F4 India debuts in Chennai; Webster makes strong start

After several delays, the F4 Indian Championship finally made its debut alongside the second season of the Indian Racing League. The Hyderabad street circuit was supposed to host the season-opener, however, this was shifted to Chennai’s Madras International Circuit at the last minute due to elections in Telangana.

An official statement shared by organisers said, “We would like to respect the rules and regulations of the Election Commission, and hence, have come to the decision of shifting the venue”.  This means the entire 2023 season will be held in Chennai, with the Madras International Circuit hosting Rounds 2 and 3, and the new ‘Formula Racing Circuit’ street track hosting the finale.

1. Akshay Bohra wins first F4 India race
2. Moore becomes first female Indian Racing League winner

F4 India: Webster, Bohra win

The F4 India grid features a total of 11 drivers. With Super Licence points up for grabs, the championship has attracted young talent from around the world. As for the machinery, all participants are racing the FIA-homologated Gen 2 Mygale F4 car, which is also used in the French F4 championship. Dutch team MP motorsport is running all of the cars for the inaugural season.

Cooper Webster made a strong start, winning two out of three races over the weekend. The 20-year-old from Australia started off his motorsport career as a sim racer and is part of the Red Bull Esports squad. He made the switch to real-life racing last year, competing in Australia’s S5000 series. He’s also competed in the UK’s GB4 Championship, where he finished as runner-up.

Another driver who impressed was Akshay Bohra, who recently finished third in the Euro 4 Championship. Bohra won the first-ever F4 India race from pole position. This meant he started Race 2 from sixth on the grid (which was determined by reversing the top 6 order from Race 1), while Webster started from pole position.

Webster went on to win Race 2, while Bohra cut through the field to finish second. Bohra crossed the chequered flag first in Race 3 as well, but he was handed two post-race penalties which demoted him to P7. This handed the race win to Webster, who also took the overall championship lead.

Results

Race 1

1. Akshay Bohra

2. Rishon Rajeev (+1.192 secs)

3. Shahan Ali Mohsin (+3.835 secs)

Race 2

1. Cooper Webster

2. Akshay Bohra (+6.893 secs)

3. Shahan Ali Mohsin (+18.940 secs)

Race 3

1. Cooper Webster

2. Alex Sawer (+9.207 secs)

3. Shahan Ali Mohsin (+14.426 secs)

Indian Racing League: Alva, Moore take victory

The Indian Racing League also returned for its second season, continuing with the same Wolf GB08 Thunder single-seaters. The format remains the same, with five city-based leagues fielding a mix of Indian and international drivers; each team features a female driver as well.

Reigning champions Godspeed Kochi got off to a great start, with Ruhaan Alva winning Race 1 from pole position. Goa Aces’ Sohil Shah landed pole position for Race 2, but Bangalore Speedsters ended up winning the race with Sarah Moore behind the wheel. The British racer becomes the first woman to win a race in the Indian Racing League.

Round 2 will be held at the same venue on November 30 and December 1. Watch this space for all the updates.

Results

Race 1

1. Ruhaan Alva – Godspeed Kochi

2. Raoul Hyman – Goa Aces (+0.797 secs)

3. Jon Lancaster – Chennai Supersonics (+7.587 secs)

Race 2

1. Sarah Moore – Bangalore Speedsters

2. Akash Gowda – Speed Demons Delhi (+3.296 secs)

3. Sai Sanjay – Chennai Supersonics (+5.236 secs)

Image source

Also see:

New Chennai street circuit to host F4 India night race