rich experience,” he said philosophically, talking to INDIAinF1 from the venue, on Sunday.

    Jaden Pariat headed to Snetterton in Norfolk at the weekend beginning May 19 for rounds seven, eight, and nine of the F4 British Championship that concluded on May 21, Sunday, but left without any official race results.
     
    After a tight and fiercely-contested qualifying session on Saturday, the youngster from Northeast India was just one second off pole position around the three-mile circuit – the second longest on this season’s calendar.
     
    The opening race began later that afternoon, but after just one lap Jaden was involved in an incident which damaged his car and put him into retirement. However, with a red flag then being shown the race was restarted a little later before again being red flagged for another incident. With damage to the barriers and time running out to complete the contest, the race was voided and instead will be added to the weekend at Donington Park in August.
     
    Unfortunately for Jaden, he hurt his wrist during his contact and, though he was cleared at hospital, he wasn’t allowed to take part in Sunday’s races, meaning he recorded no official results across the weekend.
     
    The teenager will return to the F4 British Championship with Phynsis by Argenti in two weeks’ time, over the weekend of June 3/4, at the UK’s fastest circuit, Thruxton in Hampshire.

    Jaden Pariat

    Jaden Pariat before the injury at Snetterton

    “Saturday was unfortunate. The contact hurt my wrist which will stop me from doing any driving for a while. The race was going well and I was quite happy with the moves that I had made, it was just unfortunate to have had contact.

    “I feel better and although the decision was maybe not we wanted, in the long term at least we’re sure we’ll be fit to race well. We will miss a few days of testing which will put me on the back foot, as during the season we don’t get many test days, so they are important.

    “I’m happy that I got to supprt the team from the outside and happy for the team’s results this weekend. We would have had a chance for the podium in the last race, but I’m looking forward to putting in lots of hard work so we can get back in the car as soon as possible and push at Thruxton!”

  • Rain-master Jaden Pariat qualifies in superb P5: British F4 Championship

    Rain-master Jaden Pariat qualifies in superb P5: British F4 Championship

    Brands Hatch (England) 6 May 2023: Indian racing talent Jaden R Pariat’s valiant effort in wet conditions got him a superb P5 in the qualifying session of the ROKiT British F4 Championship here on Saturday.

    Saturday morning saw a curtailed, wet qualifying session which set the grids for the first and third races of this weekend’s schedule. Jaden put a lap in the bank anticipating more rain and also did a second best lap that put him on P5 for Race 3. The first race of Sunday, Race 2 will see a reverse grid. Each round has three races and after the opener in Donington Park where Jaden secured a podium in Race 2, Saturday’s race was the fourth of the 30-race season. Two more races will be held on Sunday and dry conditions are predicted.

    “We had a solid qualifying today, followed by a very eventful race. I took to the track in the midst of a slight drizzle and it was all about banking a lap in-case the rain intensified. Happily my time was good enough for fifth fastest. My second fastest time got me P7 for Race 1. There was a bit more left in the tank and pole was only three tenths up the road, so we were in the mix,” said the 16-year Indian after the qualifying session.

    “I got a bit of a wheel-spin off the line on the damp surface and dropped a few places. In trying to make-up places, I made a move into Turn 1 causing me to have contact with another driver, so I lost our front wing and I had to pit,” the Shillong-born Jaden, added.

    The karting sensation, who made Bengaluru his home for better part last year, before shifting to England for a full season in the British F4 championship this year narrated how he fought back gaining five places after his pit-stop. “The team did a good job to get me back out and, when the race restarted with five minutes on the clock, I made some decent progress, gaining five places in two laps. Sadly, I ran out of time to gain further places. Let’s see what tomorrow brings,” he concluded.

    Jaden finally finished 12th. He will start P13 in Race 2 on Sunday but watch-out for Race 3 where he is expected to fight with the front-runners starting from P5.

    For the record, James Higgins (Fortec Motorsport) secured the Omologato Pole Position Award and first position start for both Races 1 and 3, after he set two fastest laps early in the session anticipating the rain to worsen. Teams had hoped the conditions would dry towards the end of the session, however continuing rain saw conditions worsen and a red flag for a stranded car ultimately ended the session early, preventing further challenges.

  • Historic result for Jaden; only Indian in six years to get a British F4 podium

    Historic result for Jaden; only Indian in six years to get a British F4 podium

    Leicestershire (UK), 23 April 2023: Young Indian racing star Jaden Pariat of Argenti Motorsport displayed his immense talent with a podium in the first round of the ROKiT British F4 Championship at Donington Park here on Sunday. He is only the second Indian to get an international podium in a Tatuus F4 car after Kush Maini’s podium in 2017.

    “The podium is being hailed as a big milestone for the younger generation looking to break-through to higher levels of Formula racing. We are overwhelmed by the congratulatory messages and thank everyone who stood by us,” said Atikur Rehman, a former Indian national rally star and the force behind Jaden, who last year took a rookie podium in one of the two rounds he took part.

    The 16-year motorsports athlete from supported by Minerva’s Virtual Academy, Lyca Radio and Bobatree, scored a creditable Overall third place in Race 2. He overcame initial hiccups in the qualification session and took a P17 after slipping from P5 as he came for a tyre change and fell short of laps due to a red flag following an incident in front of him.

    Jaden Pariat, historic 3rd in six years after Kush Maini’s podium in 2017.

    Showing good pace and consistently the fastest of the four Phinsys by Argenti drivers in Thursday’s practice sessions, the teenager, from Northeast India, had high hopes of impressing as he started his first full year in the series. Joined on Saturday by lucky Lyca Radio competition winners who enjoyed VIP access to the British F4 paddock, Jaden was keen to put on a show for his guests. 
     
    Heading into qualifying on Saturday, Jaden was just 0.7s from pole position, but with the grid so closely matched, finished 18th fastest. However, his consistency paid off on second quickest times, as he would line up 13th for race one that afternoon and fourth for the reversed grid contest.
     
    Sadly, the teenager loaded the clutch too much on the line meaning the car switched off before the lights went out for the first race, falling down the order. However, he would have a chance to make amends as the red flag was shown when a rival went into the gravel. Starting 17th for the restart, he had a superb launch to gain two spots before he made it to turn one and, continuing to battle, making up five places in total, crossing the line 12th.
     
    Starting fourth for the fully reversed grid race, held in difficult, cool, and wet conditions on Sunday morning, Jaden drove well to avoid trouble with many of his rivals spinning off or coming into strife. Holding his own – when rival teammates came together in front of him – he crossed the line third for a superb maiden podium in the series. 
     
    The third and final race of the weekend provided yet more challenging conditions with rain falling once again – at times heavily – making for a slippery track surface. Marking a promising end to the opening weekend of the season, the young driver made up an excellent six places to finish 12th once again.

    Jaden R Pariat in action. All photos by Jakob Ebrey

     “Logging important points in the bag after a tough week-end, it was important to cash in on the little chances we had,” said Jaden, who had very little seat time in the Championship car.

    “I’m very satisfied with the results we achieved. I am super happy to have gotten an overall podium for Race 2. With wet conditions and a whole lot of chaos ahead of us, it is great work by the team. I am surrounded by the amazing support from everyone at Lyca Radio and my team Argenti. I can’t wait for the next race,” added Jaden.

    Jaden Pariat, #77
     
    Grid 1 – 13, R1 – 12
    G2 – 4, R2 – 3
    G3 – 18, R3 – 12
     
    Championship: 12 (11 points)
     
    “Qualifying was very tight. We definitely had the pace in the first stint, we were up with the front runners and well into the points. Unfortunately, on our second stint, it took some time for the tyres to come in, and then when it looked like we were set to complete our fastest lap, the red flag cut it short. We didn’t get the opportunity to see where we truly could have been, but it’s so close, so that could have happened to anyone, even one tenth can make such a huge difference.
     
