Brazilian Pietro Fittipaldi and Russian Nikita Troitckiia emerged as winners on day one of the MRF Challenge held at the Madras Motor Race Track.
In race one, Fittipaldi made a strong start from pole position and never looked back while his rivals battled for lower positions. Eventually it was Harrison Newey who emerged as Fittipaldi’s closest challenger – finishing in second place with Mick Schumacher completing the podium.
Race two was a far busier affair, with reverse pole man Tarun Reddy taking the lead at the start and being chased by Alessio Picariello. After holding fort for 17 out of 20 laps, he collided with Reddy. The incident allowed Nikita Troitckii to take the win ahead of Newey and another Russian driver Nerses Isaakyan.
In terms of the title standings, Fittipaldi currently leads on 207 points, 35 ahead of his closest rival Tatiana Calderon with only two races to go. Troitckii is on 166 points, 6 behind Calderon.
MRF Challenge Race 1
1. Pietro Fittipaldi
2. Harrison Newey
3. Mick Schumacher
MRF Challenge Race 2
1. Nikita Troitckii
2. Harrison Newey
3. Nerses Isaakyan