September-October 2020

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INDIA’S FIRST DOMESTIC MOTORSPORTS & OFF-ROAD MAGAZINE

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Interview with Sanjay Sharma, Head - JK TYRE Motorsports

JEHAN DARUVALA Debut in Formula 2

I N I A USH M F3

K

HAT

IN B -T R I C K

RITISH

Cycling in COVID TIMES Interview-

UDAY NARANG

TEAM MRF ENTERS ERC

2020

EDITORIAL / IMPRINT

IMPRINT

NEW DELHI

Editor S. Ashok Kumar Tiwari

Hi, Our New Look.

AUTO TRACK is on a new track...

D

Concept and Design: S. Ashok Kumar Tiwari Staff Photographers: Keshav Murthy, Nirav Mehta Prakash Rawat, Noor Director / Correspondent: Roopa A. Tiwari

espite the Pandemic and the market slow-down, we managed to go digital, thereby skipping the print edition for our previous issue. As ùnlock' was in process, we decided to get back to print for our 13th anniversary issue with a few motorsport rides, reviews and related stories. On this occasion, I would like to thank my team for keeping their spirits high and my advertisers for backing us with their continuous support. Also my readers and well-wishers who have shown their steadfast love. But with the markets slowly creeping up and showing some positive signs of recovery, and the COVID 19 fear gradually being erased, despite increasing number of cases, now it is time to move on by abiding with the safety protocols and Government guidelines.

General Manager Circulation & Sr. Correspondent: S. Nithyanand

As sports activities got a go ahead with a few riders to be followed, it becomes challenging to stick to them as the restrictions on the number of people attending, and being part of the meet in motorsports stands nowhere near the reality.

Western Region: autotrack.west@gmail.com Mob 09757176958

Time for the stakeholders and the promoters to take a call, along with the Federation by announcing the calendar. The main challenge is to set the calendar with too many championships which requires attention and space. Adding to it, every State has a different quarantine process, specially the State in focus to begin the racing activity, which is on a few of the top-infected states, still follows with 14- day quarantine process, which becomes difficult for the participants to comply with.

Northern Region: autotrack.north@gmail.com Mob 09871765886

While Karnataka had liberated most of the obstacles, it might be right to begin the INRC season for four and two-wheelers and super cross, autocross activities from here, until things settled down in other states. Also importantly, the participation level is also a concern. Once the Federation or the Promoters get in touch with the participants and tuners, it becomes clear and then appropriate stand can be taken.

Auto Track 7/3-1, Lalitha Engineering Building, Subbanna Garden Main Road, Vijayanagar, Bangalore-40 autotrack.editor@gmail.com www.autotrack.ind.in

A few sponsors are showing their ready willingness but a few Promoters are waiting for the budgets from the title-sponsors to be officially released to start the organising process. If checking for COVID 19 is made mandatory, it becomes still more expensive and a burden on the participants.

For Subscription, contact: 9845296190

September 21 is set as the date for re-start. But it is very difficult to create an air bubble, so the wait and watch is carried forward till a concrete calendar comes up.

The events are expected to begin only from October.

The short duration available within the festival season and the season closing is hardly three months away, if the calendar in not carried forward to 2021. Till then, let us keep our fingers crossed.

S. ASHOK KUMAR TIWARI Editor M: +91-9845296190 autotrack.editor@gmail.com

Correspondent: K. Manjunath Ghanshyam A Tiwari Spl. Correspondent: David Bodapati

Editorial Office:

For Advertisement, E: ashok.autotrack@gmail.com The Publisher makes every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are accurate. However, he accepts no responsibility of any effects arising therefrom. Printed at Raj Hans Enterprises, Rajajinagar Industrial Town, Bangalore-560044.

Published by S.Ashok Kumar Tiwari At # 7/3-1, Lalitha Engineering Building, Subbanna Garden Main Road, Vijayanagar, Bangalore - 560040

VOLUME 13, ISSUE 6 O1 autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020

16

30 European Rally: 16 British F3: 14 Sanjay Sharma Interview: 12

22

48

Jehan: 08 Cycling: 26

Interview: 30

Review Hector Plus: 22

F1 racing: 34

14

Moto GP: 38 5 Nations drive: 42 Virtual Racing: 48 S-cross drive: 52

10

08

32

26

O2 autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

NEW DELHI

Will there be any concession on entry fees?

As of now, the organisers will be first ones to get affected with shortage of funds. A lot depends upon the sponsors, organisers and the federation to take a call on it. The Federation has already announced a few changes and packages for the organisers which will bring down their overheads. Like reducing permit fees, officials logistics and so on. Now a lot more depends on the situation under which the next upcoming unlock will be announced, the reaction of participants, and the stakeholders will play an important role. Most of the costs are fixed and there will be no discounting for the organisers. Once the participation level is low, it will once again pinch the pocket and then have O4 autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

to see the facts.

Permissions headache?

Yes. As told earlier, different states have different protocols despite Central Government's directions. But the onground situation for rallies are more challenging since the event passes through a few villages and the transport also has to go past it. Local sentiments on the pandemic plays a very important role. Now convincing the keeping them in the loop is also very important. Because most of the civil permissions come with a binding. Meanwhile, logistics also have their own story. Trucks carrying the vehicles and other organising-related material face a lot of hurdles and thus, take more travel time, hence the cost builds up.

Challenges for the selection programmes of Drivers and Riders?

Kari speed way After hearing the news of Kari Speedway being upgraded into an F3 track, one loves to be back on the very handy track. The visuals released gave a glimpse of the entire track. But despite very less run-off areas, now we would have to see how the extra length which is added in two areas.

Anyway, if it is a F3 upgraded, all the safety issues will be in place.

Yes, of course. Nothing of this sort began regarding selection. The manufacturers may go for an online option which is more safer or there is always an option of retaining the existing riders and drivers for this season. Meanwhile, parallel virtual racing is already in force and Rayo Racing has completed three rounds.

This is naturally KARI MOTOR SPEEDWAY picking up and if at all any few eligible faces are there, they may also be part of the current drives.

Waiting to be on the upgraded

OLD LAYOUT

NEW LAYOUT

FRANCE TSD RALLY

RISING

STAR PROJECT

Aashi for FIA Girls on Track event The Rising Stars Project shootout will be held at France in October

M

umbai's Aashi Hanspal, a 13year-old rising star, has been shortlisted as one of 20 young female racers for the shoot out of FIA's ambitious Girls on Track - Rising Stars Project.

If all goes well in the four shootout rounds to be held between this October to November in France and O6 autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

Italy, the 9th Standard student from the Bombay Scottish School in Mahim, can hope to race for Team Ferrari in the F4 season.

Aashi, the daughter of Rallyist Raunaq Singh, a Banker from Mumbai, chose Karting since an young age and began her professional karting career coached by

8-time National car racing champion Rayomand Banajee at the Rayo Racing Academy in Mumbai. Aashi recorded four podium finishes by participating in three rounds in her maiden FMSCI JK Tyre National Karting Championship 2019 held in Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. She was also conferred with the

Outstanding Women in Motorsports Award 2019 along with Aishwarya Pissay, Muskaan Jubbal, Shreya Lohia and Shravanthika Lakshmi by FMSCI. Aashi has been selected along with 19 others in the age group of 12-16 out of 70 entries from five continents; as the first step, she will take part in the 'Shoot Out' at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France on October 12 and 13.

The FIA, the world body for motor sports, said that the training-cum-selection process would entail four legs.

.

SILVERSTONE TSD RALLY

RACING

SPRINT RACE

Fourth in F2 for Jehan The Red Bull Junior comes up with sensational last three laps

R

ed Bull Racing Junior, Jehan Daruvala finished fourth here, in Silverstone in the Sprint race of the FIA Formula 2, part of the F1 British Grand Prix weekend recently. The Indian racing sensation started in 12th and worked his way up the field after a sensational last three laps.

Jehan in his first Formula 2 season, started 12th for the Feature race and after a decent start remained in the same position for most of the race. The extremely competitive grid, meant

O8 autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

Jehan although faster than some cars in front was unable to overtake due to their ability to also use DRS (Drag Reduction System).

Lap 16 saw the safety car being deployed to retrieve a car. Jehan and his team Carlin, took the gamble to pit for fresh medium compound tyres. Other drivers ahead and behind Jehan, also took the same gamble, and Jehan gained two places.

The moment the safety car pulled into the pits, it was a three-lap dash to the finish.

Last year's FIA Formula 3 second runner up,

immediately went on a phenomenal charge up the order. While attempting a move, he initially lost two positions to fall to 12th, but a few corners later he made a brave move around the outside at Brooklands overtook four cars in one corner to move to eighth.

On the penultimate lap, Jehan overtook two more cars. He continued his charge, with a brilliant move on the last lap, to finish fourth. Local racer Dan Tictum won the race ahead of Christian Lundgaard of Denmark.

"The last two laps were super exciting. The team did a great job with the tyre strategy. Moving from P12 to P4 in the last few laps and hanging around the outside at Brooklands to pass four cars was good fun.

Looking forward to being back here next week," said Jehan.

Jehan continues in the FIA Formula 2 championship but is being let down by the car. Indian fans have been able to catch the live action as the Formula 1 YouTube channel is broadcasting the F2 races live in India for the first time.

.

MUMBAI TSD RALLY

ALL NEW

freedom and independence, and is geared up for its next adventure".

It will not only attract diehard Thar enthusiasts, but also appeal to all those people who have always dreamt of owning an iconic vehicle, with all the bells and whistles of a contemporary SUV.

T H A R

The All-New Thar has the following exciting features:

. . . .

All-new BS-6 compliant 2.0 litre Petrol engine and the 2.2 litre mHawk Diesel engine.

Mahindra's New Thar Stays true to its legendary off-roading capability

M

ahindra & Mahindra Limited, a part of the $19.4 billion Mahindra Group, unveiled on August 15, the All-New Thar, the eagerly awaited and legendary SUV, on the occasion of India's 74th Independence Day. The new Thar is a quantum leap in terms of performance, everyday comfort and convenience, technology and safety, as it stays true to its core promise of unmatched off-roading capability and builds on its iconic design.

Unveiling the New Thar, Dr. Pawan Goenka, MD & CEO, M&M said, "Today, with the unveil of the All-New Thar, we rewrite history once again. The All-New Thar is firmly rooted in our rich automotive heritage and upholds the Mahindra DNA in its purest form. We are 1O autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

proud of our authentic SUV legacy that has been guarding the freedom of this nation by serving the armed forces since the

1950s, while simultaneously becoming the spirit of adventure and a lifestyle icon. The New Thar is a dynamic expression of fun,

New Gearbox options: 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission & 6speed manual transmission mated to an authentic manual shift-on-the-fly 4x4 transfer case Roof options: A Hard Top, a first-in-class Convertible Top and an optional Soft Top Seating options: 4 frontfacing seats & 2+4 sidefacing seats

NEW DELHI

READY FOR RACING th

SANJAY SHARMA Head –Motorsport, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd.

On the eve of Auto Track's 13 anniversary issue, we caught up with Mr Sanjay Sharma (fondly called "Hardy" in the racing circuit), Head - Motorsport, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd. to share his views on the current racing season due to Covid-19, future plans and number of other issues related to JK Tyre's involvement in Motorsport in India. With his long association of almost three decades, Mr Sharma has played a key role in JK Tyre's motorsport and the tyre major produced several talented drivers from Karting to Formula 1.

Indian motorsports industry has grown multifold over the past few years and is set to continue on this growth trajectory in the future as well. It will be back in action soon with the upcoming season

“

12 autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

What is the impact of COVID on motorsports in the long run?

This COVID-induced lock down did act as a speedbreaker for motorsports, however, with normalcy seeping in, we are ready to get back into the fast lane.

Since Motorsport is not a direct contact sport and the racers use all the mandatory safety gear, this industry is prepared to head towards the new normal and subsequently in the post-COVID world.

In long run, there will be new norms for the sport globally. There will be strict protocols implemented to ensure safety of the entire ecosystem. More importantly, a well thought out roadmap needs to be accepted operationally and psychologically.

Would the concept of running ad hoc events succeed this year?

Yes, of course it will as we need to keep the machinery well-oiled and momentum going.

Additionally, livelihoods dependency on motorsport programs is high, thus the events must take off irrespective of their form including adhoc, Championships or Cups.

Would motorsports be back to normal next year or would it gradually pick up pace over a couple of years?

We strongly believe that motorsports is set to pickup soon through this year and be back to normal by next year. The international circuits are already witnessing a revival and have set benchmarks for the global community to learn from. The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) has laid down a detailed set of SOPs for the resumption of processes, factoring in social distancing and safety protocols outlined by the government.

Is it of benefit to organize an event without spectators in a place like BIC? While the world returns to its pre-COVID schedule, it is important to understand that the dangers from the virus are still imminent.

INTERVIEW

While some sports may lose their essence without a horde of screaming fans from the stands, one must adhere to the safety guidelines laid by the authorities till a permanent solution is found against Corona virus.

If the situation is not stabilized in a few months, would we see an early start in the 2021 championship?

This entirely depends on the situation few months from now. However, we at JK Tyre Motorsport are headed in the right direction with our racing season, which is scheduled for the latter end of this year. It is sad that we have lost some time due to the pandemic, but we are ready to pick up pace to move past the COVID era.

Initially, we will organize the competitions within the states where infrastructure is already present including Delhi, Tamil Nadu and North-East. To speed up the process, we are planning to organize two rounds in one weekend. For national championships; we

are closely monitoring the situation and aligned with government's directives for travel and hospitality.

Will there be more events next year to compensate for the 2020 championship if it doesn't take place this year?

For us, economic stability is more important, so I don't think that the number of events will increase next year. Given the current situation, as long as the Championships can run with a pre-covid aura, we will be more than satisďŹ ed.

Will we see a new single seater series from JK next year?

It seems unlikely. Although towards the end of 2019, plans were ďŹ nalized for the launch of this new series but unless normalcy returns overall, nothing can be predicted or committed.

Can one consider virtual racing as a stepping stone for starting a career in Motorsport after the rapid development in this

space during COVID? Virtual racing can surely be considered a step in the right direction for anyone who wants to pursue motorsports. While the virtual experience may not be able to provide a completely accurate track experience, it can prove to be effective in making the individual understand what to expect in real world racing.

With the evolution in technology, we may, however, expect virtual racing to provide an authentic motorsport experience to the people with the comfort of their homes, in the future.

Dent caused by COVID 19 to motorsports and stakeholders this year?

How to handle the multiple championship round rush if the season begins by October if at all government opens up sports with certain directions?

Undoubtedly, COVID-19 has put sports programs to a halt, globally with big tournaments getting

cancelled or delayed. It is no different when it comes to motorsports. Although we are set to return with the new season at the end of the year, we have lost valuable time due to the pandemic.

Necessary steps have to be taken in order to ensure a swift execution of the sports, while safeguarding the health of everyone associated with the programmes. Also, as stated earlier, to speed-up things we are also planning to organize two rounds in one weekend.

The Governing body FMSCI will also draw their calendars and will plan to keep two events of same verticals in a single day as long as they are from different categories like bikes & cars can run on same days.

Has Development in motorsports activity taken a back seat?

Certainly not, the Indian motorsports industry has grown multifold over the past few years and is set to continue on this growth trajectory in the future as well. While the pandemic may have slowed the progress, the motorsport industry will be back in action with the upcoming seasons to look forward.

JK's plans and participation for karting, racing and rallying?

JK Tyre would continue to consolidate its partnership with motorsports across verticals and take it to a higher pedestal in the country. We have already seen a tremendous growth of the sport over the past few years however there's still a long way to go.

SEPT / OCT 2020 autotrack.ind.in 13

RACING BRITISH F3

Maini marches to maiden 2020 win Kush Maini gets a hat-trick of podiums; extends championship lead in British F3

H

itech GP's Kush Maini secured his first win of the 2020 season in August after having picked up 5 other Podiums over the last 10 Races with a controlled

14 autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

drive in the final race of the weekend. Thus, he extended his championship lead at the Famous Brands Hatch Circuit in the UK. Kush started from his second pole position of the

championship which was achieved by the average of the two fastest laps in the preceding three races of the weekend. Kush was second in Race1 and third in Race3.

The Indian claimed victory

by 0.782 seconds over Douglas Motorsport's Ulysse De Pauw, and earned Hitech GP's first win in BRDC British F3 in the process. He also set the fastest lap of the race.

UNITED KINGDOM TSD RALLY Double R Racing's Louis Foster claimed the final spot on the podium, four seconds further back.

Maini made a great start from pole position to hold the lead down to Paddock Hill Bend, but there was drama for Chris Dittmann Racing's double race winner Ayrton Simmons, who got a good initial getaway from second place only to cruise to the first corner, with the rest of the field having to take avoiding action. That drama allowed De Pauw to climb into second and Foster to third, while Jewiss gained two places to rise to fourth.

Simmons wasn't the only driver in trouble, as the Douglas Motorsport car of Manaf Hijjawi also didn't complete the first lap, with the safety car called to enable the stricken car to be collected.

The race resumed at the end of lap five, with Maini making a strong restart to lead the field away. The Hitech driver pulled out an immediate lead of over a second to De Pauw, setting a string of fastest laps to extend the gap to almost two seconds by the end of lap 10. De Pauw

"We've been waiting for that rst win after ve podiums but I didn't want to rush it. I just wanted to gather points and I knew the win would come sooner or later, and nally it came so I'm really happy.”

closed the gap down towards the end but Maini was never under real pressure, and clinched his opening win of the year.

Maini said: "For me, I don't look at the championship until the last two rounds to be honest, because in this championship anything can happen like you saw.

"They're so brilliant, Hitech gave me a faultless car. They've taken 9 podiums in 11 races the win now, and the championship lead, in their debut year. It's amazing and I

really want to thank them for this amazing opportunity."

Maini's win means, he now holds a championship lead of 29 points, having entered the weekend 29 points behind then leader Kaylen Frederick.

Jewiss's run to fourth place in the race means he sits second in the standings, 18 points clear of Skelton, who has climbed into third. Foster is another to rise up the order, sitting in fourth place and a single point ahead of Frederick, who ended a difficult weekend with 11th place in race four.

.

SEPT / OCT 2020 autotrack.ind.in 15

RALLY

EUROPEAN RC

Mission successful

for Team MRF Tyres at ERC

Breen-Nagle take fourth after a great fight; Lindholm-Korhonen finish 5th in Junior ERC1

I

t is `Mission Positive' for Team MRF Tyres on the Rally di Roma Capitale, the opening round of the 2020 European Rally Championship.

The ‘development tarmac tyres’ have seen competition for the first time and Team MRF Tyres have competed at the toplevel of tarmac rallying.

Team MRF Tyres drivers, Craig Breen and Paul Nagle led the MRF Tyres charge in 16 autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

the Hyundai i20 R5. Breen came into the day in fifth and was involved in a huge battle for fourth position with Simone Tempestini and co-driver Sergiu Itu with the pair swapping positions through the day.

Breen had started the final loop in fifth place but immediately moved to fourth. He consolidated the gap on the second last stage, building 4.5 second gap before the final stage.

In the end, Breen controlled the pace to take fourth place by 1.3 seconds to Tempestini.

For Emil Lindholm and codriver Mikael Korhonen in the Skoda Fabia evo2 R5, it was all about consolidation and improving the cars across each of the loops.

The Skoda duo continued to refine their setup throughout the day with the three passes over each stage giving the team a

great opportunity to collect data for the future development of the tyre.

In the overall classification, the pair took a top-10 finish, controlling their position throughout the rally. Additionally, the pair are entered in the ERC1 competition for junior drivers. In this category, he took fifth position, a great start to his campaign.

The 7.25-km Stage 10, theRocca di Cave, provided

CAPITALE, TSD RALLY R-1

Craig Breen and co-driver Paul Nagle in action

incredible moments for Team MRF Tyres as both drivers posted the exact same time. Both drivers posted a time of 5:12.2, just 7.5 seconds off the stage win.

The crews faced a total distance of 197km competitive action and with 44 R5 cars in the field, it was always going to be a tough rally.

The day was split into three loops of three stages, with 100.8km of total competitive kilometres. The weather was warm and the stages were fast and wide.

It provided the ideal conditions for the tyres development for Team MRF Tyres with both drivers taking the opportunity to test different elements of the tyres in order to gain important data for future development.

It was a successful rally for Team MRF Tyres. In the first tarmac rally for the tyre, it was important to reach the end and gain data and provide some insight on the

competitiveness of the tyre.

With both cars reaching the end of the rally, it was a success. To be so competitive, taking a topfive position and setting top two stage times, the Rally di Roma Capitale proved to be a positive for the team.

.

“

Craig Breen and Paul Nagle

"We gave it prey much everything we had. We made gradual improvements over the weekend to learn how to get the best out of the tyre. To nish fourth is great and an absolute credit to the team.

To think that this tyre barely existed a few weeks ago and to come out and be so competitive is a credit to the team. We gained a lot of valuable data on this rally.

I really enjoyed it. It has been a pleasure from start to nish. Let's bring on the next one. Pico just dominated everything and reminds me of home. I would love to go do that stage again!"