    “For race one, the initial start wasn’t great. I loaded the clutch too much and the car switched off, but it happened just before the lights went out, so I did lose a little bit of time there, but I wasn’t too far behind the pack. The two laps that we had before the safety car, were pretty strong and we gained three places. Luckily, after the red flag we had a full restart, and I had a much better start that time, making up some places during the race.
     
    “Race two was really chaotic, with a lot of cars going off and a lot of drama happening in front of me, but we kept it clean. We played it smart, trying to always calculate what was about to happen. We were patient and in the end that really paid off. I’m really happy with third, it’s a great feeling to be back on the podium, and for it to come on the first weekend of the season is really promising.  
     
    “The third race was good, unfortunately we were held up a lot by the two cars I was battling with. We had the pace to be in the points, but it’s racing, and these things happen. I’m happy with how my race craft has been improving, I made two moves that I’m quite proud of. It’s sometimes difficult to find the correct balance of pushing to the limit and holding back, but I think we managed it well. There were a few close calls, but we kept it clean the whole weekend.
     
    “It’s been great to work with everyone at Argenti, we have a good relationship and continue to give each other input and feedback that has been pushing us forward together. I’m happy with how the team have been supporting me and the car they’ve given me this weekend. I hope I can bring home some more good results and podiums for them.
     
    “It was an honour to welcome the Lyca Radio competition winners into the paddock, as well as representatives from the station. To have achieved the podium whilst they were here to see was very special, and I can’t thank them enough for their continued support.” 

    The Championship now moves to Brands Hatch for the next three races on 6-7 May.

  • Bumper grid For ROKiT British F4 2023 Season Opener: Jaden Pariat

    Bumper grid For ROKiT British F4 2023 Season Opener: Jaden Pariat

    Donington Park (Leicestershire, UK), 19 April 2023: Changes for British F4 2023 include a complete grid reversal for race two which should ensure plenty of overtaking action. Also new is that the fastest time set in qualifying sets the pole position for race three. The weekend’s first race order is determined by the second-fastest time set in qualifying. 

    Who are the ones to watch? Jack Sherwood (Chris Dittmann Racing), Isaac Barashi and Jaden Pariat (Phinsys by Argenti), and James Higgins (Fortec Motorsport) return after their tasters at the end of 2022, with winter testing to help them prepare for their full 2023 campaigns. Rodin Carlin’s Louis Sharp has every chance of being a front-runner; the New Zealander finished fourth overall last year, with 12 podiums including two wins, despite being too young to compete in the first event of the year. Daniel Guinchard performed well in the Rookie class at Donington and has a year of experience and a race win under his belt before moving to CDR for 2023.

    New for 2023 includes Deagen Fairclough, ROKiT Racing Star esports winner. As 2022 British Kart champion and double World Finals winner, Gabriel Stilp arrives at Hitech Pulse-Eight with a strong pedigree. Fellow Hitech Pulse-Eight team-mate Will Macintyre is used to success, graduating to British F4 as Ginetta Junior Rookie Champion. Virtuosi’s Kai Daryanani chose yet another route to British F4, moving from karts to a UAE winter campaign in preparation. The full entry list will be revealed on Thursday.

    Donington Park’s National circuit layout is the drivers’ first chance to make their mark with the fantastic atmosphere of the TOCA paddock and crowds to spur them on. Among others, the Rookie Cup was won in 2015 by Dan Ticktum, now an NIO 33 Formula E driver, and Dennis Hauger (2018) who clinched his first Formula 2 win in Australia this month. Five rookies are set to compete for 2023 honours: Rodin Carlin’s Josh Irfan, Gustav Jonsson (CDR), Isaac Barashi (Argenti), Douwe Dedecker (Virtuosi), and Gabriel Stilp.

    It’s about more than drivers – teams compete too. Hitech Pulse-Eight’s Alex Dunne sealed the 2022 Drivers’ title, but it was Carlin that took the Teams’ Championship. Seven teams are battling for Teams Championship honours in 2023, all seasoned single-seater teams involved in pathways into or from British Formula 4. The highest two scoring entries per team count towards the Teams’ Championship points.

