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Tag: featured
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Jorge Martínez “Aspar” pays tribute to Ángel Nieto by naming team after Spanish legend
Gelete Nieto returns to the place he called home for several years as he takes over the reins of the newly-named Ángel Nieto Team, an exciting project that covers every level of motorcycle racing, from the Spanish Championship and Moto3 Junior World Championship to the elite stage of the Moto3 and MotoGP World Championships.
“Ángel Nieto is synonymous with motorcycle racing, a sport that gave him so much and to which he gave so much in return. Motorcycle racing is what it is in Spain thanks to the man who laid the first stone and we want to pay homage to that fact by renaming our team the Ángel Nieto Team,” explained Jorge Martínez “Aspar”, Nieto’s great rival on track and great friend off it.A four-time World Champion himself, Jorge Martínez “Aspar” will continue to pay tribute to his compatriot on track with the Ángel Nieto Team, a project that will be led by Nieto’s eldest son Gelete from youth development to MotoGP.
“You would always learn so much from being alongside him. Ángel helped so many people, me amongst others, and he was an important part of my life, as are his sons Gelete and Pablo and his nephew Fonsi. Ángel was particularly excited about this whole project. He trusted me to give Gelete his start in racing and he told me, “I know that with you he will learn.” To be able to pay tribute to his memory and continue with this project in the hands of his eldest son, who was one of the first to ride for my team, gives me enormous pride.”Gelete Nieto competed with the Aspar Team from 1993 to 1997 and picked up a European Championship victory in Barcelona and another in the Spanish Championship at Jerez, as well as making 28 Grand Prix appearances.
“I took my first steps in racing with Jorge Martínez “Aspar”, he guided me to the top step of the podium in the European and Spanish Championships. He has always been an important person to our family and alongside him I am now about to start a new chapter of my professional life in a team that will carry the name of my father. 2016 was his 50th season in the World Championship and I am sure he would have loved to be around for a few more. Motorcycles were his way of life and through this team we will make sure he remains in touch with his great passion,” said Gelete.
Gelete was the first of the Nieto family to race in the team run by Jorge Martínez “Aspar”, soon to be followed by his brother Pablo and cousin Fonsi. The trio, along with Ángel Nieto, were part of a team that enjoyed some of their best moments together, with standout moments like Pablo’s victory in the Grand Prix of Portugal in 2003 and Fonsi’s 250cc World Championship runner-up season of 2002.Jorge Martínez “Aspar” added that Ángel Nieto “was the reason why so many Spaniards, including myself, his sons and so many others, wanted to dedicate our lives to racing and became champions of our passion. Thanks to him, we have the best fans in the world. Ángel will live forever, he will never leave our hearts and with this gesture he will be even more in our minds, if that were possible, as we continue to produce champions and keep the flame of our passion for this sport alive.”
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Karter Akshay passes away in a road accident; Aaroh excels in Pro-Sr class: Pune IndiKarting
Pune: Overwhelming response saw 119 karters take part in India’s last karting race of the season, the IndiKarting Go-Kart Race as participants from across all categories revved up their engines and showcased their talent here on Tuesday.
The successful event was, however, marred by some sad news, later that night put the entire racing community into grief. A pal of gloom engulfed as news came in that Akshay Patil passed away in a road accident. Akshay finished runner-up in the Pro-Senior Category. In case of any type of accidents, it is important to first contact motorcycle accident lawyers in Green, Waters Ogle and McCarter, who can help us proceed with the legal procedures.
The Pro-Junior and Senior classes saw some refreshing new faces. Reigning National Champion Aaroh Ravindra, had technical issues and qualified well down the order in 8th. Akshay Patil from Pune drove a brilliant Race 1 to climb from fifth to win the race while Jonathan Kuriakose and Aaroh Ravindra came second and third respectively. Race 2 was the reverse grid, where Aaroh showed his class starting from seventh, steadily climbed up the order in the 16 laps to win the race ahead of Rahul Deshpande and Monish Jain. In case of accidents, click here now to get legal help. There are ways to get legal help even after bowling injury and other accident cases.