Craig Breen and Paul Nagle

Simoneand Tempestini co-driver Sergiu Itu Lindholm co-driverand Korhonen SEPT / OCT 2020 autotrack.ind.in 17

RALLY

EUROPEAN RC

Team MRF Tyres finish strongly Craig Breen and co-driver Paul Nagle take ďŹ fth in the Rally Liepaja; Lindholm and codriver Korhonen second in ERC1 class

18 autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

LIEPAJA, TSD RALLYR-2

“ T

eam MRF Tyres have taken provisional fifth and sixth positions in Rally Liepaja, the second round of the FIA European Rally Championship.

In the first ERC event for the Team MRF Tyres, Craig Breen & Paul Nagle in the Hyundai i20 R5 showed great pace to take fifth position.

The duo had battled dust problems on Saturday's stages and made changes to the car in the overnight service to find additional pace for the six Sunday stages.

The Sunday stages saw six stages in two loops, for a total distance of 87.66 km.

The weather was sunny and warm and the dusty gravel roads meant that the road sweeping effect was in full force. Which meant, that the more cars that ran on the road, the more grip there was.

Breen/Nagle started the day by taking fifth on SS5 – the longest of the day at 18.11 km. This was followed by sixth on SS6.

Unfortunately, an issue on

SS7 meant the crew lost 56 seconds and fell down the leader board.

They bounced back on the other side of service taking the second-best time on SS8. The time of 7:55.4 was just 1.5seconds off the stage winner, Mads Ostberg and co-driver Torstein Eriksen.

After the short stage nine, they had consolidated their fifth place in their first gravel rally in the ERC with MRF Tyres.

For Emil Lindholm and codriver Mikael Korhonen, it was a tough start to the day.

The duo started sixth but an awkward landing after a jump saw them take to a field. They were able to get back on stage and continue in sixth but the battle to move up the leader board had ended. Their rally became one of consolidation and, importantly data gathering.

They came home in sixth just 1.8 seconds behind their Team MRF Tyres stablemates.

Lindholm & Korhonen are also competing in the ERC1 Junior Championship. It is a very positive result for the

Finnish duo in that category, taking a second behind Solberg/Johnston.

The final positions of fifth and sixth represent a positive finish for Team MRF Tyres. By pushing the boundaries and gaining important data against some of the best competition, the products will continue to improve.

The next round of the 2020 European Rally Championship takes place on the Portuguese Islands with the Azores Rallye.

Craig Breen & Paul Nagle will compete on the gravel stage from September 17 to 19.

.

“

Emil Lindholm and co-driver Mikael Korhonen

"We wanted to make sure we got to the end of this rally.

After our moment in the morning, our focus certainly turned to consolidating our sixth place and gaining data.

Saying that, we did have some good pace through the weekend."

"Taking a second on a stage is encouraging and like Craig, the development of the MRF Tyres is going in the right direction."

“It was also important to get the points in ERC1 Junior.

We nished second in that class, which is quite a positive result for us and Team MRF Tyres!"

Emil Lindholm and co-driver Mikael Korhonen

Emil Lindholm and co-driver Mikael Korhonen

Craig Breen and Paul Nagle SEPT / OCT 2020 autotrack.ind.in 19

SAFETY

PRECAUTIONS

MAKING

RACING SAFE IN INDIA In not an ‘Operating Bubble’, enough precautions needed for motorsports events to start again TEXT BY: DAVID BODAPATI WITH INPUTS FROM GOKUL A TIWARI

T

he Corona Virus has affected sporting activity worldwide and India is no exception.

However, motorsports world-over have re-started but with a slew of precautions to make racing and rallying safe for everyone. Formula 1 and other major events are using a cluster strategy popularly known as the ‘operating bubble’ where each team works in a closed environment without coming in contact with other teams. This bubble includes the drivers, mechanics, engineers and even the cooks, photographers and videographers of each team.

However, one has to see if such a structure is feasible here in India especially with no sponsors and tight budgets. But here are some steps that can be implemented.

The organisers can limit the amount of passes available to the spectators to decrease the numbers which help in maintaining physical distancing or do away with stands for a couple of months.

2O autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

Each team has to go through Quarantine depending on the rules of the State organising the event. This not only implies to the team members but also to other working staff such as commentators and other individuals who make the event possible.

The majority of the tuners and the mechanics are usually based out of the southern parts of India such as Tamil Nadu which results in no Quarantine requirement due to free intra-state travel for events in Tamil Nadu, which hosts a majority of races.

In case the mechanics and the individuals who make racing possible such as the engineers and the drivers are coming from other states, it may result in the team having to quarantine according to the norms. This in turn raises up the budget of each teams due to the extended period of stay in a particular state. This issue can be overcome by applying for a permit from the State Government mentioning the valid reason.

Physical distancing within the team is virtually impossible because the mechanics have to be in constant contact with the drivers as well as the engineers to tweak the performance of the cars. So, each team can work on their cars in a closed environment avoiding any contact with other teams.

Another important role in racing is played by the media who keep race fans all across connected with constant updates and live telecasts. The number of reporters and

photographers can be reduced and the organisers can share images and releases to the media through their own team.

Paddock access has to be permitted only to the teams and the FMSCI officials to prevent crowding in the pit lanes caused by unwanted guests.

Every person present at the race track on a race weekend has to be tested to ensure that they are not infected by the COVID-19.

The organisers can allocate each team with different

NEWSRALLY TSD hotels dedicated to a particular team to prevent accidental contact.

Back-to-back championship races can be held at the same track to increase the number of races in the calendar.

The organisers can appoint common chefs for every race to cook for the teams on track so that the teams do not have to dine in at other places thereby risking infection. The chefs have to ensure frequent sanitising of themselves and the

kitchen. The dining times for each team can be staggered down to keep the numbers down at the dining hall.

Use of sanitisers across the track and at different points must be encouraged.

Drivers' briefing and debriefing can be done through online video calls.

Following some of these norms, events can be restarted with enough precautions for everyone's safety, which is the first priority in motorsports as always.

.

AP TO GET F3-GRADE RACE TRACK

A

nantapur (Andhra Pradesh): The Formula 3 spec track shouldered by Government of Andhra Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority (APTA) is all set to finish by the end of 2021.

"We felt a need to bridge the gap between the two extreme-spec race tracks in India, once opened we look forward to host the National Championship races as well as the international races if everything goes well," said Anush Chakravarthi, Promoter of Nidhi Marque One Motors.

karting and off-road will be constructed.

The promoters claim that the necessary FIA approvals are in place but the track need to be homologated, once the construction is completed, and then approved by the FIA for Grade-3 certification before any National Championship races can take place.

However, it will fulfil a much-needed gap of quality race-tracks and is expected to generate huge racing activity and promotion of motorsports in the region.

This 3.2km track, with a natural plus-minus elevation of 25-metre, will see stateof-the-art facilities such as the pit buildings, fullyadvanced race control and two service lanes alongside the main track.

The track to be constructed in a plot of a little bit over 200-acres, is also expected to have an 800-metre straight that can be used as a drag-strip and will be equipped with proper guided electronics, barriers as well as race-grade asphalt run-off areas.

In the second stage of the project, a hotel alongside the race track with facilities for other sports such as

Just being 110 mins from Bangalore, the track will be accessible to many racing enthusiasts and is coming

up in Kotapalli village of Anantapur district. The land at subsidised rate and permissions were given by the AP Government during

the tenure of former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who also brought the F1 H2O water-boat motor races to AP in 2018.

.

ANUSH CHAKRAVARTHI

SEPT / OCT 2020 autotrack.ind.in 21

DRIVE

THE NEW MG HECTOR PLUS PHOTO BY: MANJUNATH K / GHANSHYAM A TIWARI / SRI HARSHA NADIGER TEXT: GOKUL A TIWARI

MG Motors entered India with its ďŹ rst product, Hector in 2019. With its macho look and other features, it was well received by the customers in India and became a successful product for the car maker. Taking the success story forward, the company recently introduced Hector Plus with more space, premium look and plenty of features.

22 autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

HECTOR PLUS DIESEL TSD RALLY your needs through the infotainment unit. The closing also has a switch provision. But the third row is only meant for children or teens and it eats away into the boot space. For a four person travel when the final row is folded it gives up to 530lts of boot space.

All four wheels have been fitted with disc brakes. It does have a dual pane Panoramic sun roof which can be opened or closed through the key itself and a remote key less entry as well. It comes with a inbuilt parking sensor and a 360 degree view during reversing and while in low speeds to help you navigate through the tight Indian roads.

T

o celebrate Auto Track's anniversary issue, we got an opportunity to drive this SUV and came back impressed with its performance in all areas. Here is our take on the new Hector Plus.

However, the 17 inch machined dual tone alloy wheels are no match for the robust body and look too tiny in spite of the plastic cladding reducing the huge wheel arch gap.

The rear end has few

smooth curves and patterns with split floating type indicators. The electrically operated tail gate has a smart swipe opening and closing option by waving your leg under the boot.

The opening position of the tail gate can be set to suit

On the design front, the nose has no heavy pattern and nil flashy material, the broad grille in the front has the chrome finish on the visible portion, as the Hector. The head lamp and the floating type indicators along with fog light with integrated cornering lamps make the design pop out, the LED DRL imparts a distinctive look to the vehicle.

The increase in length from the earlier version is clearly visible on the sides.

SEPT / OCT 2020 autotrack.ind.in 23

various display modes.. It also has navigation, phone book, music information and avg. fuel consumption.

DRIVE

When we talk of interiors of the vehicle, the front row of the car has two seats with high rise head rest while the driver seat has a six way adjustment, the co-driver seat comes with a four way adjustment ,in between the two comes with a fixed arm rest above a storage box.

All the passenger seats have three point seat belts. The second or the middle row comes with two captain seats and a good enough leg space for an average adult, the seats are

Dual Pane Panoramic sun roof can be operated with voice command or control switches

24 autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

reclinable and can also be moved further back to create more leg room, the folding type arm rest is also adjustable with enough shoulder space. sufficient space between the two captain seats are ensured for the easy enough entry and exit for the third row which is recommended for children. It has USB charging ports in all the three rows It also has AC vents in the middle seat as well as the last row with independent fan speed

17 inches alloy wheel fitted with 215 / 60 R17 tyres, spare wheel fitted with steel rim

The hector plus is equipped with a premium 4+4 infinity sound system with a sub woofer and an amplifier. It also features a cooled glove box. The AVN touch screen infotainment is internet connected via an E-sim and comes with android auto and apple carplay. The voice command can be used to operate the dual pane panoramic sun roof. The hector plus has an eight colour ambient lighting which can be controlled through the infotainment unit. MG has partnered with Gaana to provide unlimited music with the premium account. It also comes with an in-built navigation system. The chit chat feature that MG is also worth mentioning.

controls. The flat floor surface in the center of the middle row makes the row very specious without a pronounced central tunnel gives easy access to the rear seats.

