Ryan Cullen (England) and Mathias Lauda (Austria) scorched the circuit like never before to share a race win each on the final day of the second round of the MRF Challenge at the Bahrain International Circuit here on Saturday.
India’s Raj Bharath, after a disappointing fourth place in the opening race of the day, came back in great fashion for a well-deserved place on the podium.
Earlier, Cullen did it all not just once but twice. The British GP3 driver demonstrated absolute car control on his way to winning his second top spot finish in the space of two days. Cullen capitalised on the juicy front spot on the grid and went lightning quick for the lead at the lights. India’s Raj Bharath seized the early initiative as well.
But as the race progressed, Cullen gained total command over the rest of the bunch and whistled his way merrily past the finish line much to the joy of his mates.
Bharath, on the other hand, gave his everything on the circuit to try and hold on to second position. But Kyle Mitchell (South Africa) and Toby Sowery (England) were quicker and handled the car better to wrest the second and third positions respectively.
It was quite upsetting for the Indian, who finished fourth, not to convert his great advantage at the start into a win.
Five drivers of which two were Indians (Tarun Reddy and Vikash Anand) shockingly had an early crash and a painful exit from the race.
“I did not enjoy a great first round in Qatar. I had a few unfortunate incidents but I am happy to have clinched three podiums here,” said Cullen.
He was thrilled to have closed in on the leader in the championship table.
“I am sure it must be just a few points to catch up from here.”
The second race of the day saw the safety car out as India’s Lee Keshav and D. Hunt crashed out midway through the third lap. Bharath, who was lying fifth until then, grabbed the chance that came his way with both hands to finish third.
He did go through some pressure-cooker situations but he pressed on.
He attacked the straights and the corners to sign off on a merry note.
The results (provisional) Race 3: 1. Ryan Cullen (GBR) 25:09.821; 2. Kyle Mitchell (SA) 25:13.842; 3. Toby Sowery (GBR) 25:16.826; 4. Raj Bharath (Ind) 25:17.895.
Race 4: 1. Mathias Lauda (GBR) 28:24.680; 2. Kyle Mitchell (SA) 28:24.680; 3. Raj Bharath (Ind) 28:27.475.