Eventually, it was Aaroh who received the overall winner’s trophy, with Akshay Patil and Rahul Deshpande runner-up & third respectively, in the Pro Senior. Jonathan Kuriakose won the Pro Junior followed by Neil Gandhi from Mumbai. The personal injury lawyers from Malloy Law Offices, LLC can assist with injury cases.
The Pro-Cadet witnessed intense competition and very exciting racing across all three races. So close were the overall results that the three racers were tied on points at the top. Pune’s Sai Shiva Sankaran with a victory in the last race was first, ahead of Pune’s Ranvir Singh, who also won a race. Mumbai’s Hoshmand Elavia came in third. The injury lawyers located in Framingham area is what one needs to deal with the legalities of any injury related case.
The Senior Amateur category meant for racers without prior success was as usual hotly contested. Sarvesh Bode from Pune, Mumbai’s Sujosh Sen, and Mohd. Raza Sheikh from Pune sealed the podium.
The Senior Open witnessed the highest number of entries with 21 participants. Karthik Muthuswamy from Bangalore won a really close race ahead of the Bhui brothers from Mumbai – Aman, and Suraj.
Aman Singh Bhui (Chandrabhan Sharma College) won the Inter-College category ahead of Akshay More (Bandodkar College) and Asad Kadegaongar (Coplen University, Singapore). Pratham Chaoudhary (Fountain Gate) won the Inter School category ahead of Rohaan Aggarwal (Cathedral and John Connon, Mumbai). Kshitij Mahajani (Bishops) was third.
Suraj Bhui of Amrit Elastomers won the Corporate Category ahead of Jatin Vora of Jet Airways and Arish Daver from Indigo Airlines. Mayank Kundu won the Senior Plus category ahead of Mohd. Raza Shaikh and Kejas Shah. Mithlesh Jain won the Women’s Category ahead of Aishwarya Dhumal and Naomi Aggarwal. The Master Category saw a close fight too with Arish Daver emerging winner ahead of Clive Joshua and Kejas Shah.
The entire racing fraternity was shocked with grief, when early next morning news came in, of the tragic passing away of Akshay Patil in a road accident. Akshay finished runner-up
IndiKarting races at Pune attracted 119 entries. A photo by Rayo Racing in the Pro Senior Category and was a much loved and popular racer who will always be fondly remembered by the racing fraternity.
eom/Rayo Racing Release
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Gill rules the night stages of Rally of Arunachal: INRC
Itanagar, (Arunachal Pradesh), 23 Dec 2017: King of Indian motorsports and reigning Asia Pacific Rally Championship, Gaurav Gill of Team Mahindra Adventure moved closer to another National title as he won along with long-time co-driver Musa Sherif, the Rally of Arunachal, the fifth and penultimate round of the MRF fmsci Indian National Rally Championship at Ziro on Saturday. With three wins, Gill has 75 points and is leading the table with Dean Mascarenhas in second place with 63 points.
Fresh from his victory at the APRC championship victory at Chikkamagaluru, where he could not take part in the INRC which were held simultaneously. With the Mangalorean Musa Sherif making the calls, Gill was at this best speeding away through the Special Stages, as night stages made a comeback to add flavour to the first rally in the North East in the INRC on Friday.
Young Turk Dean Mascarenhas of Mangalore came overall second and won his class, INRC3. Amittrajit Ghosh (co-driver Ashwin Naik) came third.
Younus Ilyas and Harish Kumar won the INRC2 class edging out Rahul Kanthraj and Vivek Y Bhatt, who finished fifth overall, were leading the championship table in their class with only K-1000 round remaining in January. The South India Rally in Chennai is not likely to happen for want of calendar time as K1000 in Bengaluru is already pushed to the New Year.
Karna Kadur and Arjun Rao failed to finish the rally due to mechanical problems.
Provisional Results:
INRC: 1. Gaurav Gill (Musa Sherif); 2. Dean Mascarenhas (Shruptha Padival); 3. Amittrajit Ghosh (Ashwin Naik);
INRC 2: 1. Younus Ilyas (Harish Kumar); 2. Rahul Kanthraj (Vivek Y Bhatt); 3. Jacob KJ (Venu Ramesh Kumar);
INRC 3: 1. Dean Mascarenhas (Shruptha Padival); 2. Daraius Shroff (Nitin Jacob); 3. Dr Punyabrata Barma (Mrinmoy Saha).eom/
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Gill looking to conquer new territory in the North-East: INRC
Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh), 21 Dec 2017: The King of Indian Motorsports and current Asia Pacific Rally Champion Gaurav Gill has come back to the fmsci Indian National Rally Championship, perhaps the penultimate round of this year’s calendar with only K-1000 remaining at Bengaluru next month. The postponed rounds now appear to have a slim chance of being organised as the 5th round begins in the North-Eastern territory, a new entrant into the INRC. Title sponsor MRF are all set for the Rally of Arunachal, which began today with the key contest being on Sunday.
Despite not taking part in the INRC leg of the 4th round which was held along with APRC in the Coffee land of Chikmagalur, Gill, still leads the field with 50 points along with navigator Musa Sherif, after two victories for Team Mahindra Adventure. Karna Kadur who won the INRC category in the last round for the second successive year is five points behind. Kadur is also the defending champion.
Dean Mascarenhas is leading the INRC3 class. Overall, Dean, who came back with his old navigator Shruptha Padival at Chikmagalur, has 43 points. But the duo lead their class with 75 points.
ARKA motorsports’ Karna and Nikhil Pai are back in the fray, despite a non-finish in Round 3, the Rally of Jaipur.
Karna yielded his pre-eminent position in the INRC 2 class to Rahul Kanthraj and Vivek Y Bhatt, who has managed a 2, 1, 2 finish so far. He is fourth in the INRC standings with 37 points.
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Drugovich wins all races, takes 71-point lead: MRF Challenge
Abu Dhabi, 15 Dec 2017: Brazilian driver Felipe Drugovich continued his unbelievable run at the M
From Left: Vicky Chandhok, Falchero, Drugovich, Kalmthout. An MRF image by Aditya Bedre RF Challenge in Abu Dhabi by winning the first three races of the weekend. GP3 French driver Julien Falchero finished 2nd in two races and 3rd in the other but was no match for the flying Brazilian. Drugovich has a 71 point lead with 5 races still to go.
Race 1: Starting on pole position, Drugovich got the perfect start with Falchero losing out to Presley Martono. Rinus van Kalmthout’s weekend went from bad to worse when he collided with Robert Wagner putting both drivers out on the spot. This brought out the safety car. When the safety car went in on lap 4, Drugovich easily pulled away while Martono had his hands full with Falchero.
Behind them Louis Gachot and Alex Karkosik fought for 4th place. The safety car came out again when Michael Amendalo stopped in turn 9. With just two laps remaining, Drugovich coasted to an easy win with Martono holding off Falchero for 2nd. Gachot finished in 4th ahead of Karkosik and Danial Frost.
Race 2: In the reverse grid based Race 2, Frost made the perfect getaway with Gachot slotting into 2nd, ahead of Falchero and fast starting Drugovich. On lap 2 Gachot tried to pass Frost but ended up hitting him and putting him out at the spot. Falchero tried to take advantage and pass Gachot only for Drugovich to get past both drivers and storm into the lead. The safety car came out as Frost’s car was taken out of harm’s way.
Martono got past a recovering Gachot for 4th place, who was later given a 20 second penalty for his collision with Frost.. At the front there was no stopping Drugovich who took his second win of the weekend. Falchero finished in 2nd place ahead of Karkosik and Martono. Nazim Azman got his best finish of the season in 5th while van Kalmthout came from 17th place to finish 6th.