HECTOR PLUS DIESEL

The seats have a smoked sepia brown leather and leather inserts can also be found on the dashboard. It has two ISOFIX child seat anchors in the middle row.

The instrument cluster is a 7 inch coloured digital multi informant display which has

The head lamp along with fog light with integrated cornering lamps and floating type indicators

Price:

18.50 Lakhs

Engine:

1956cc

Max Power:

170@3750

Max Torque:

350@1750-2500

Transmission:

Manual

Wheel base:

17 inches

Ground clearance: 192mm

Fuel Tank:

60L

Tyre:

215/60 R17

DRLs : Split LED Daytime-running Lamps

HECTOR PLUS DIESEL TSD RALLY

Dash board with AVN touch screen infotainment with chit chat, Gaana and Navigation system

The 2 litre diesel engine comes with turbocharged 1956cc motor which puts a 168 horsepower to the wheel with 350 nm of torque at the optimum rpm range. Talking fuel capacity, it is only capable of 60 litres.

The fuel tank actually is located in a rather unusual spot just under the floor

Drivers seat with six way adjustment and high rise head rest

Electrically operated tail gate has Smart swipe foot opening

board of the rear boot.

The vehicle feels more stable on highway at moderate and high speeds, but external sound infilterates into the cabin.

When travelled on rough roads, the impact on the inside is minimum. Else the inner cabin experience is awesome and the price tag

Middle row reclinable captain seats with good leg space

Co-driver seat with four way adjustment and high rise head rest

HECTOR PLUS

Boot space of 160L with folded seats upto 530L

of about 18.5lakhs exshowroom is justified..

Diesel: 2L TURBO Transmission: 6MT Petrol:

1.5L TURBO / INTERCOOLED

Transmission: DCT Hybrid:1.5L TURBO / INTERCOOLED WITH BELT

Transmission: 6MT

Fixed arm rest with storage box, 8 colour ambient lighting, Gear lever and control switches

The vehicle is loaded with electronics. It has the common features such as hill hold assist, electronic stability control, traction control and ABS with brake assist.

.

4+4 Infinity sound system with sub woofer and amplifier

SEPT / OCT 2020 autotrack.ind.in 25

PEDAL POWER

Manish Jain

Cycling in Corona times !

R

emember Jyothi? The girl from Bihar who did the impossible feat of cycling 1200 km with her father on the pillion, that too on a rickety old bicycle bought in second hand? In the wake of the unprecedented reverse migration that followed with millions hitting the road earlier this year, the ubiquitous vehicle for moving from place to place was the pedal power or merely the feet. Though there has been no focused research on the percentage of people affected by Corvid 19 virus, from among the people who moved back

28 autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

from cities, the available empirical evidence points to the resilience of the people in fending off the impending disaster that befell the urban counterparts.

There is also increasing global evidence, that young people involved in physical exercises are less likely to be affected by the killer disease.

The pandemic has taught us among many signiďŹ cant lessons, the absolute need to keeping ďŹ t to become to be immune to any lethal infections or other debilitation. "Upper respiratory diseases caused

by Corona viruses themselves don't kill but the co morbidity owing to lack of immunity and pre-

SPECIAL TSD RALLYFEATURE

existing ailments are the reason for most deaths", explains Dr Aryan, a practising doctor from Delhi.

There are thousands of papers being written today to explain the process of how the Corvid 19 has become a killer disease, almost all of them pointing to lack of immunity in people owing to poor health and wellness practices. While the young may have the insurance of youth, what about those above 50 years of age and senior citizens? " Cycle is my shield against ill health", explains the senior journalist, and former Executive Editor of Business India magazine Thothathri Raman (62) based in Delhi. A long distance cyclist for some years, Mr Raman does an average of 30 to 35 km every day without fail everyday. Even during the recent nationwide shut down, everytime a window opened, he will hit the road with his RS 500 Riverside BTwin cycle.

"Now that there is no restriction on the movement of people in Delhi, I am on the road from 6 am to 9 a.m. So are many diverse range of cyclists which is a good thing", he says. With multiple warnings about exposure, why would a senior citizen like him would risk it? "Of course there is the big risk of being infected

Manish Jain, Chairman, Indus Business Academy, Bengaluru “There is also a lot of action likely to happen on the cycle front especially in the large academic and corporate campuses where internal movement within a campus is a challenge"

from close association with people who may be already infected. But this risk is more in a morning walk at the neighbourhood park than when you are astride a cycle", he explains.

In the park, while walking or jogging, the distance between people narrows down to nothing frequently as joggers pass you by or people coming from the opposite direction.

While cycling there is a natural distance of more than two meters from the nearest cyclist, except at traffic signals or checking points on the way which happens rarely especially in the morning hours. The natural social distancing that occurs and also the whole body exercise that cycling naturally provides, are best antidote to virus affliction.

Prof Prasada Rao, associate dean of Gitam University Business School is a regular

cyclist at Vishakapatnam streets. "Cycling is the best exercise I found which I am regularly undertaking whenever the lockdown is eased", he says. According to

SEPT / OCT 2020 autotrack.ind.in 29

PEDAL POWER

Prof Xaiver M J , a motivational coach and former Director IIM Ranchi and currently heading the Technology initiatives of Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA) Chennai, the most important side effect of the prolonged lockdown and the constant flow of information relating to deaths form around the world and even the neighbourhood, is mental depression.

"Most people not used to be sitting at home and starring at the screen for long periods of time, especially from among the faculty colleagues, leads to mental depression and lack of motivation to do anything", he explains. The advent of online education and home office working and the strict guidelines that govern from people assembling together for exchange of pleasantries has already affected mental faculties of many. Cycling,

28 autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

according to Prof Xavier offers a healthy alternative to be with people without actually coming in to close contact with any.

His recommendation even for the students who are facing the lockdown and other senior colleagues from the academia and corporate, set out on your bicycle at lest for an hour or so.

"Delhi Roads are full of cyclists nowadays", Ramesh Pathania, the Photo Editor of Hindustan Times Mint observes from his own morning sojourn on his ageing bicycle. "I am wanting to replace my bicycle with a new one the first available opportunity", he offers.

Decathlon the French sports and fitness chain of stores having its outlet in Ghazipur, Uttarpradesh part of New Delhi National Capital Region, has hardly any stock of cycles on its racks. The chain sells B Twin

Thothathri Raman Founder www.cycletofuture.com

"Now that there is no restriction on the movement of people in Delhi, I am on the road from 6 am to 9 a.m. So are many diverse range of cyclists which is a good thing”

brand of bicycles. And interestingly its maintenance section has a large chunk of cycles hinged on work benches from people who are rediscovering the happiness of the saddle! "Though we are acutely short of staff owing government directive on restricting number of people working at the establishment in any given work day, we are working our best to provide cycles in good conditions to the customers", explains Mukesh a mechanic at the stores who himself a champion rider with a number of long distance rides of between 600 km to 1200 k m.

Industry reports suggest from around the world, there is an upswing in the sale of cycles even though the trend is yet to be seen in the Indian markets.

In India the reports are somewhat mixed with the southern leader in two Bicycles, TI cycles reporting a huge surge in demand for tts cycles while . ironically, the Atlas cycles one of the iconic

SPECIAL TSD RALLYFEATURE names of Indian cycling, is closing down its factories owing to lack of demand. Hero cycles has put in place a major plan to increase the range of offerings based on its own design and also based on its range of collaborations with some of leading cycling brands from around the world.

Cycling is not only a mode of pollution free commute and to maintain fitness levels high but a passion says Manish Jain, Chairman of Indus Business Academy, Bangalore. Himself a keen cyclist, owing a Trek model bought more than a decade ago, Manish is hopeful that cycles would be back to reckoning, through with more advanced features. "Along with kids and youngsters, I strongly believe that senior also will take cycling seriously and seniors clubs will become a big hit promoting cycles among people who are needing exercise and can afford high quality cycles from among the genre of senior citizens" feels Manish Jain. "There is also a lot of action likely to happen on the cycle front especially in the large academic and corporate campuses where internal movement within a campus is a challenge"

has become a challenge to the Indian makers of cycles. The only thing that is preventing big brands like Trek, Giant, Canondale, Bianchi, Kona etc., from flooding the Indian market is the policy regime which is still not conducive for the bicycle import and sales " a leader dealer in cycles from East Delhi observes without wanting to be identified. "We deal with all companies and I don't want to be identified with one brand or the other", is his explanation. Leading bike brands BTwin, Firebird are already popularly available in India thanks to their tie up with Indian manufacturers. In the months to come, bicycle sales is going to be shooting up provided there is orchestrated campaign by the manufacturers and the media to sensitise the users to hitting the road for health and Covidcare.

.

"Every major brand of cycles is today in the Indian market, which

SEPT / OCT 2020 autotrack.ind.in 29

SOLUTIONS FOR FUTURE MOBILITY Let us make India as big as China. We have technology, brains and youth and our dream to build Omega 100% efficient mobility company.

Our focus right now is to develop a eco-system and diversify our roots in different parts of the world to make India EV superpower. association with ecommerce companies?

Omega Seiki Mobility are in conversations with leading Ecommerce platforms for Electric vehicles for delivery, including Amazon, Flipkart.

These e-commerce companies spend 70% of their costs in logistics and supply chain. We are discussing with a leading Alcoholic beverages company and they have shown keen interest in our upcoming 4-wheeler pick-up truck. We are also in conversation with different market players across the globe, for providing them OSM's smart EVs. (B2B players)

IN CONVERSATION WITH Mr. Uday Narang Chairman Omega Seiki Mobility ( a part of Anglian Omega Group )

O

mega Seiki Mobility launched India's first smart electric cargo three-wheelers – Rage and Rage+ at the Auto Expo held earlier this year. Mr Narang shared views and discussed a variety of issues relating to electric vehicles (EVs) with Team Auto Track on the company, the new products, the company's role on the future of EVs market in India and the future plans.

Tell us about the new products?

3O autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

The company's EVs logistics cargo delivery threewheelers, Rage & Rage+ will be on the roads by next month. We will be launching our two-wheeler segment in couple of months (by Diwali) and will be launching the prototype of our fourwheeler truck M1KA by March 2021. M1KA will be a revolutionary EV in the Indian Markets and in Asia. It will be the next big thing in Asia like Nikola Trucks in USA. Please tell us about your

How serious are the government's initiatives on EVs in India?

The Central Government and state governments are equally helping the EV and mobility companies by providing the right ecosystem to the manufacturers and proper incentives to the interested audience. We would like to thank our Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi, Delhi's Chief Minister, Mr. Arvind Kejriwal and Minister of MSME and Mr. Nitin Gadkari for contributing in the country's race towards being EV superpower.

