Chennai-based Korada lone Indian in MRF Challenge fray

The FIA-approved series is all set to commence in Dubai from November 15.

Published : Nov 13, 2018 14:02 IST

A file photo of action from the MRF Challenge.
A file photo of action from the MRF Challenge.
lightbox-info

A file photo of action from the MRF Challenge.

The MRF Challenge, one of Asia’s premier single-seater championships, and an FIA-approved series is set to light up the winter season with a clutch of young, exciting talents from across the globe in the seventh edition commencing at the Dubai Autodrome on November 15.

The MRF Challenge 2018-19, organised by the Madras Motor Sports Club, will comprise three rounds to be run in Dubai (November 15-17), Bahrain (December 6-8) and Chennai (February 8-10, 2019) with a total of 15 races.

The cars will be powered by 2-litre engines producing 230 BHP while almost matching Formula 3 in speed and power.

Europe is expected to have a strong representation as in the previous seasons of MRF Challenge. Several young hopefuls with exposure to junior Formula racing are likely to participate.

Read: Amittrajit Ghosh wins Rally of Arunachal

Chennai-based Chetan Korada is the lone Indian in the fray. A regular in the Indian National Championship and one of a handful of racers in the World competing with a prosthesis leg, Korada is making his debut in the MRF Challenge.

“I have been racing in India for over a decade now and I thought I should step outside to race in higher categories. The MRF Challenge car is far more comfortable in terms of space for leg movement than the F1600 I have been driving in India. I am putting in a lot of time on the simulator at home, besides gym work. So, I feel I am fit and ready,” Korada said.

This year’s MRF Challenge grid will have Australian Dylan Young who has been participating in the championship since its inception. Returning for the second season of MRF Challenge is Singapore’s Danial Nielsen Frost along with Belgian Michelangelo Amendola.

The MRF F2000 car with Dallara chassis is powered by a 2-Litre Mountune Duratec engine producing 230 BHP with advanced aerodynamics. The car boasts of a Hewland six-speed sequential gearbox equipped with Integrated dash and paddle-shift system.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment