Formula 4, Caterham Asia cars have first run at MMRT, Chennai

Chennai, August 31: The Formula 4 South-East Asia Championship made its debut in India as the FIA-homologated cars had the first feel of the MMRT circuit here on Friday with the drivers enjoying the experience of racing on the “very difficult and technical track”.

Also making its India debut was the Caterham Asia championship whose cars went through a couple of test sessions in the afternoon with the track again receiving the thumbs up from the drivers.

Two rounds of the F4 SEA Championship at the MMRT will be run over two weekends of September 1-2 and September 8-9. Each round comprises three races. The Caterham Asia Championship will be run concurrently on both the weekends with two races in each round.

The only Indian in Caterham Championship is former FMSCI president Vicky Chandhok who is participating as a guest driver. “I am getting into a proper racing car for the first time since 1993 on invitation from Campbell (Tupling), the CEO of Caterham Asia. It is also the first time I am getting into a Caterham car,” said 62-year old Chandhok who, incidentally, was the second quickest in both the test sessions today.

Caterham in action at MMRT

Campbell said: “It is fabulous to have Vicky Chandhok racing with us. He seems to be enjoying himself.

“This is the first time that Caterham cars have ever raced in India. We all are quite excited. The facilities here at the MMRT are first class, whether it is the pits or the hospitality or the control room. The track is very difficult and technical and our drivers seem to love racing on this track. There are two more days left and we are looking forward to the weekend. As for returning to India next year, it all depends on the drivers.”