  • Indian karting star Jaden Pariat to race in British F4 for 2023

    Indian karting star Jaden Pariat to race in British F4 for 2023

    Bengaluru, 31 Jan 2023: A 14-year-old karter, sat in shock and disbelief in a corner, away from everyone and tried to let the disappointment sink in as he just lost the Championship by a whisker after a fierce fight in the last race and intense battle throughout the season. But just after about 8 minutes, Jaden Pariat got up, consoled himself and put up a composed self and went in search of his arch-rival Rohaan Madesh, to whom he just lost the title. Finding him in the parking lot, he congratulated him and his mother.

    This ‘gentleman’ quality at such a young age has made Jaden Pariat, a class apart. His aggressive driving and inherent talent shaped his skills and urge for speed and despite lack of experience, he became vice-champion in the Junior class (X30 2021) and made his presence felt. The flamboyant youngster from North East studied in a Boarding school in Delhi and raced in Bengaluru. Racing blood is in his genes. His father, Atikur Rehman who took part in Indian National Racing Championship (This reporter witnessed his creditable overall 2nd in K1000 1997 with co-driver Sanjeev Shah) in late nineties, brought him a buggy, after seeing the interest of his son, and the young Jaden used to drive around in the the farm near their Tea estates back home. After cutting his racing teeth at Meco Kartopia in 2020, and dabbling with open-wheel Formula cars at Chennai and Coimbatore for a few rounds, Jaden moved to international events in just 18 months, taking part in the last two rounds of the British F4. Now he signed up for a full season.

    Multi-faceted talent

    Jaden was also a skilled football player and has played for the Delhi team in the Under-14 Subroto Cup against Uzbekistan. He is a multi-faceted talent, with a flair for drama and dance and was a member of the Model United Nations, where he won an award in debate. He also used to play basketball and badminton besides being a good swimmer but motorsports, now, leaves him no time, for any of these childhood pass-times. The love for driving, which he first tasted “first hand” having laid his hands on the steering wheel, sitting on the lap of his dad’s long road trips from their business headquarters Guwahati, to ‘Pariat home’ in Laitkor Peak, Shillong, has taken over. Having entered the tough ‘grooming zone’, in Europe, at the right age, this talented racer is bound to go places if nurtured properly.

    Jaden joins Phinsys by Argenti

    Jaden Pariat, file photo by Jakob Ebrey

    Jaden will join leading UK single-seater team Phinsys by Argenti, for his first full F4 British Championship season in 2023, info received here from Torque said on Tuesday.  This makes it, two Indians in the British F4 this season. Another Indian-origin driver, Bengaluru-born Singaporean Dion Gowda, will be racing with Carlin team.

    An excited Jaden took to social media and announced his 2023 British F4 campaign. “After driving the F4 British Championship for the last two rounds of the 2022 season it only made sense to return to new British F4 season. The amount I learned on and off track during those two rounds of the championship was really incredible. With the level of teams and drivers on the grid and the technicality of the circuits in the calendar, it makes for one of the best driver development and experience gaining championships in the world,” he said. 
     
    Full F4 season in England

    After turning 16 years of age last week, he is set to move from his native Shillong in India to take up full time residence in the UK, focusing on building his international racing profile after an impressive debut weekend podium appearance last season.  “We chose Phinsys by Argenti as the team have had a great few years in the championship, bagging nine wins and multiple podiums. Michael’s vision to support and develop drivers in their first steps into single seaters was also very fitting to our needs. I am super excited for the upcoming season and look forward to what we can achieve together,” added Jaden.
     
    Jaden began his motorsport career in 2020, competing in the Meco FMSCI X30 National Karting Championship, becoming the first Indian karting rookie to gain a podium on his debut race. Returning for his second season, the youngster finished runner up, alongside parallel campaigns in MRF Challenge FLGB 1300 and the JK Tyre Championship. 
     
    In 2022, after testing MRF 1600 and F2000 machinery in India, Jaden travelled to the UK to sample the Tatuus T-421 and completed the final two rounds of the F4 British Championship at iconic venues Silverstone and Brands Hatch. 
     