Race 3: For the third race in succession, Drugovich made the perfect start and led into turn 1 while Falchero lost out to Karkosik and Martono. On lap 3 Martono tried to pass Karkosik but both drivers collided, allowing Falchero to get past in to 2nd place. Karkosik was forced to retire and Martono, who suffered front wing damage, also retired later in the race. Van Kalmthout, who started in 16th place, was amazingly upto 3rd after 4 laps.
Drugovich pulled away to another win while Falchero came in 2nd, just ahead of a charging van Kalmthout. Amendalo came in 4th place ahead of Manuel Maldonado and Azman.
Championship leader Felipe Drugovich, commented, “The car just suits this circuit and I love driving here. The second race was more challenging than the other as I took advantage of the chaos in front of me and got to the front. After that it was all about maintaining the pace and ensuring we finished in front. A big thank you to my engineer and mechanics for making this happen.”
Julien Falchero was happy to finish on the podium in all the races. He commented, “Congratulations to Felipe (Drugovich) as he was the quickest this weekend. Our races were not as straight forward but we managed to get the maximum. There is one more race to go this weekend so hope I can get to the top step to finish off what has been a good weekend for me.”
For more information please visit: www.mrfracing.in
MRF Challenge 2017, Round 3, Abu Dhabi, Race 1:
S.No. Driver Name Total Time 1. Felipe DRUGOVICH 25:50.742 2. Presley MARTONO 25:53.085 3. Julien FALCHERO 25:53.605 4. Louis GACHOT 25:54.448 5. Alex KARKOSIK 25:54.885 MRF Challenge 2017, Round 3, Abu Dhabi, Race 2:
S.No. Driver Name Total Time 1. Felipe DRUGOVICH 25:52.221 2. Julien FALCHERO 25:54.098 3. Alex KARKOSIK 25:56.089 4. Presley MARTONO 25:57.277 5. Nazim AZMAN 26:00.283 MRF Challenge 2017, Round 3, Abu Dhabi, Race 3:
S.No. Driver Name Total Time 1. Felipe DRUGOVICH 21:58.696 2. Julien FALCHERO 22:12.174 3. Rinus van KALMTHOUT 22:13.195 4. Michael AMENDALO 22:26.080 5. Manuel MALDONADO 22:31.418 -
Drugovich dominated Day 1: MRF Challenge 2017
Abu Dhabi, 14 Dec 2017: Championship leader Felipe Drugovich dominated day 1 of the MRF Challenge 2017 at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi after topping both practice sessions and qualifying on pole position. His closes competitor was French driver Julien Falchero, who finished 2nd in all sessions. Alex Karkosik will start in 3rd place, ahead of Presley Martono and Louis Gachot.
The opening practice session of the weekend started with all cars going out in unison on the mighty Yas Marina circuit. With none of the drivers having even sampled the circuit, the session was spent gathering useful data. Drugovich wasted no time and immediately went fast with a 2:13.683. Van Kalmthout and Falchero then took turns exchanging times at the top. Drugovich set a time of 2:10.173 to go one second faster than the rest of the pack to end the session. Falchero came closest, albeit half a second off the top spot. Van Kalmthout was 3rd ahead of Martono and Sweden’s Henning Enqvist.
Free practice 2 saw the drivers concentrating on their race runs with the result being no different. Drugovich was still fastest, ahead of Falchero and van Kalmthout, with all drivers a second slower than the pace they set in the morning. Martono was once again in 4th place, ahead of Danial Frost and Alex Karkosik.
In qualifying, Karkosik set a 2:11.974 to move to the top of the standings only for Drugovich to beat him with a 2:11.509. The session was red-flagged with 12 minutes to go as championship contender van Kalmthout crashed. He will start from 12th place, dealing his championship hopes a big blow.
When the session resumed it was a straight fight between Drugovich and Falchero, who traded fastest laps till the last lap. Finally it was Drugovich who put in a 2:10.637 to claim pole position. Falchero will start beside him with Karkosik and Martono on row 2. Louis Gachot will start in 5th place after another impressive qualifying session.
Championship leader Felipe Drugovich, commented, “It was really hard out there as we were struggling with grip and some parts of the car. Julien (Falchero) was quick and it was fun to see us trading fastest laps. Starting on pole is always important so look forward to the race and hope to do my best.”
Julien Falchero, who was the only one close enough to challenge Falchero, commented, “Congrats to Felipe as he was too quick. I tried to stay close to him in qualifying but was having too much understeer. I am happy with 2nd and think we can challenge for the win tomorrow.”
Live Timing: http:// http://livetiming.getraceresults.com/abudhabi#screen-results
For more information please visit: www.mrfracing.in
MRF Challenge 2017, Round 3, Abu Dhabi, Free Practice 1:
S.No. Driver Name Time 1. Felipe DRUGOVICH 2:10.173 2. Julien FALCHERO 2:10.628 3. Rinus VAN KALMTHOUT 2:10.929 4. Presley MARTONO 2:11.518 5. Henning ENQVIST 2:11.604 MRF Challenge 2017, Round 3, Abu Dhabi, Free Practice 2:
S.No. Driver Name Time 1. Felipe DRUGOVICH 2:11.000 2. Julien FALCHERO 2:11.258 3. Rinus VAN KALMTHOUT 2:11.520 4. Presley MARTONO 2:11.758 5. Danial FROST 2:12.063 MRF Challenge 2017, Round 3, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying:
S.No. Driver Name Time 1. Felipe DRUGOVICH 2:10.637 2. Julien FALCHERO 2:11.128 3. Alex KARKOSIK 2:11.182 4. Presley MARTONO 2:11.330 5. Louis GACHOT 2:11.645 Felipe Drugovich. MRF image by Aditya Bedra -
Energica to supply motorcycles for FIM Moto-e World Cup
Italian innovator Energica will be the single manufacturer for the FIM Moto-e World Cup when engines switch on in 2019The FIM Moto-e World Cup is becoming a reality in 2019, ushering in the beginning of a new era for two-wheeled motorsport: competition on electric motorcycles. Dorna is delighted to announce that the supplier for this new and exciting prospect will be Italian innovator Energica. The model that will be used by teams in the new competition will be a tuned version of Energica Ego.
Energica Motor Company, based in the motorsport-rich area of Modena, created the world’s first Italian racing-bred electric motorcycle and has since redefined the possible on the street and within the sector. Working in perfect harmony with the experience, passion, and expertise of parent company the CRP Group, Energica and the Ego will provide the FIM Moto-e World Cup with the world-beating performance but zero emissions – taking high-octane yet electric-powered competition from concept to thrilling, high-speed reality.
Vito Ippolito, FIM President, comments: “The FIM is very happy to support the development of new technologies, of which the new FIM Moto-e World Cup is an example. Energica is proving itself to be a reliable and expert leader in this sector and with the highly qualified support of Dorna we are sure that we are taking the road to success.”
Livia Cevolini, CEO Energica Motor Company S.p.A, says: “We are proud to have been chosen by Dorna and we are already committed to this project. The passion for engines is what brought us here, to build new dream vehicles right in the beating heart of the Italian Motor Valley, Modena, Italy. We took the electric field to another level: each Energica undergoes quality control and performance tests, and our R&D department is always focused on new technologies and their practical application. Our history comes from racing, our passion for this sector has never faded. Moto-e is an excellent project. After all, it is what we hoped since our racing years, now it can be managed professionally thanks to Dorna and its unique and long-lasting experience.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, adds: “The FIM Moto-e World Cup is a new and exciting project for Dorna, and it makes us very proud to announce Energica will be the supplier in this new venture. We believe in excellence, quality, and performance and we cannot think of a better collaborator with whom to launch the FIM Moto-e World Cup. Energica are an industry-leading and innovative company and we look forward to the incredible spectacle of electric-powered racing together.”
eom/press release -
APRC champ Gaurav Gill lights up the FIA gala prize-giving for all Indians
Gaurav Gill at the FIA gala prize-giving along with Dr Shilpa Gill, in Versailles Paris on Saturday, 9th Dec 2017. An FIA image by Jean Marie Hervio. Image updated on 11 Dec, 6.30pm IST The King of Indian Motorsports, Gaurav Gill, receiving the honours was the highlight of the annual gala show for all Indians as was the presentation of the FIA Formula One World Drivers’ Championship Trophy to Lewis Hamilton.
