Aditya Patel finishes sixth in Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup

October 27, 2011 08:07 pm | Updated 08:07 pm IST - Hockenheim (Germany)

File photo: Although the weekend began on a high note with Aditya setting the third quickest time in the 30-minute free practice session, qualifying ended in disappointment when he got the tyre choices wrong.

File photo: Although the weekend began on a high note with Aditya setting the third quickest time in the 30-minute free practice session, qualifying ended in disappointment when he got the tyre choices wrong.

Chennai racer Aditya Patel ended his Scirocco R-Cup 2011 season with a creditable sixth-place finish in the final round here today.

Although the weekend began on a high note with Aditya setting the third quickest time in the 30-minute free practice session, qualifying ended in disappointment when he got the tyre choices wrong.

This resulted in him starting 12th on a strong grid of twenty six cars, which included former world rally champion Juha Kankunnen and ex-Ferrari F1 driver, Patrick Tambay. Later due to safety reasons, the race was shortened to just ten laps that gave the Chennai lad work to do.

The race yet again proved to be action packed for the drivers. While the top six drivers were battling out for the podium spot, Aditya steadily clawed his way up the pack, setting the fastest lap in the bargain, and was in contention for a podium spot on the last lap.

After moving up as high as fifth place on the last lap, Aditya had to give up a place after an intense battle with championship rival, Stefano Proetto, and settle for sixth.

“In this race I had to fight extremely hard to make my way up the grid knowing that this will determine my overall champion standing in the Scirocco R-Cup 2011. To set the fastest lap of the finale was a highlight.

“Overall, it has been an excellent year and I am grateful to Volkswagen Motorsport for giving me this opportunity. To finish in the top five of such a highly acclaimed championship is great for my career and I am really looking forward to what next year has in store for me,” said Aditya.

Aditya with a total of 319 points, finished fifth in the overall standings, thereby becoming the first ever Indian to do so in a European touring car championship.

The other Indian driver, Sailesh Bolisetti, in his maiden season, finished fifteenth in the overall championship standing.

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