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October 26, 2013: Arthur Pic continued his dream start to the MRF Challenge 2013 by winning Race 1 of the season at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida. Pic had a race long battle with Tio Ellinas as the two jostled for positions from the moment the lights went green. Japanese driver Yudai Jinkawa continued his good form from the MRF 1600 category to take the final podium spot after early pressure from Rupert Svendsen-Cook.
Pic had the perfect start from pole position and went straight into the lead followed by Ellinas. Behind the top two there was action with Harry Tincknell being punted off as three cars went side by side into Turn 3. Jinkawa went into third position with Guerra in a surprising 4th position ahead of Svendsen-Cook and Sam Dejonghe. Svendsen-Cook and Dejonghe wasted no time getting past Guerra and set their sights on Jinkawa. Meanwhile at the front there was nothing to choose from between Pic and Ellinas with 2 tenths off a second separating them. Ellinas made a move on lap 4 as he dived down the inside to get past Pic only to run wide allowing Pic to get back into the lead. There was a tight battle between Jinkawa, Svendsen-Cook and Dejonghe with Jinkawa managing to hold on. Dejonghe passed Svendsen-Cook with 2 laps to go but was not close enough to try a move on Jinkawa. Sean Walkinshaw finished in 6th position giving him reverse pole for tomorrow’s race. One of the most impressive drives was from Indian driver Ashwin Sundar who started 15th on the grid but managed to finish in a brilliant 7th position. He overtook 6 cars during his fine drive.
Race winner and Formula 3.5 driver Arthur Pic was relieved to win after a tough battle with Ellinas. He commented, “It feels great to win the first ever race of the season. There was nothing to choose between Tio and me as our cars were similar. I had to concentrate really hard but managed to hold on. The car feels nice to drive so I would like to thank the MRF team for a job well done”
GP3 driver Tio Ellinas was happy with his pace but felt he could have gone even faster in qualifying. He said, “It was a great race and the car felt good throughout. I tried a move in lap 4 but ran wide. I closed up on Arthur again but it was too late. I am starting fifth tomorrow but I will try to go for the win.”
Japanese driver Yudai Jinkawa was thrilled to finish on the podium after a great drive. He said “I am very happy to be on the podium. I had a great start and moved up to third and after that it was just about concentrating and staying ahead. Rupert and Sam were all over the rear but I managed to hold them off.”
MRF Challenge 2013 Calendar:Round 1: October 25-27, 2013, New Delhi, Buddh International Circuit (Formula One Support Race)Round 2: November 28-30, 2013, Bahrain, Bahrain International Circuit (World Endurance Championship Support Race)Round 3: December 19-21, 2013, Bahrain, Bahrain International Circuit (Gulf Racing Festival)Round 4: February 14-16, 2013, Chennai, Madras Motor Race Trust