    Stunning international debut podium

    Gaining silverware to commemorate his first international race weekend, the then 15-year-old impressed with a highest finish of seventh overall and second of the Rookies at Silverstone, a clear showing of his natural talent and potential. 

    Last year saw Pariat testing in the Tatuus T-421, which resulted in him competing in the last two race weekends of the 2022 ROKiT British F4 Championship. His best result from the six races was a very credible seventh place and second in the Rookies at Silverstone Round 26.

    Pariat is the third driver to sign for Argenti’s 2023 campaign, joining Isaac Barashi and Patrick Heuzenroeder. Since joining the Championship in 2020, Argenti has claimed nine race victories, most recently with drivers Aiden Neate, and Daniel Guinchard.

    Having competed in fewer than three race meetings, Jaden will be eligible for the Rookie Cup in addition to the Drivers’ Championship, giving the young racer further opportunities to fight for podiums in an ultra-competitive grid. 

    Michael Meadows, Team Principle, Phinsys by Argenti
     
    “Having tested Jaden last year, we were impressed with his performance but also his ability to learn and take on information. As a rookie this is a hugely important factor as they make the transition to F4. 
     
    “The team are very much looking forward to working with Jaden, helping him develop as a driver and achieving strong results in the F4 British Championship.”
     
    Jaden will be joining teammates with the Northamptonshire outfit, Argenti, having celebrated nine race victories and multiple podium appearances since joining the F4 British Championship in 2020. 

    Donington Park, Leicestershire hosts the season opener on 22-23 April, 2023. 

    Want to go racing abroad?

    Torque Motorsport is a marketing agency based in the heart of the UK’s ‘motorsport valley’, in Silverstone, just a stone’s throw from the home of the BRDC and British Grand Prix.
     
    It works with teams, drivers, championships, organising bodies, suppliers, sponsors, and more, providing a range of services, including PR, video, social media, web design and hosting, guest management, and livery design.

    Editor’s note: Drivers or parents who are looking to go abroad can contact Torque Motorsports.

  • Dion Gowda to race for Carlin in ROKit British F4 in 2023

    Dion Gowda to race for Carlin in ROKit British F4 in 2023

    Bengaluru, 1 Feb 2023: Dion Gowda, a Bengaluru-born karter will be racing in the ROKit British F4 Championship for 2023 with Carlin team. The grid will also have another Indian karting star, Jaden R Pariat, who made his debut in Bengaluru. (Editor’s note: added on 31 Jan 2023)

    A day after Carlin wrapped up the 2022 Teams’ Championship in the highly competitive junior series in October 22, it announced the signing up of Gowda. He will compete in his first season of single seater racing with the British team and had started a thorough test programme ahead of the first round in April.

    The 15-year-old Gowda has already been making a name for himself despite his young age. Racing in multiple kart championships the youngster has finished fourth in the ROK Cup Singapore and also competed in the X30 SouthEast Asia Championship.

    Born in India, but racing under a Singaporean flag, Gowda made the commitment to move to the UK to continue his racing career having fallen in love with the sport. Joining forces with karting legends Ricky FlynnMotorsport since the 2020 season, Gowda has been learning his craft in multiple championships.

    Gowda has already begun his preparations for the 2023 ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA season having embarked on a full pre-season testing programme, including simulator work at Carlin’s Farnham factory, before the opening round of the year gets underway in April at Donington Park.

    Speaking about the season ahead, Gowda said, “I’m hugely exited to join Carlin for my F4 racing debut. Carlin is one of the most successful racing teams in the world, so of course I was thrilled to confirm my place with them in British F4.

    “I have built a great relationship with the team already and preparations for 2023 are well underway. There will be a lot to learn in my first season stepping up from karting but I’m confident we will be competitive, and I can’t wait to go racing.”