What are the plans to sell EVs in the rural markets?

As you are aware, the people in India are price sensitive.

We are aiming to deliver the unbeatable price so that 1.4 Billion Indians are able to enjoy the best in class EV experience. Talking about rural areas, there is a great

INTERVIEW TSD RALLY bodies and industry association that they must focus on building the right ecosystem. Let us make India as big as China. We have technology, brains and youth.

We can make something equivalent to Tesla. The dream is to build Omega 100% efficient mobility company and I am expecting from other leading manufacturers that the prime focus right now is to develop a favorable ecosystem and diversify our roots in different parts of the world and make India EV superpower in coming 5-7 years.

Which countries do your products export to?

demand of Three-wheelers and Two-wheelers. We are expecting a good response from all parts of the country.

“I believe that by 2025, 30%40% vehicles will be EVs, including Cargo carriers, commercial vehicles, personal utility vehicles.”

Tell us a about the company's 100% localization?

Omega Seiki Mobility's each and every part is produced in the country itself. We had a vision from the very beginning of OSM that we will be delivering 100% Make in India products. Supporting Hon'ble Prime Minister's AtmaNirbhar Bharat, we are in touch with different MSMEs across the globe to set-up manufacturing units in the country. We are working with number of partners from other countries as well. I believe that in the next 2-3 years, we will be having maximum products made in India and lesser interdependence on China.

What is your view on World

EV day and how can we take this forward for India?

In relevance to World EV Day, EVs will be a great success in the country because of many reasons, as it is the need of the hour, will help India in generating large number of employment opportunities and are environment friendly.

Also, if we are able to cut the costs of battery manufacturing in coming years, we will be able to provide our automotive at much cheaper price. I firmly believe that by 2025, 25%35% vehicles in the country will be registered as EVs. The only other factor of concern is charging station availability. The Government of Delhi and Telangana are figuring out sustainable ways to eliminate this barrier and I am sure that other states will also contribute in creating the right ecosystem.

We will be exporting our vehicles in countries including Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, USA and other Far-eastern countries except China & Korea.

Can you elaborate a bit on how OSM is different from others?

“I feel I am not an OEM and I am not competing with the leading brands including Mahindra. I am in the game of myself, I am producing the vehicles and our company will surely involve in last-mile delivery. We are a technology company. E-commerce companies spend 70% of their costs in logistics. We will provide efficient vehicle as per their need for reducing their cost &

increasing their business. We consider ourselves as a Mobility Company. Our vehicles come with Smart AI technology and they will be updating the driver about the next battery station, Driver's biometric etc. OSM is a technology company. Not in a same boat with OEMs. Tell us your flagship company Anglian Omega Group?

Anglian Omega Group have components division across the nation, we have been building components for FCC, providing business for Tenneco, Bosch, Gabriel and many more.

What are the future plans lined up for Omega Seiki Mobility?

Future Plans- Rolling out 1015k Smart EV logistics threewheelers in 2021, will be launching complete segment of two-wheelers and cargo carriers. M1KA, four-wheeler Mini-truck (revolutionary for Asia) will be surely rolling on roads by next year end. Will be starting production unit in Thailand. OSM will be surely one of the premiere mobility company of this nation in 2-3 years. We are the only OEM who is 100% electric vehicle focussed. That gives us the edge over others as we need not worry about giving priority to ICE engine vehicles in our product stable. We are focussed only on EV led by battery technology.

.

I also take this opportunity on this World EV day to provide my humble advice to all EVs manufacturers, industry leaders, stakeholders, government SEPT / OCT 2020 autotrack.ind.in 31

FORMULA1 SPANISH GP

Hamilton conquers Spanish GP in sweltering heat

Verstappen, a distantth second ahead of Bottas; th Racing Point takes 4 & 5

L

ewis Hamilton took a dominant lights-toflag victory in sweltering conditions at Spanish Grand Prix, eventually crossing the line 25 seconds clear of Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen on Sunday, August 16.

Hamilton's Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas was third ahead of the Racing

34 autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

Points of Lance Stroll and Sergio Pérez.

In an ambien temperatures of around 30C̊ and on a track nudging above 50C̊, Verstappen made a good getaway at the start and he was able to outpace the slower-starting Bottas on the long run to Turn 1 and steal P2 behind Hamilton.

Stroll also made a good

getaway from fifth place on the grid to pass team-mate Pérez and Bottas. Behind them Alex Albon in the second Red Bull also made a solid start and he might have claimed fourth but in Turn 1 he was boxed in by the battle between Bottas and Stroll and was forced to hold his starting position.

Hamilton began to eke out

a small gap to Verstappen, but the Red Bull driver clung to the race leader and after 10 laps he was just 1.6s behind the champion.

Behind them, Bottas made his way past Stroll on lap five to close to retake third place.

Verstappen made his first stop of the race on lap 22.

The Dutchman switched to

BARCELONA TSD RALLY the race.

Behind the top three Lance Stroll took fourth place ahead of Racing Point team-mate Sergio Pérez, who dropped behind the Canadian due to the fivesecond penalty for ignoring blue flags.

Sixth place went to Carlos Sainz, while Sebastian Vettel made a one-stop strategy last to take seventh place, just one second ahead of Alex. Ninth place went to AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly and the final point on offer was taken by McLaren's Lando Norris.

.

medium tyres in just 1.9s, and when Hamilton made a slow change of 4.3s the Red Bull driver found himself back in second place, four seconds behind the Briton.

Bottas was still in third, two seconds adrift of Verstappen. Fourth place was occupied by Renault's Daniel Ricciardo, though the Australian had yet to make his first pit stop.

Verstappen made his second stop for a set of mediums, on lap 41 and after a two-second stop he was released back into third place, 18.2s behind Bottas.

Bottas pitted eight laps later but though he was on fresher soft tyres he failed to make serious inroads on the gap to the Red Bull driver.

Hamilton followed his teammate to the pit lane on lap 51 but after insisting to his team that he did not want softs, he was given a set of mediums before rejoining 9.6s ahead of Verstappen.

From there the result was set. Hamilton again began

to build a lead and with little chance of an assault on the lead and with Bottas well behind, Verstappen managed his pace to the flag. The task was made more straightforward when Bottas made a late stop for medium tyres and a finallap blast to the fastest lap of

SEPT / OCT 2020 autotrack.ind.in 35

FORMULA 1

BELGIAN GP

Hamilton dominates Bottas takes second to wrap up Mercedes 1-2 at Spa

L

ewis Hamilton further extended his Formula 1 Driver's Championship with a dominant Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps as Valtteri Bottas took second place to wrap up Mercedes third 1-2 finish of the season. Max Verstappen took third place to score his sixth podium finish in a row on August 30 When the light went out at the start of the race Bottas made a good start from P2 on the grid and he seemed poised to challenge pole sitter Hamilton as they went through La Source, but Hamilton had a small lock36 autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

up and that forced Bottas to slow. Lacking momentum he was unable to get a run on Hamilton as they went through Eau Rouge and down the long Kemmel straight.

There was a tougher battle happening directly behind the lead pair, however.

Verstappen made a good getaway to hold his grid position of third place but on the long straight fourthplaced Daniel Ricciardo was able to pull alongside and the pair went into Les Combe side by side.

Verstappen ran wide on the exit but he was able to fight back as they went through

Pouhon and he closed the door on his former teammate to retain third place.

Behind them Versatppen's team-mate Alex Albon also came under pressure from a Renault's Esteban Ocon on the run down the hill to Eau Rouge and on the long straight he lost the position to the Frenchman.

The race then settled in the opening 10 laps, with the Mercedes pair eking out a slim gap back to Verstappen as the Dutchman pulled away from Ricciardo. On lap 10 Hamilton held a 1.8s advantage over Bottas, but the complexion of the race then changed when Alfa

Romeo's Antonio Giovinazzi lost control on the exit of Fagnes and crashed into the barriers on the right side of the track. His car bounced back on track and a detached wheel then hit the Williams of George Russell, who then arrowed off track into the barriers on the left side. Fortunately, both drivers emerged unscathed but the Safety Car was immediately deployed.

With the race neutralised, the bulk of the field pitted and during the stops Albon managed to jump ahead of Ocon. Racing Point's Sergio Pérez and AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly opted to stay

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS TSD RALLY

out on track, however, and they rose to fourth and fifth respectively.

Following the restart on lap 15 Hamilton held his lead ahead of Bottas and Verstappen while Ricciardo and Albon soon Pérez and Gasly who were beginning to feel their starting tyres go off.

At the front, Hamilton began to stretch away from Botta. Verstappen doggedly hung onto the Finn for a while, but as the laps ground down the gaps at the front slowly began to spread and in the final third of the race Verstappen began to complain that his tyres were causing vibrations. With eight laps remaining and a healthy gap back to fourth-placed Ricciardo, The Red Bull driver opted to throttle back and cruised to his sixth podium in a row 15 seconds behind race winner Hamilton and with three seconds in hand over Ricciardo, who took the point for fastest lap on the final tour of the circuit.

Behind them Albon and Ocon provided the entertainment in the last 10 laps Albon was beginning to struggle on the mediums he had taken during his sole stop and Ocon closed

in. In the last five laps the Thai driver was forced to fend off a series of late attacks by the Renault driver and though he managed to defend well, on the final lap he ran out of pace and on the long run to Les Combes Ocon powered past and Albon was forced to settle for sixth place ahead of the McLaren of Lando Norris and Gasly who powered through the order in the late stages to claim eighth.

Ninth place went to Racing Point's Lance Stroll and the final point went to Pérez.

Hamilton now has 157

points to Verstappen's 110, with Bottas in thrid place in the Driver's Championship with 107. In the

Constructors' battle Mercedes have 264, with Red Bull on 158 & McLaren are third with 68 points.

.

SEPT / OCT 2020 autotrack.ind.in 37

AUSTRIAN

MOTO GP

A

ndrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) played his cards and his race to perfection in the myWorld Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich, overhauling an early lead for Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) to take over at the front and then pull the pin for Ducati's 50th premier class win – keeping the marque's 100% record at the Red Bull Ring intact on August 16. Miller looked set to take second until the last two corners, with the Australian then heading ever-so-slightly wide and having his pocket picked by Team Suzuki Ecstar's Joan Mir. The Spaniard therefore took second and was on the premier class podium for the first time.

The headlines were dominated, however, by an earlier incident that brought out the Red Flag. On the initial start, Miller got a great launch from P2 and it was the Ducati rider who grabbed the holeshot, with Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) also getting away well to slot into P2 from pole.

Dovizioso was a fast starter from P4, with Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) dropping back. Then Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) chipped away and got himself to the front, before Quartararo then ran off track at Turn 4 to drop to the back of the pack on Lap 6. Espargaro, Dovizioso, Mir, Miller and Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) were leaving the rest behind, but the incident for which the race will also likely be remembered then 38 autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

Dovizioso delivers

Ducati's 50th premier class win Miller misses out at the fag-end running wide as Mir takes 2nd unfolded at the Turn 3 braking zone, bringing out the red flags.

Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) and Johann Zarco (Esponsorama Racing) were almost side by side on the straight, and as they got on the anchors into Turn 3, the duo came into contact and both went down. What unfolded next was terrible luck followed by incredible luck. Zarco and Morbidelli's bikes careered towards Turn 4 and both bikes hit the airfence, thankfully slowing them down, but the speed of the crash was such that the machines headed into the path of the riders that were coming into and out of Turn 3. Viñales and Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) were the two in the firing line and somehow, the two errant bikes missed the two

factory Yamaha riders.

Morbidelli's bike shot through the gap between Viñales and Rossi, missing the nine-time World Champion by a matter of inches, with Zarco's bike narrowly avoiding Viñales.

The debris and aftermath brought out the Red Flag, with Zarco on his feet immediately and going to

check on the stricken Morbidelli. The Italian was up initially but then taken away on a stretcher to be checked over. Ultimately, both headed for the Medical Centre and incredibly, both were declared fit and were not injured. A crash the scale of which will ensure it's remembered forever, and thankfully everyone walking away unscathed.

AUSTRIA TSD RALLY As the dust settled, the track was cleared and race restart prepared. This time it would be Pol Espargaro on pole, leading as he had been just before the Red Flag incident happened.

With seven laps to go, there was nothing between the leading three, and Rossi and Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) were chasing Binder, as Championship leaders Quartararo and Viñales remained down in 8th and 13th, although Viñales was the fastest man on track.

With five to go, Dovi then really started edging clear of Miller, and with four to go, the Italian had pulled almost a second out. The Australian held firm in second, but Mir was climbing all over the back of the Desmosedici…

Coming onto the last lap, barring a mistake, the race was Dovi's. But who would take second? Miller was defending as hard as he could to make it a Ducati 12 and it looked like he was going to be able to do it.

Heading into the

penultimate Turn 9 though, Miller's defensive line took him wide on the exit and Mir swept through to steal that second place, denying the Australian as he took his first MotoGP™ podium on the second step. Dovi took the chequered flag just ahead of them to claim his third Red Bull Ring victory, and Ducati's 50th MotoGP™ win.

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SEPT / OCT 2020 autotrack.ind.in 39

STYRIAN MOTO GP

T

he BMW M Grand Prix of Styria was already a guaranteed history maker as it hosted the 900th premier class race, but what a race it was.

Another Red Flag and shortened sprint to the line gave us a dash of early drama, but more milestones were achieved once again in 2020 as Red Bull KTM Tech 3's Miguel Oliveira took his first-ever premier class victory in serious style on August 23.

It's the first premier class win for the Tech 3 squad, the first for Portugal, and the first KTM win on home turf for the factory and for Red Bull. It all went down to the final corner too as the Portuguese rider sliced past the duelling Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) and Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and kept it inch-perfect to beat both to the line.

On the first start, Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) took the holeshot from the front row – kind of – but the Suzuki headed wide and was then told to give the place back up. Espargaro was second before a scrappy few corners that saw the Spaniard demoted before Miller took over at the front from Mir. A few laps later, Vinales appeared to have an issue and put his arm up once, but then disaster would strike not long after he'd managed to tuck back in and carry on. At Turn 1, the number 12 was forced to do a high-speed bail out and he jumped off his machine just in time, the stricken Yamaha then hurtling towards the air fence and catching fire. That caused 40 autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

Miguel Oliveira

takes his maiden premier-class victory The first win for Portugal, and the first KTM win on home turf and for Red Bull the Red Flag to come out to do repairs, but Viñales was immediately on his feet – rider ok and seemingly pretty mad about the incident.

Mir, Miller and Nakagami's advantage was gone in a sudden puff of drama, and we were heading back to the grid for the quick restart procedure not long after.

After the restart, Mir got the perfect start from pole, with Miller getting bogged down from third.

With eight laps to go, Pol Espargaro set the fastest lap of the race. The KTM rider then made his move on Mir

at Turn 3, before the number 44 was then clambering all over the back of Miller. Pol then attempted a pass up into

Turn 1 but he was in deep and wide, allowing Miller to blast straight past and Oliveira and Mir to close in, the Portuguese rider now up

SPIELBERG TSD RALLY into third.

Heading onto that last lap, it all came down to two KTMs vs a Ducati: Pol Espargaro vs Miller vs Oliveira. It was Pol Espargaro who begun the lap in the lead and got a good run out of the first corner, but coming into the braking zone, the KTM went very defensive and that compromised his exit and Miller was all over him before managing to get alongside the number 44 and make the move stick into the tricky, downhill right-hander.

Miller held firm through the left-handers, but coming up was where the KTM rider was strongest. Pol Espargaro got the run up the hill and managed to slice back up the inside of Miller, meaning everything was going down – once again – to the final corner in Styria.

Getting a better run down into Turn 10, Miller braked late and the Aussie, of course, went for it. And he

technically got it done as he got past the KTM – but both headed so wide, the door was wide open behind them. Enter wily Oliveira, who had been calmly stalking the pair, as the Portuguese rider blasted past the two errant machines and straight to the line for his first historic victory, in a historic race.

Miller held onto second to pick up his second Red Bull Ring rostrum of 2020, with Pol Espargaro forced to settle for P3, although it's his first dry podium in MotoGP after an impressive ride at the front.

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SEPT / OCT 2020 autotrack.ind.in 41

ROAD T R I P

FIVE NATIONS RIDE Three Indian riders completed a road trip across five nations places. It was time to cross another border into Thailand. We also wanted a break from the riding and so, we set ahead to indulge in some water sports, eat scrumptious street food and try other interesting things before our next country

T

ime is ticking, and road trips are slated to become the new normal. Safer than most modes of travel, and to add to this, flights are for the less adventurous. We (Nikhil Kashyap, Bhanu Pratap Singh and Harkirat Singh) packed our bags and set off for our most memorable 28 days on the road, driving through some of the most picturesque locations that South East Asia has to offer.

We did this route in reverse

42 autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

i.e. from Singapore to India.

Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar and India. Singapore has very strict laws regarding riding especially when it involves an imported bike with an Indian license plate. So we did not ride that much around town. But on our way to Malaysia, we were on full throttle on the long stretches to Kuala Lumpur.

We were greeted by Malaysian Indian bikers and took us to city's important

Myanmar.

Next destination for us was a town called Kanchanaburi, which played a significant role to the Americans and Japanese in World War II. After our night halt, we continued towards Tak. Tak

SINGAPORE TO INDIA TSD RALLY

to Mae Sot, the border town on the Thai side which was at a distance of 100 kms, we made it there in 2 hours. Myanmar was greeted us with bumpy roads and spicy street food. Our ďŹ rst stop in this Buddhist country was a beautiful Kawgun cave and to another important site, Golden rock, popularly known as the Golden Pagoda in Kyaiktiyo.Reaching Yangon on day 21, we got to know about the motorcycle ban in the city area and we sat in our guide's security van to visit the Bahadur Shah Zafar's Tomb, the biggest pagoda in the world called Shwedagon. Connecting Yangon to Naypyidaw was a 4-lane expressway, the 350 km expressway landed us in the new capital for dinner. The 23rd day, we

were visiting the famous Bagan featured in Hollywood adventure series - Indiana Jones. Riding through virgin jungles, we were in an adventure paradise and we reached Kale in the midnight. What we didn't realise was that we wanted to be in Tamu instead, a further 130 kms. This is the road that India's Border Roads Organisation had built as a part of the Asian Highway going all the way to Tamu-Moreh India border.

We crossed the Indo-Myanmar Friendship Bridge to Moreh. Thanks to our friend, Hemochandran for the support in Manipur. We have covered the distance of around 5000 kms. As we entered Manipur, we felt a sense of coming back to our own land after having completed this challenging ride.

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SEPT / OCT 2020 autotrack.ind.in 43

HISTORICAL ROAD TRIP

A tribute

to martyrs on Kargil Vijay Diwas day Big Biking Commune supports historical road trip by Umesh Gopinath

I

n a tribute to over 500 fallen comrades, and over 1000 injured warriors and unsung veterans from 1999, Umesh Gopinath Jadhav, founder of Muzicause, a music band for a cause, started his ďŹ rst historical road trip to meet families of martyrs, the Fallen heroes, Veterans and serving ofďŹ cers of Armed Forces and Para-Military Forces across 28 States and 9 Union Territories.

His objective was to build patriotism among the 44 autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

people, especially the youth by creating a map of India in Jammu and Kashmir with the collected soils of the martyrs. Umesh's mission was completely supported through a crowd-funded project which mainly consisted of bikers who pooled in with his travel expenses.

Big Biking Commune, largest aggregator platform for the biking community stepped in to support Umesh Jadhav's patriotism towards the unsung Kargil

BENGALURU TSD RALLY

war heroes of 1999, where he had collected the soil of 70 martyrs who had given their blood and soul to save our nation.

Arun Kumar, Convener, Big Biking Commune, stepped in to amplify the patriotism among the people brought in all bikers and jeep lovers to an event in remembrance of 21st Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 25 in support of Umesh Jadhav's initiative. "We believe that we have the ability to maximize patriotism among bikers, since the reach under our biker commune is humungous. As bikers we are able to travel around the country, while the borders are protected. We feel happy to be a part of this journey and we wish Umesh the best in completing his mission," said Arun.

The event had Brigadier Bhupinder Singh Kang and Retd. Col. Tapash Kumar Basu, who had enlightened the bikers about how brutal and courageous the Kargil war was, and paid a tribute of silence to the souls of the fallen heroes, along with it the admins of premium bikers & Jeep clubs from Bangalore consisting of Harley Bangalore Chapter, Association of Biking Community, Sir Group, Biking Buddies, RD 350, Rider Republic, Jeep Mudsters.

"Keeping in mind about Covid-19, the gathering had 80-100 bikers with all safety norms in place," added Arun. Umesh Jadhav thanked the Big Biking commune for helping him to maximize the message.

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SEPT / OCT 2020 autotrack.ind.in 45

NEWS TSD RALLY

TVS MOTOR NEW AND INNOVATIVE LOOK JUPITER SCOOTER TVS Motor Company introduces TVS Jupiter ZX Disc with 'i-TOUCHstart Equipped with an all-in-one lock

T

he Jupiter scooter is one of the successful product for TVS Motor. Taking the success forward, TVS Motor Company, a reputed manufacturer of twowheelers and threewheelers in the world, recently introduced TVS Jupiter ZX Disc variant with an upgraded electric start technology 'i-TOUCHstart'.