Gill is the only Indian Driver to have won the title and invited by the FIA for the Gala Awards night, revered as the Oscars of motorsport.
Gill, the 36-year-old speed maestro from New Delhi defended his Asia Pacific Rally Championship, winning the title for the third time. Gill is the only Indian among the various winners of different world championships. The MRF driver has brute speed and inherent talent and has been punching above his weight year after year despite having minimum seat-time and other key limitations. Unfortunately, his passion and commitment to motorsport seem to have hit a road-block as he finds in a funny situation with no sponsor coming forward to push him to a better platform, like the World Rally Championship or even a Euro event, to showcase his immense talent to the world.
Gill actually started racing bikes, to begin with, and entered the competitive world of Indian motorsports in the National motocross championship in 1999. He also won National championship titles multiple times. He won the National Road Racing Championship in 2004 and 2006 before moving to the India’s National Rally Championship which he won in 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013 (SUV), and 2014. And in 2015 he is nominated by the FMSCI for the Arjuna Award, an Indian national award for sporting excellence, by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) to the Government of India.
In 2016, he created a record of sorts winning all the rounds of the FIA APRC before rounding it off in our very own well-conducted Rally of 1000 corners in the Coffee Estates of Chikmagalur. By now the genial giant of Indian Motorsport should have been winning titles and rubbing shoulders with the best in the World Rally scene but is yet get a deal. Last year, Mahindra showed interest and drew up plans but nothing is heard after that.
After winning the championship in Chikmagalur last month, the muted celebrations hinted a tinge of disappointment despite giving his best and beyond to brighten the Indian Rally scene for many years now. However, according to a grapevine, Gill is likely to go to Dakar next year as part of a four-wheeler team, details of which are yet to be made public.
Hamilton, cynosure of all eyes
Hamilton, the Mercedes driver lifted the World Championship trophy for the fourth time in his career, a remarkable feat that puts him level with French Formula One legend Alain Prost and his great rival for this year’s title, German driver Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari.
The Briton took nine victories during 2017, scored points in every grand prix of the season and along the way established a new benchmark of 72 career pole positions, beating Michael Schumacher’s previous record of 68. However, despite the record-breaking season, he said that he could not see himself eclipsing the German great’s seven championship titles.
“It’s taken me 10 years to achieve four,” said Hamilton. “I currently don’t have that desire to match [Schumacher’s] seven, but matching Fangio [who scored five titles] would be quite cool. Given that I‘m going to be here for at least another couple of years, that’s my goal. To try and at least get that. We [he and Mercedes] definitely have more championships to win together.”
In rallying, Sébastien Ogier’s fifth consecutive FIA World Rally Championship title puts the Frenchman into sole second place in the list of multiple title winners, ahead of legendary flying Finns Juha Kankkunen and Tommi Makinen.
Ogier’s 2017 championship victory is perhaps his sweetest to date, coming after the departure of the all-conquering Volkswagen factory team with which he had achieved his previous four titles, and being achieved with privateer outfit M-Sport.
Ogier said: “It’s amazing and we are very proud that we managed it again this year, because I think everyone is aware of the challenge we had to face with the retirement of our old team, and we had to find a new solution at the last minute. I think it’s been a very difficult season for us: very exciting, and very open, with a lot of different winners in WRC, but it’s nice to come out on top once again and to be here today to grab the trophy for a fifth time.”
In the FIA World Endurance Championship, Germany’s Timo Bernhard and New Zealand duo Earl Bamberand Brendon Hartley took the Drivers’ Championship title, helping Porsche to sign-off on a four-season stint in the Championship with a third successive manufacturers’ title.
A mid-season hot streak of four wins gave the trio a solid platform, and second-place finishes at the final two events were enough to seal a maiden title for Bamber and second championship crowns for Bernhard and Hartley, who also took the crown with Porsche in 2015.
