INDIA in F1

Tag: Geoffrey Emmanuel

  • Historic hattrick of wins for Johann; brother Geoffrey adds spice with 3 podiums: Qatar Superbike championship

    Historic hattrick of wins for Johann; brother Geoffrey adds spice with 3 podiums: Qatar Superbike championship

    Lusail, Qatar – 18 November 2024: Indian racing brothers Johann and Geoffrey Emmanuel marked a historic moment for Indian motorsport at the final races of the Qatar Superbike Championship, held at the Losail International Circuit (LIC). With Johann clinching three wins and Geoffrey earning 3 podium finishes, their performances exemplified India’s rising prominence on the international racing stage. The final races concluded here on Saturday. “It is a big kick to get victory on such a big stage and a bigger moment holding the Indian flag on the podium… it is a moment of pride and honour that I will cherish forever,” said Johann.

    Organised by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and Lusail International Circuit (LIC), the championship provided a platform for the Indian drivers to showcase their superb skills and immense talent on the internationally-renowned Circuit. A total of 48 competitors participated in the fourth round. On Friday, riders and drivers completed their free practice and qualifying sessions and the postponed Race 2 of Round 1 in March 2024 due to rains was also held on Saturday.

    Johann Emmanuel on the podium. All photos by Christopher Rio Odukwe

    The postponed Round 1 of QSSP 300 Race witnessed intense competition for the top position on the podium as Johann Emmanuel emerged victorious with a time of 19 minutes 18.511 seconds, with Marton Bellelli claiming second place at 19 minutes 18.549 seconds, and Mahmoud Elbanna rounding out the podium at 19 minutes 18.847 seconds.

    Racing Legacy of the Emmanuel Family

    The Emmanuel brothers are the sons of legendary Indian rider Emmanuel Jebaraj, a 10-time National Champion (7 in circuit racing and three in Drag Nationals), winner of Malaysian races (7 years in Malaysia), and 18 years (1995 to 2012), currently mentor to numerous Indian racing stars. Jebaraj, with over 50 high-profile wins, is not only a celebrated rider but also a driving force in nurturing Indian talent through his roles with Gusto India Racing, Alpha Racing, and Red Hills KTM Racing. His contributions to Indian motorsport, including his role as race director for the first MotoGP World Championship in India, set the stage for his sons’ success. The Rossi and Schumy fan was also the mentor and selector for the first Indian Mini GP.

    Jebaraj: More than a dad, he is a friend and mentor, behind the screens (Courtesy Instagram)

    Stellar Performances at Lusail – the Report

    Collegian Johann Emmanuel from Chennai scripted history by becoming the first Indian to win all three races in the 300 SSP category of the Qatar Superbike and Superstock Championship over the Nov 16-17 weekend at the iconic Lusail International Circuit in Doha, Qatar.

    His elder brother 20-year-old Geoffrey Emmanuel, supported by Ceat Tyres, Sidvin, and the Sports Development Authorities of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), brought more cheer to the family by finishing on the podium in all three races in the 600cc category.

    It is the first instance of Indian brothers finishing on podium in all the races they participated in the same championship, though in different categories.

    Astride a Kawasaki Ninja 300, 18-year-old Johann Emmanuel, a 1st year Visual Communication student at the Madras Christian College, made a significant impact by winning all the three races on debut in his category.

    Though short on seat time, Johann qualified P2 which he converted into victory after a fierce battle. Later, in Race-2, the youngster kept his nerve despite losing a gear which dropped him to fifth but recovered brilliantly to post a win by a 14-second margin.

    In Race-3, it was a lights-to-flag win for Johann as he completed a historic hat-trick, sparing some 18 seconds to his nearest challenger.

    A delighted Johann said: “I really enjoyed the races. But the three wins – it’s a surreal feeling. My performance here has boosted my confidence for my future races.”

    Meanwhile, Geoffrey Emmanuel, a 3rd year BCA student at the Madras Christian College, exhibited remarkable resilience and skill riding a Kawasaki ZX6r, to earn three podium finishes in as many races.

    #17 Geoffrey Emmanuel in action at Lusail QatarStk600 races

    He finished third in Race-1 after starting from P11 on the grid as he fought his way through the pack for a podium. Later, he repeated the performance by finishing third in Race-2 which he started from P6.

    Geoffrey, who is confirmed to participate in the FIM Moto 2 Junior World Championship next year, fared better in Race-3 by finishing second despite being forced off the track into the gravel when in the lead on the last lap to complete a commendable performance over the weekend.

    Reflecting on the weekend, Geoffrey said: “Overall, I am pleased with my performance, though it was disappointing that I couldn’t win Race-3 when in the lead as I was forced on to the gravel but managed to get back for a P2 finish. These experiences will help me to prepare better for my future races.”

