MRF Challenge 2012: Jinkawa overcomes crash to win

Greater Noida - Japan’s Yuudai Jinkawa recovered from a heavy crash on Saturday to win the fourth and final round of MRF Challenge 2012 at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) here on Sunday.

American Conor Daly, who won the first race of Sunday, crossed the chequered flag in 15th place.

Parthiva Sureshwaren was best of the three Indians on the 17-car grid with a sixth place finish while Parth Ghorpade and Gaurav Gill came 12th and 16th, respectively.

Jinkawa seemed unfazed after his collision with Tom Gladdis on Saturday, causing his car to be air-borne before landing. He overtook Gill on the opening lap and held on to his lead to finish five seconds ahead of Sam Dejonghe of Belgium. Hector Hurst of England grabbed the final podium spot.

“I forgot about what happened yesterday and the moment I was in the lead, I was determined to increase the gap with the other drivers. I am glad I was able to pull it off. It makes it special after the crash,” said Jinkawa, who claimed his first win of his Formula career. The 22-year-old competed in the 2012 Japanese Formula Renault series back home.

Gill, in a race that saw the top six of the day’s first round start reverse on the grid, managed to maintain his second position until lap six when a collision put paid to his chances of a top three finish. The contact caused a puncture on the right front tyre, disturbing the balance of the car.

Another Indian Sureshwaren improved to finish a place higher than his morning’s seventh place.

Reigning Formula 2 champion Luciano Bachetta struggled with mechanical issues that could not be fixed throughout the day. He failed to complete the two races.

A noticeable absentee from the grid was Jordan King, the winner of the two rounds Saturday. The Englishman flew back to London to attend an award ceremony.

Alice Powell, the lone female on the grid, finished second and fourth in the two races.