    Racing Director Trevor Carlin added, “Dion is a very promising young driver with exactly the right attitude.  He’s keen to learn as much as possible at every test and has a fantastic approach both inside and outside the car.  For every rookie there is a lot to learn in the first season of single seaters but we’ve no doubt that Dion will adapt well to that challenge and be a great asset to the team.”

    About Dion Gowda

    Born in Bangalore, India, Dion’s racing career began at the young age of 9 with a visit to a Singaporean kart track, inspired by watching Formula 1 stars such as Lewis Hamilton on TV. 

    Dion quickly discovered a natural talent for driving in the Cadet (Mini 60) and Mini ROK categories of karting, and with the support of his family, moved to London to pursue his dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver himself. 

    In 2017, Dion joined the Kokoro Performance roster of drivers and took two podiums on his way to 4th overall in ROK Cup Singapore. Dion also competed in the X30 South East Asia Championship finishing 3rd in Round 3, before fighting in the top 10 of the X30 International Finals to round out the season. 

    Now 14, Dion enters his final yearof competing in World Championship Karting events for Ricky Flynn Motorsport. Success in the OK class takes Dion one step closer to achieving his dream of being the first driver from India to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix.

  • Jaden makes stunning debut in British F4 at Silverstone

    Jaden makes stunning debut in British F4 at Silverstone

    London, 27 Sept. 2022: Indian karting star Jaden Pariat secured a podium for Chris Dittmann Racing in the F4 British Championship at Silverstone during the weekend to get the maiden podium for his team in the season.

    Jaden’s second-place rookie cup finish represented Chris Dittmann Racing’s first podium position in the F4 British Championship this season. The championship will now have a two-week vacation before returning for the season finale at Brands Hatch on the weekend of October 8 and 9.

    Jaden, the first runner-up in the X30 National 2021, joined the squad alongside returnee Jack Sherwood to complete a two-car lineup for the last two rounds of the season. After a wet and gloomy Friday practice session, the sun shone brightly on Saturday, when Jaden competed in his first qualifying session. A red flag was raised at half distance, upsetting the two teenage racers as they sought to achieve their fastest speeds, before returning to green with less than ten minutes remaining. In the end, Jack finished 17th and Jaden finished 19th, making the races a tough struggle but a terrific learning opportunity for the two.

    Jack went up four places into 13th on the first lap of race one, before moving into the top 10 as turmoil up ahead forced a number of cars to fall down the order. Jaden had gained two positions on the start after recovering from a stall on the grid, but the race was interrupted by a Safety Car.

    When racing resumed, the duo did well to avoid further trouble amongst the front runners, which brought out a second Safety Car, and, as the cars settled back into the race, Jaden made the move on Isaac Barashi to cross the line 11th, with Jack ahead in eighth to score his second top ten finish in just his seventh race in the series. Despite another grid stall, Jaden moved up two positions to 17th on the first lap of race two.

    The teenage racer took advantage of other drivers’ errors and flew into 13th place. From then, it was a stunning sprint to the finish line for the 15-year-old, who crossed ninth overall and second among rookies, earning a Rookie Cup podium spot on his first weekend, which was later boosted to seventh overall owing to post-race penalties for other drivers. Unfortunately for Jack, early collision damaged his front wing, requiring him to pit for a replacement. Re-emerging in 19th, the teenager had a tough struggle through the pack, but he managed to keep out of trouble and cross the finish 15th. Race three got off to a dramatic start, with a stopped vehicle on the grid prompting a crash. Jaden swerved onto the grass as an evasive manoeuvre, but recovered well before the Safety Car was deployed to clean debris on the track. On lap five, with the time ticking down, it made its way into the pitlane before returning straight back to reclaim another vehicle.

    When racing began again, there were fewer than eight minutes left, and both Jack and Jaden got away strongly on the restart, moving up to 12th and 15th position, respectively. Further contact ahead brought out the third Safety Car of the race, but with barely one minute remaining, the race was called off. Jaden’s second place rookie cup finish marked the first podium appearance for Chris Dittmann Racing in the F4 British Championship this season, rewarding the team’s continued hard work and dedication. There is now a two week break before the championship returns.