The technology provides a silent and instant start minus the cranking noise, making it ideal for repeated starts in stop-go trafďŹ c. 'iTOUCHstart' also improves battery life and provides a maintenance-free system.

The TVS Jupiter ZX now also comes with an all-in-one lock to operate the ignition, steering lock, seat lock and fuel tank cap with a single keyhole. This enables the rider to access all functions with ease. Along with technology and convenience, the TVS Jupiter ZX also offers a Disc brake for rider safety. This launch is in line with TVS Motor Company's continuous endeavour to provide best-in-class features which cater to the evolving need of Indian customers.

46 autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

The TVS Jupiter ZX is equipped with Ecothrust Fuel injection (ET-Fi) technology and 'iTOUCHstart' with an integrated starter generator system which delivers 15 percent better mileage, better startability, reďŹ nement along with

durability. The scooter has LED headlamp, 2-litre glove box, mobile charger and 21litre storage. The adjustable shock absorbers further enhance riding convenience. TVS Jupiter's 110cc engine generates a maximum power of 5.88 kW (8 bhp) at 7500 rpm while

producing a maximum torque of 8 Nm at 5500 rpm.

TVS Jupiter ZX Disc with 'iTOUCHstart' is priced at Rs. 69,052/- (ex-showroom, Delhi) and is available in the colour selection of Matte Starlight Blue, Starlight Blue and Royal Wine.

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MUMBAI TSD RALLY

ROAD T R I P

NEW LEASE OF LIFE

O

n Independence Day this year, a group of amputee motorcyclists from Mumbai, part of the first speciallyabled bikers club in India celebrated 10 years of being on road. Seven more such clubs have formed across India with different trails since then; some scenic and some for a cause. Few of the members like Vinod Rawat, Vishal Gosavi and Mahendra Pitale had different stories but single agenda, disability can never hamper your dreams of being on wheel. The saying, 'four wheels move the body', two wheels move the soul is quite true and it applies to this group of amputee motorcyclists.

brakes and accelerator using one arm. It's not easy, but am able to manage it with practice."

Riding solo now and loving it, 37 years old Bandra resident and state govt officer Vishal Gosavi didn't let polio in his right leg come in the way of his riding. Being denied a ride during college days, today he rides two wheelers and sports bikes and also owns three heavy bikes, in spite of few challenges. As a part of the specially-abled bikers group it gives him a sense of freedom.

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Vinod Rawat formed a group of specially-abled people whom society had rejected, so that they can ride their dream. Rawat had lost his left leg at the age of six, he got his first prosthetic limb in 1997 after an unsuccessful surgery to get an artificial limb. Mira-Road and Western Railways employee, Mahendra Pitale has a prosthetic arm. He shares, "I lost my arm in the bomb blasts of July 11, 2006. I ride my bike with the clutch (which was shifted from left side to right), SEPT / OCT 2020 autotrack.ind.in 47

MUMBAI, TSD RALLYR-1

eRACING

CHAMPIONSHIP

Amith Kutti jumps into lead after Round 1 Chennai racer dominates as Mumbai Falcons' Indian eRacing Championship begins

C

hennai's Amith Kutti launched his campaign in style in the fourth edition of the Mumbai Falcons Indian eRacing Championship, in association with Volkswagen Motorsport, winning both the Pro races.

The defending champion warded off Season 2 winner Sai Prithvi's challenge to take a commanding lead after Round 1. Bangalore's Ujjwal Belwariar won the Junior race, edging past Sayee Saran who had taken the pole position.

Reigning champion Amith Kutti and Sai Prithvi were engaged in a keen battle for pole on the Spa Francorchamps Circuit, with the former finishing ahead 48 autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

in 2:13.718. Prithvi was a close 0.13 seconds behind while Niranjan Kumar was third.

The latest season of the Indian eRacing Championship (earlier ISRL) extends to eight rounds and will see multiple new classes as the season progresses. A women's class along with two separate amateur classes are also set to be introduced soon.

"We are proud to be associated with the Indian eRacing Championship. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IR eSports team has done a stellar job in keeping the spirit of motorsport flying in the minds of racers," Ameet Gadhoke, owner of Mumbai Falcons, said.

Sirish Vissa, Head Volkswagen Motorsport India added "The Indian eRacing Championship is

making motorsport racing fun, exciting and a unique learning experience for our young and aspirational racers in India. With the continuous development of this platform, it intends to offer a near realistic experience along with reaching out to a wider audience of potential race drivers."

Kutti won Race 1 just 0.75 seconds ahead of Prithvi while Hyderabad's Bhanu Teja was third. Sonipat's Ankit Tyagi was fourth. A massive crash in the midfield saw multiple cars suffering severe damage.

F3 Asia Race winner & guest racer for the weekend, Sri Lanka's Eshan Pieris, representing the CMSC, suffered technical issues and an accident in Race 1.

"We have created the Junior Class to help newcomers adapt to the sport in slower cars. We are thankful to Mumbai Falcons and Volkswagen Motorsport for their continued support. We also welcome and thank Red Bull for their support," 8-time champion and founder of IR eSports Rayomand Banajee said.

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ROUND-2 TSD RALLY

eRACING

CHAMPIONSHIP

Pune's Ibrahim dominates Former Asian Rotax runner-up wins both Pro Races; Belwarier tops Junior Class

P

une's Muhammad Ibrahim sparkled in Round 2 of the Mumbai Falcons Indian eRacing Championship, in association with Volkswagen Motorsport India, stunning Amith Kutti of Chennai and winning both his Pro-Class races on August 4.

Ibrahim is currently competing from Kuala Lumpur and famously ran in the top five of the World Rotax Karting Finals recently and was a runner-up in the Asian Rotax Championship too. He bagged pole, with a lap-time of 1:47.778, ahead of Ooty's Niranjan Kumar.

Season 2 Champion Sai Prithvi was third while Kutti could manage only fourth on the grid, ahead of Ankit Tyagi.

As the lights went out for Race 1 at the famed Nurburgring Circuit, Ibrahim made an excellent start while Kutti, from fourth,

made a daring lunge into Corner 1 to jump to second place. Ibrahim pulled away and cruised to victory ahead of Kutti and Prithvi. Raghav Budhiraja (Delhi) and Abdul Hadi (Thrissur) drove smartly to move up from 14th & 15th to complete the Top-Five.

In Race 2, pole-sitter Viswas Vijayraj caused an incident and 8 cars suffered damage, and safety car came in.

Ibrahim took full advantage of this to win ahead of Kutti and Chevlyn Fernandes (Mumbai). Sai Prithvi and Niranjan Kumar completed the top five.

Sirish Vissa, Head of Volkswagen Motorsport India said, "The series has been remarkable with strong performance from Muhammad Ibrahim and the racers leading on the point table. The fight for the first spot was most exciting and enthralling."

In the Junior Class second round, Sayee Saran (Chennai) started from pole, in a row. He made a good start to lead the race ahead of Ujjwal Belwarier (Bangalore) and Garvit Agrawal (Gurgaon). After a thrilling three-car battle for the lead Saran lost the lead with Belwarier winnin ahead of Avinash Gupta (Kalimpong) and Agrawal.

"The Mumbai Falcons Indian Racing Championship got a tremendous boost with acclaimed kart-racer

Muhammad Ibrahim taking part. He got the better of Amith Kutti and Sai Prithvi which shows his class," Moid Tungekar, CEO of Mumbai Falcons, said.

"We are happy to see strong viewership growth of the live races on our IR eSports social media channels. In addition to our existing sponsors, Mumbai Falcons and Volkswagen Motorsport India, we welcome Gamer Connect on board," Rayomand Banajee, the organiser and karting king, concluded.

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SEPT / OCT 2020 autotrack.ind.in 49

ROUND-3 TSD RALLY

eRACING

CHAMPIONSHIP

Ibrahim continues domination Maiden win for Agarwal in Junior Class in the Indian eRacing Championship

P

une's Muhammad Ibrahim continued his winning streak in the Mumbai Falcons Indian eRacing Championship, in association with Volkswagen Motorsport. The accomplished won both the races of the Pro Class in the third round recently.

Ibrahim started the event on the right note, qualifying on pole with a lap time of 1:22.010. Amith Kutti (Chennai) bagged second on the grid, qualifying 0.48 seconds behind. Sai Prithvi, also from Chennai, was third.

Race 1 saw championship leader Kutti, make a rare mistake to crash out of contention while Ibrahim took advantage of a good start to pull away and win the race. Prithvi had an intense battle with Sohil Shah before managing to overtake and finish second.

Shah, a former National Formula 1300 Champion, 5O autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

finished third, ahead of Niranjan Kumar and Raiden Samervel.

In a reverse grid for the top12 in Race 2, Coimbatore's Kaushick Mohanraja started on pole and drove a sensible race but could not keep Ibrahim behind him.

Ibrahim won, ahead of Mohanraja, while Bhanu Teja from Hyderabad was third.

In the Junior Class, Sayee Saran (Chennai) in pole was hit and he fell down the order. Debjit Adak from second, got involved in multiple crashes but still managed to finish fourth.

Gurgaon boy, Garvit Agarwal picked up his maiden victory while Amitesh Rao took his maiden podium, in second.

Mumbai's Veer Sheth came third place ahead of Adak and Ritesh Rai. "It's good to see the Championship quite close in both classes. We are coming

up with numerous opportunities for youngsters in motorsport with the Mumbai Falcons Indian eRacing Championship," said Moid Tungekar, CEO of Mumbai Falcons.

Sirish Vissa, Head of Volkswagen Motorsport India said, "It is exciting to witness the competition for every position in the championship. It shows the dedication and effort that these young drivers are putting in to battle each other."

“Next round will see the addition of the Amateur Class followed by the Women's Class," said 8-time National racing and karting champion and founder of IR eSports, Rayomand Banajee.

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NEWS TSD RALLY

Road Side

ASSISTANCE

CEAT TYRES FORAYS INTO A NEW BUSINESS SEGMENT

C

EAT, the flagship company of RPG Enterprises is one of India's leading tyre manufacturers and has a strong presence in global markets. CEAT produces over 15 million tyres a year and offers the widest range of tyres to all segments and manufactures world-class radials for heavy-duty trucks and buses, light commercial vehicles, earthmovers, forklifts, tractors, trailers, cars, motorcycles and scooters as well as auto-rickshaws

CEAT Tyres has partnered with ReadyAssist as part of their Road Side Assistance (RSA) program to offer 24/7 road side services to its customers. The association is an addition in CEAT's existing business model and is an extension of the recently launched CEAT doorstep services wherein customers can avail various services for their vehicles anytime, anywhere. The RSA program will start for as low as Rs 200 for a puncture repair at the doorstep with complimentary sanitisation of key touch points of the vehicle for added safety of the customer.