“From the word go it was a tense battle this season,” said Hartley. “The first round at Silverstone was won or lost by about six seconds and when you’re second that’s quite a brutal result, so we knew it would be tough. But winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans helped our cause a lot, so yes, it was an intense battle but fortunately, we were up to the job.”
There were also new global trophies up for grabs in the FIA WEC, with the LMGTE Pro category being elevated to World Championship status in 2017. And it was Ferrari that emerged as the team champions, with the Italian squad’s pairing of James Calado and Alessandro Pier Guidi emerged victoriously.
In the FIA World Touring Car Championship, Sweden’s Thed Björk made history, not just in winning his first FIA world title but also in becoming WTCC’s final champion in its current form, with the series bowing out from today, to be replaced by a new series, the WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup in 2018. Over the course of a rollercoaster campaign, Volvo Polestar driver Björk scored two wins and seven podium finishes to beat Honda’s Norbert Michelisz in a titanic battle that went down to the wire at the final event in Qatar.
Sweden’s 2017 haul of world drivers’ titles was doubled by Johan Kristofferson who took a maiden FIA World Rallycross Championship title ahead of compatriot Mattias Ekström.
Ekström opened his title defence with a trio of victories but after scoring his first win of the season in Belgium, Kristofferson rattled off a five-event run of victories to establish that allied to a final-round win in South Africa carried him to the title.
The FIA’s future-focused, all-electric 2016/17 Formula E Championship was won by Lucas Di Grassi who took the title at the end of a nail-biting, down-to-the-wire fight with defending champion Sébastien Buemi. The Swiss racer took six wins to Di Grassi’s two, but the Brazilian was a model of consistency, scoring five further podiums and three pole positions to edge the battle as Buemi suffered a series of second half mishaps and a brace of missed races due to other racing commitments.
A number of special FIA awards were handed out on the night. For a remarkable third year in a row, Max Verstappen won the FIA Personality of the Year while the FIA Action of the Year Awards went to WRC driverEsapekka Lappi for his spectacular 33m, 120kph flight over the Fafe jump at Rally de Portugal. Formula 2 Champion Charles Leclerc, recently announced 2018 Formula 1 driver with the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team, won the Rookie of the Year Award.
The FIA President’s Award was this year expanded not only to incorporate those that have displayed courage, determination and sportsmanship but to also include those that have contributed greatly to the broader FIA community. The first of two awards in the category was presented to Jean-Charles Decaux, Co-Chief Executive Officer of the JCDecaux Group.
In 2017, in partnership with the outdoor advertising giant, the FIA embarked upon an ambitious campaign named #3500LIVES that brings key road safety messages to a global audience using the JCDecaux’s advertising spaces around the world. To date, the campaign has generated an estimated 1.5 billion views in 900 cities in more than 75 countries.
The second FIA President’s Award was presented to Billy Monger, the young British driver who in April 2017, at the age of just 17, suffered a horrific accident while competing in Formula 4. The crash resulted in Billy losing both legs, but his response was truly inspirational. Displaying immense courage and positivity he vowed to return to motor racing and just 11 weeks after sustaining life-changing injuries he was back behind the wheel of a specially adapted endurance car.
The stars of the future were also honoured in Paris, with champions from across the FIA single-seater pyramid being presented with their trophies. In Formula 3, Briton Lando Norris , took an emphatic title win in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship, taking nine wins from 30 races in 10 event weekends. In Formula 4, the winners from 12 championships (Australia, Britain, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latin America, North East Europe, the UAE, Spain, the US and South East Asia) were awarded their trophies.
CIK-FIA World Karting Champions Dexter Patterson, Paolo de Conto, and Danny Keirle were also awarded their trophies, marking an important milestone in what will likely become fascinating careers in motorsport.
eom/with inputs from FIA release
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Drugovich extends lead in MRF Challenge 2017
David Bodapati
Dubai: 9 Dec 2017: Brazilian Felipe Drugovich recovered from Friday’s disappointment to win a Race 3 in Round 2 and also came second in Race 4 of the MRF Challenge 2017 here on Saturday.