    Johann Emmanuel – Dominating Qatar 300SSP

    A debutant in the Qatar 300SSP Championship and a 1st-year Visual Communication student at Madras Christian College, Johann showcased his mettle by securing a hat trick of victories:

    • Qualifying: Despite limited practice, Johann claimed a strong second place on the grid.
    • Race 1: A fierce battle saw Johann clinch a narrow 0.38-second victory.
    • Race 2: Overcoming a gear mishap, Johann made a stunning comeback to win by a 14-second margin.
    • Race 3: Johann’s dominance was evident as he stormed to an 18-second victory.

    Geoffrey Emmanuel – Grit in the 600cc Category

    Geoffrey

    Geoffrey, a 3rd-year BCA student at Madras Christian College, demonstrated resilience in the 600cc category, supported by Ceat Tyres, Sidvin, and SDAT. Competing on an international stage, Geoffrey secured three podium finishes despite challenges:

    • Race 1: After starting 11th, Geoffrey fought back to secure 3rd place.
    • Race 2: A stronger start from 6th position saw him finish in 3rd place after an intense fight for the lead.
    • Race 3: Leading for most of the race, Geoffrey recovered from a gravel mishap on the final lap to finish 2nd.

    Growing talent pool of Indian motorsport

    The Emmanuel brothers’ success at the QSSP300 Championship adds to the growing talent pool of Indian motorsport riders. Their remarkable performances at Lusail, in one of the world’s most competitive racing arenas, promise an exciting journey ahead for Indian racing enthusiasts.

    As Johann and Geoffrey prepare for future challenges, it is hoped that their combination of skill, determination, and legacy will continue to bring laurels for India.

  • Geoffrey Emmanuel to take part in FIM Junior World Championship 2024

    Geoffrey Emmanuel to take part in FIM Junior World Championship 2024

    Chennai, 2 Jan 2024: Nineteen-year Chennai’s Geoffrey Emmanuel has confirmed his participation in the FIM Junior World Championship 2024 and he will be representing AGR Team astride a KTM.

    The FIM JuniorGP 2024 comprises 14 races spread across seven rounds. The first round is scheduled to be held in Italy (April 20-21). Spain will host two rounds and Portugal, four, including the final round (Nov 23-24).

    Looking ahead to the new season, Geoffrey, who made his international debut in 2022, participating in the Hawkers European Talent Cup at the age of 17, said: “I’m very excited to be part of the AGR Team and to be able to train with 111 Management to improve my career as a professional rider. I can’t wait to have new experiences with my new team!” Geoffrey will be shifting to Spain in February to prepare for the 2024 season.


    Geoffrey Emmanuel file photo

    According to team owner Anscari Nadal, having an Indian rider like Geoffrey is a challenge, but the goal is to nurture his talent and help him progress in the FIM Junior GP, eventually leading to a Wild Card promotion in the World Championship.

    In 2023, Geoffrey made history as the first and only Indian competitor in the FIM JuniorGP, riding a KTM for the Cuna de Campeones team. Although he didn’t score any points, his overall improvement was encouraging.

    Reflecting on his 2023 experience, Geoffrey said: “It was a steep learning curve. Adapting to a new bike, unfamiliar tracks, and tough competition was not easy. However, I managed to narrow the gap with the front-runners, placing more emphasis on personal growth and improvement rather than specific results.”

    Geoffrey, however, tasted success in the Malaysian Superbike Championship 2023, competing in the Group A MSBK 250 category. Despite facing challenges in Round 2 where he finished fifth, he showcased his skills in the Round-3 double-header by securing third place in Race 1 and topping Race 2 for his maiden international victory. He also achieved an overall third place finish in the Championship standings.

  • Double podium for Geoffrey Emmanuel at Malaysian SBK

    Double podium for Geoffrey Emmanuel at Malaysian SBK

    Chennai, August 21, 2023: India’s Geoffrey Emmanuel, the 18-year-old from Chennai, marked his debut in the Malaysian Superbike Championship 2023 with podium finishes in both races astride a Honda CBR 250 machine at the Sepang International Circuit, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, over the last weekend.

    Participating in the 250cc category (A Class) of the championship, Geoffrey (Gusto Racing India) finished third overall, starting from P3 on the 27-bike grid, in both races despite limited seat and track time at the SIC. He narrowly missed second spot by less than tenth of a second in a tight finish in Race-1.

