Son of legendary F1 driver Michael Schumacher, Mick will be competing in India this weekend, at the penultimate race of the MRF Challenge in Chennai. A prize-money of Rs 64 lakhs will be rewarded to the winner of the 14 race championship.
Being led by Pietro Fittipaldi, grandson on another F1 legend Emmerson Fitipaldi, the event will head to the Madras Motor Race Track, after enthralling rounds in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain. This will be Mick’s first race outside Europe in his fledgling racing career. India’s hopes will be carried by Tarun Reddy, who has already secured a podium finish at the event.
Mick will be driving MRF’s new car, the F2000.
MRF Tyres Managing Director Arun Mammen said, “The brands and drivers associated with the tournament is testament to its popularity and exposure. It is very evident that we are headed in the right direction and garnering the right attention as well. We hope to go from strength to strength here as it is always great to return home. Working and running the event in front of a home crowd is good.”
Apart from Mick, several heavyweights with a long motorsports heritage are also participating at the event. Harrison Newey, son of F1 designer Adrian Newey, Giuliano Alesi, son of former F1 driver Jean Alesi also add to the high profile nature of the event.
Fittipaldi leads the championship standing with 168 points, closely followed by female driver Tatiana Calderon on 150 points. Nikita Troitickii is a close third after, failing to finish in the last round. Alessio Picarrielo’s resurgence continued, as he took fourth spot thanks to five podium finishes in the last six races.
The race which scheduled on January 30 and 31, will also see the debut of the MRF F1600 Championship. The winner will receive a $200,000 scholarship and an opportunity to race a full season next year.
This particular event will be solely restricted to Indians, with reigning Champion Karthik Tharani Singh holding returning to defend his title. Vento Cup winner Anindith Reddy is also being touted as a front-runner to win the title.
