Arthur Pic battled past Tio Ellinas to win Race 1 of the MRF Challenge 2013 at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC), here on Saturday.
Pole sitter Pic, the Formula 3.5 driver, and GP 3 racer Ellinas jostled for positions from the moment the lights went green as just two tenths off a second separated them in the support race to F1 Indian Grand Prix.
Ellinas made a move on the fourth lap as he got past Pic only to run wide, allowing Pic to get back into the lead.
Japan’s Yudai Jinkawa continued his good form from the MRF 1,600cc category to take the final podium spot after early pressure from Rupert Svendsen-Cook.
Ashwin Sundar seventh
One of the most impressive drives was from India’s Ashwin Sundar, who started 15th on the grid but finished a brilliant seventh. He overtook six cars during his fine drive.
Pic was relieved to win after a tough battle with Ellinas.
“It feels great to win the first ever race of the season. There was nothing to choose between Tio and me as our cars were similar. I had to concentrate really hard, but managed to hold on. The car feels nice to drive. I would like to thank the MRF team for a job well done,” he said.