    Geoffrey Emmanuel in action at Sepang. INDIAinF1 image

    Summing up his performances, Geoffrey, who also takes part in the FIM World Junior Championship, said: “It was a very challenging weekend for me. We had barely three days to set up the stock CBR 250 bike apart from I learning the track. Racing at the SIC was a big opportunity for me and another step towards achieving my goal of making it to the MotoGP.

    “The race itself was very competitive, but I managed to hold my position till the finish and am absolutely delighted that I made the podium in both races. I would like to thank my team for its support and the work the boys put in to transform the stock bike into a race-spec machine in such a short span of time. The podium finishes have motivated me to work even harder to realize my racing dreams.”The championship comprises six races to be run over three rounds to be held at the same venue. Round 2 is scheduled for September 8-10 and the concluding round will be held on December 15-17.

  • Geoffrey Emmanuel survives big crash to finish debut race: JrGP, road to MotoGP

    Geoffrey Emmanuel survives big crash to finish debut race: JrGP, road to MotoGP

    Estoril (Portugal), 7 May 2023: India’s Geoffrey Emmanuel, despite a high-side crash in qualifying session, went on to complete his debut race in the first round of the FIM World Championship JuniorGP at the famed Circuit do Estoril on Sunday.

    Chennai-born 18-year old Geoffrey, the first and lone Indian rider in the JuniorGP, crashed in the very first flying lap of the qualifying session on Saturday and could not post a time. However, he was still allowed to race on Sunday because of his times in free practice sessions, but had to start from the back of the 29-bike grid and eventually finished 22nd.

    Geoffrey, who is sponsored by Fairstreet Sports, Vidiem, Vamcy Merla Sports Foundation and Gusto Racing India, had a very good start in the race. Despite having just 35 minutes of track time on the bike and nursing injuries, he did well to stick on to the last bunch in Moto3. After a red flag due to crashes and a restart of a shortened five-lap race, he moved up to 19th spot before finishing the race in 22nd position with some good battles with the seasoned Moto3 riders.

    Earlier, in Free Practice 1, Geoffrey rode the 2018 bike until the new engine arrived for the season, and was fitted on to the new chassis. It meant he could ride only for the last 15 minutes of FP2. His FP3 outing was curtailed to 20 minutes of track time due to rains.

    Reflecting on his performance, Geoffrey said: “I enjoyed riding at the highest level of the junior World Championship. I have been learning and improving with every lap on the new bike even though I wasn’t at my best physically. Now, we are looking forward to round two in Valencia, Spain, later this month. I would like to thank my sponsors Fairstreet sports, Vidiem, Vamcy Merla Sports Foundation and Gusto Racing India.”

    The second round of the championship, which is a junior class race event that runs under FIM Moto3 regulations and acts as a Moto3 World Championship feeder class, will be held at the Circuit do Ricardo Tormo, Valencia, Spain, on May 20-21.

  • Geoffrey Emmanuel set for FIM World JuniorGP debut

    Estoril (Portugal), 2 May 2023: A landmark will be scripted this weekend at the Circuit de Estoril in Portugal when Chennai-born 18-year old Geoffrey Emmanuel becomes the first Indian to participate in the FIM World JuniorGP World Championship. The opening round of this Moto3 feeder series, organised by Dorna Sports, is scheduled for May 5-7.

    Geoffrey, son of Emmanuel Jebaraj, winner of seven National titles, is representing team Cuna De Campeones that has produced the likes of 2020 World champion Joan Mir besides Jorge Martin and Pedro Acosta among many top-notch riders.

    FIM JuniorGP World Championship, comprising seven rounds, is a junior class race event that runs under FIM Moto3 regulations and acts as a Moto3 World Championship feeder class. It is considered to be among the most competitive junior championships in the World.

    Recent image of Geoggrey Emmanuel at Valencia. INDIAinF1 photo

    As part of the preparations, Geoffrey, who is sponsored by Fairstreet Sports, Vidiem, Vamcy Merla, a businessman from Andhra Pradesh Kalyani Group, and Gusto Racing, shifted to Valencia, Spain, last year, and participated in the Hawkers European Talent Cup, a one-make championship by Honda.

    “The European Talent Cup was a steep learning curve for me, given the very competitive environment and racing on new circuits. But overall, it did a lot of good for my confidence. I now look forward to the World JuniorGP season which is a big step forward for me as I chase my MotoGP dream,” said Geoffrey.

    Earlier this year, Geoffrey tested in Estoril and Valencia, riding the 2018 KTM RC 250GP bike, to prepare for the World JuniorGP season.

    Meanwhile, Geoffrey’s younger brother, 17-year old Johann Reeves Emmanuel, is taking part in the FIM JuniorGP European Talent Cup that will be run on the same weekend as the World JuniorGP.