MRF F2000 unveiled in Chennai

Indian tyre maker MRF Tyres has launched an all-new single-seater racing series featuring F2000 cars with the opening round to be held as a support race for the Indian Grand Prix at Buddh International Circuit on October 26-28.

The carbon-fibre, Formula 3-spec Dallara chassis which was demonstrated by Indian driver Narain Karthikeyan in downtown Chennai, is powered by a 2.0-litre, 210 bhp Renault powerplant mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox, which will make it the fastest single-make formula series in Asia. A US$100,000 (Rs. 55.36 lakh) prize fund is on offer as well.

The cars have been assembled locally in India by Coimbatore-based Jayem Automotive, under license from Dallara.

Round two of the four-round championship will be held as the support race for the first-ever Indian round of the FIA GT1 series at the Buddh Circuit, before returning to Chennai for rounds three and four at the Madras Motor Race Track on 1-3 February and 8-10 February respectively.

A total of ten races will be held – with the support events to include two races per weekend each with Chennai rounds featuring three races apiece.