In Race 3, Drugovich overtook Martono on Lap 2 and pushed the latter to 2nd place with Karkosik coming in 3rd. However, Martono struck back in Race 4 to take his first win of the season beating Drugovich and Rinus van Kalmthout came in third. Drugovich currently leads the championship with 150 points, ahead of Martono (132) and van Kalmthout (124).
Martono finally got a good start off the line in Race 3 as he led into the first corner with Felipe Drugovich tucked up right behind him. Drugovich immediately piled on the pressure and got past the Indonesian driver with a daring move down the inside into turn 12. Behind them there was action all race as Harri Jones, Karkosik and Falchero did battle. All drivers were given a warning for dangerous driving on the track. Karkosik passed Jones to move into 3rd place. At the front, Martono stayed with Drugovich but was unable to get close enough to attempt a pass. The Brazilian driver took his 4th win of the season.
Karkosik crossed the line in 3rd place. Danial Frost and Falchero finished in 4th & 5th places respectively but both were disqualified due to technical infringements on their cars. Jones was promoted to 6th place only to be given a 20-second penalty for overtaking outside track limits. After all penalties, Robert Megennis, Michale Amendola and Manuel Maldonado finished in 4th, 5th, and 6th places respectively. Championship contender van Kalmthout had a gear shift problem and dropped to last before recovering to finish in 9th position.
The final race of the weekend saw van Kalmthout starting on pole alongside Martono for Race 4. The Indonesian driver had another good start and took the lead as they headed into the first corner. There was trouble at the back as Maldonado and Frost collided, bring out the safety car. When the safety car came in on lap 4, Martono had both van Kalmthout and Drugovich on his tail. Drugovich managed to pass van Kalmthout to take 2nd place.
Drugovich then had Martono in his sights for the rest of the four laps, but the Indonesian just had enough to take his maiden win of the season. Van Kalmthout completed the podium with Karkosik in 4th. However, Karkosik was later disqualified for failing to serve a drive-through penalty, for a jump start. Jones finished in 4th place ahead of Falchero.
Championship leader Felipe Drugovich, commented, “Today was a really good day so I am very happy to extend my championship lead. Especially after we had that problem yesterday, today’s win was sweet. I really enjoy driving this circuit.”
Presley Martono was thrilled to win his first race after showing great pace the whole weekend. He commented, “I have been having a problem with my starts but today in race 4 I really nailed it. When the safety car came out I knew I would have a tough time keeping the two guys behind me. But the car was good so to take my first win here feels good.”
Round 2: Race 3: 1. Felipe Drugovich 19:45.535; 2. Presley Martono 19:46.295; 3. Alex Karkosik 19:52.310. Race 4: 1. Presley Martono 24:14.432; 2. Felipe Drugovich 24:15.133; 3. Rinus van Kalmthout 24:16.045.
Championship Positions after Round 2 (provisional):
Championship Positions after Round 2 (provisional): 1. Felipe Drugovich 150 points; 2. Presley Martino 132; 3. Rinus van Kalmthout 124; 4. Julien Falchero 102; 5. Alex Karkosik 74.
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“You would always learn so much from being alongside him. Ángel helped so many people, me amongst others, and he was an important part of my life, as are his sons Gelete and Pablo and his nephew Fonsi. Ángel was particularly excited about this whole project. He trusted me to give Gelete his start in racing and he told me, “I know that with you he will learn.” To be able to pay tribute to his memory and continue with this project in the hands of his eldest son, who was one of the first to ride for my team, gives me enormous pride.”
Gelete was the first of the Nieto family to race in the team run by Jorge Martínez “Aspar”, soon to be followed by his brother Pablo and cousin Fonsi. The trio, along with Ángel Nieto, were part of a team that enjoyed some of their best moments together, with standout moments like Pablo’s victory in the Grand Prix of Portugal in 2003 and Fonsi’s 250cc World Championship runner-up season of 2002.