The roadside assistance service offered by CEAT will

with ReadyAssist in our endeavour to provide world-class road side assistance for cars and bikes. I am confident that the union of two customer focussed brands, will result in top notch on the spot services, reduced turnaround time and amplified customer satisfaction".

be available in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, which will soon expand across 20 cities in India within a month. The services provided will be puncture repair, battery jumpstart, key unlock assistance, minor on spot repair, emergency fuel delivery and towing service. Customers can avail all these services by calling on a 24/7 hotline number 9740828080.

program, we can now go to our customers to provide them range of our services, wherever and whenever they are needed. We are thrilled to have partnered

Based out of Bengaluru, ReadyAssist is a 24/7 roadside service assistance provider that offers services across various other cities such as Mumbai, Mysore, Gurugram and Hyderabad.

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Commenting in the launch of this service, Mr. Arnab Banerjee, Chief Operating Officer, CEAT Tyres said, "Staying closer to our objective of making commute easy and safe for our customers, we have further enriched our business model. While, we have always ensured that our customers get utmost care when they come to us, with Roadside Assistance SEPT / OCT 2020 autotrack.ind.in 51

ADVENTURE T R A V E L

INTO THE

WILD IN AN URBAN SUV We went into the wild and discovered how capable our sturdy little S-Cross is. It's great on the highway, and with a little care, it can take you into the wild as well, with few rivers to cross

TEXT AND PHOTOS: PRAGNYA PANDEY

W

e went into the wild and discovered how capable our sturdy little SCross is. It's great on the highway, and with a little care, it can take you into the wild as well, with few rivers to cross It's been exactly one year since we went on our last road trip, and given that we've been confined inside our homes for over five months now, the itch to get out has never been greater.

The trip to Rajaji National Park last September, in tow with our then 1 year old was planned in exactly two days, but is also one of the most memorable because of the spontaneity.

We booked an eco-lodge

52 autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

that is inside the national park, in the foothills of the Himalayas. But what we forgot to check in our hurry was how one gets to the eco-lodge. And as we found out, there were several river crossings to be encountered. It was still raining, so the water level there was higher than normal, and vehicles needed to cross a large river bed of the Been river as well as the Tedon and Taal rivers.

When we first reached the Been river, we weren't sure our Maruti S-Cross would be able to make the arduous journey, especially as the first step to getting to the river bed was a steep incline. But S-Cross is a very capable car, this one being the 2017 model, 1.3 diesel

with 89 horses under the hood. The car's ground clearance of 180 mm gave us enough confidence we could make it through, so we climbed down the first hurdle on the river bed with all the caution possible.

Slowly, checking where the tires are going, following the river and its flow, we crossed the first hurdle. But there were several more such river crossings, some much deeper than the first, and the S-Cross did not disappoint. What one has to take care of when in water is to ensure eater doesn't get into the exhaust. For that keeping one foot on the accelerator is paramount.

There was very little phone network inside the park, which meant Google Map

wasn't of much help. So we went off the mark several times and finally reached our destination, the lodge in the middle of nowhere. We were the only ones staying at the lodge, and there was just one caretaker. No television, little electricity, it was a breath of fresh air, a break from all the screens, and content that we are bombarded with day and out.

We decided to hire a Gypsy to take a quick round of the jungle, but that Gypsy stranded us in the middle water and we quickly decided to get back as it became dark. At night, the sky was nothing like we ever see in our light infested cities. Full of stars, and fireflies. The food that the caretaker made --

UTTARAKHAND TSD RALLY

simple dal, chawal, potato preparation with curd -- was mind-blowing.

The kiddo had never seen anything like it. The place was fun, but in a different way. He loved running g around on the grass, and around the cottage. Our plan was to spend the night and then explore the park the next day before we got out. But we were woken up, startled, in the middle of the night by calls of a few barking deer who had come to drink water in the middle of the night at the small stream that ran close the lodge. We didn't know those sounds at that time, so we were mighty scared.

The next day, when we got up early in the morning, we couldn't see much of the

car, which was parked a little distance away below the cottage. It was all misty, and looked surreal. The way back in the car looked easy, but we almost got stuck at a few places, but some quick thinking helped us get out of trouble.

You might be wondering why there isn't any description of wild animals when this trip was to a wildlife park. Well we were disappointed too.

The rains meant water was available to wild animals even in the interiors of the park and they didn't have to venture out to the rivers to quench their thirst, like they would during the heat of the summer months.

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But for us, this was one hell of an adventure.

SEPT / OCT 2020 autotrack.ind.in 53

NEWS TSD RALLY

Honda begins Africa Twin Sports bike in India Taking the spirit of #TrueAdventure beyond, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India private limited commenced the deliveries of 2020 Africa Twin Adventure Sports. The first

customer was handed over the key of his all-new 2020 Africa Twin Adventure Sports at Honda's big-bike dealership, the Honda BigWing in Gurugram, Haryana.

Hero partners with UP Police In keeping with its commitment to promote women empowerment in India, Hero MotoCorp, the world's largest manufacturer of two-wheelers, presented 100 Hero scooters, Destini 125 and Maestro Edge 125, to the women police officers

of Gorakhpur Police Department.

Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, flagged off a rally of 100 Destini 125 and Maestro Edge 125 bikes presented to women police officers from Gorakhnath Mandir.

India's first EV Charging Plaza

Audi RS 7 Sportback drives in Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, announced the launch of the Audi RS 7 Sportback in India. The Audi RS 7 Sportback is available as a wide-bodied five-seater and showcases improved performance along with

enhanced efficiency delivered by a mild hybrid system. Highly customisable, the Audi RS 7 Sportback is priced from Rs. 1.94 Crore. Customer deliveries commenced in August 2020.

With a focus on enhancing energy efficiency and promoting e-mobility, RK Singh, Minister for Power, New & Renewable Energy, inaugurated India's first public EV (Electric Vehicle) charging plaza at Chelmsford Club in New Delhi on July 20. Singh said,

"The EV charging plaza is a new avenue for making emobility ubiquitous and convenient in India. Such innovative initiatives are imperative for the creation of a robust e-mobility ecosystem in the country.

My congratulations to both EESL and NDMC."

CEAT's Puncture-Safe tyres India's leading tyre manufacturer, CEAT Tyres announced the launch of its new Puncture Safe Tyres for

54 autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

motorcycles in July. These new range of tubeless tyres will offer a technology to consumers that will resist loss of air pressure, in case of puncture allowing a hassle free and safe ride.

The tyres are currently available in Kerala, Bangalore, Mysore and parts of Karnataka as well as Coimbatore and Salem in Tamil Nadu.

STUDDS comes to India Reiterating its commitment towards manufacturing in India, STUDDS Accessories Limited, manufacturer of two-wheeler helmets, in

terms of volumes sold in a year, commenced operations at its new, stateof-the-art manufacturing facility at Haryana.

NEWS TSD RALLY

Land Rover's Defender 90

Land Rover has confirmed the new commercial Defender 90 and 110

models would restore the Hard-Top name to its rugged 4x4 family.

Jaguar retailer in Bengaluru Jaguar Land Rover India opened a new 3S Retailer facility in Bengaluru in

TVS Zest 110 with ET-Fi TVS Motor Company, a reputed manufacturer of two-wheelers and threewheelers in the world, introduced the BS-VI variant of TVS Zest 110 equipped with ET-Fi (Ecothrust Fuel injection) technology on July 23.

The Ecothrust Fuel injection (ET-Fi) technology in the BSVI TVS Zest 110 ensures long-lasting, trouble-free, and comfortable ride experience for customers with better mileage and performance. The ET-Fi technology provides enhanced overall

performance across driveability, smoothness, and fuel economy.

August by Marqland in a fast developing area on New Airport Road.

Hero supports Health Centres in Alwar th

Tata rolls out 1000 Nexon EV Tata Motors announced a significant milestone in the electric vehicle (EV) domain

by rolling out the 1000th Nexon EV from its plant in Pune in August.

As part of its ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives towards the COVID-19 relief efforts, Hero MotoCorp, manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters,

handed over two firstresponder vehicles to authorities at the Community Health Centres in Neemrana and Mundawar, in the Alwar district of Rajasthan.

ABB India's robotics facility Spread over 3,600 sq.m at the ABB Nelamangala

factory premises in Bengaluru, the new facility will enable ABB India to deliver robotic applications and digital solutions for a variety of Indian industries, including automotive, food and beverage, electronics and other upcoming sectors.

SEPT / OCT 2020 autotrack.ind.in 55

NEWS TSD RALLY

Sonet from Kia Motors JK Tyre range on Amazon In line with its customerfirst philosophy, JK Tyre & Industries Limited, the Indian tyre industry major and pioneer of radial tyre technology, has associated with the leading online marketplace, Amazon.in.

The association aims to

Kia Motors Corporation, one of the world's largest automakers, revealed the Kia Sonet to the world in a digital presentation in August. Manufactured at Kia's state-of-the-art production facility at Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, the Sonet is Kia's

all-new smart urban compact SUV, and the brand's latest made-inIndia global product after the Seltos. The new Sonet marks Kia Motors' entry into the burgeoning compact SUV segment, and sets new benchmarks with its first-in-class features.

serve the buyers in the era of contactless purchase.

Customers can avail doorstep delivery of JK Tyre's entire range of premium tyres leveraging the seamless connectivity offered by Amazon India's widespread network.

Skoda partners with PPS Motors With the inauguration of PPS Motors in Bengaluru in August, Skoda Auto India aims to strengthen its position in Karnataka and establishes a strong foothold in the southern

markets of the country. The new state of the art dealership facility sports the new Corporate Identity and Design as a part of Skoda Auto global redesigning process.

VW launches Virtual Racing Volkswagen Motorsport India launched its Volkswagen Virtual Racing Championship that digitalises the excitement, engagement and experience of Motorsport at home. The 2020 Polo Championship will be

conducted virtually through simulators. Through this initiative, Volkswagen Motorsport India intends to keep the motorsport momentum going by recreating the thrill of a track experience in a virtual racing championship.

TVS NTORQ 125 Race Edition TVS Motor Company, a reputed manufacturer of two-wheelers and threewheelers in the world, introduced a new colour for TVS NTORQ 125 Race Edition – Yellow and Black 56 autotrack.ind.in SEPT / OCT 2020

recently. The Race Edition is currently available in Red and Black colour.

The TVS NTORQ 125 Race Edition Yellow and Black comes with Race Tuned Fuel injection (RT-Fi) technology

boasting of Better Real Throttle Feel. Launched in 2019, it received an overwhelming response from the target audience.

TVS NTORQ 125 Race Edition currently features in the Top 10 scooters in India, a rare feat for a variant.

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