Sahara Force India Academy driver Jehan Daruvala claims British Championship title!

Sahara Force India Academy driver Jehan Daruvala showed the composure of a champion to claim the British KF3 Championship. The Indian talent fought his way against rival Daniel Ticktum in a battle that went down to the wire in the fourth race of a rain–soaked weekend at Shenington, a track that saw legends like Nigel Mansell and Jenson Button among its previous conquerors.

Following a win in his first heat and having survived a questionable penalty that relegated him to 10th in the second heat, Jehan went into the two final events knowing a class performance was required of him – and he duly delivered. Our academy driver kept his rival behind in the first final, finishing second to Ticktum´s fourth, as teammate Enaam Ahmed stormed to victory; this result ensured he lined up in the second final ahead of his championship contender on the grid and with a two–point advantage in the standings.

With the second final taking place on a damp track, Jehan settled in second place and produced an impressive defensive display to keep Scotland´s Ross Martin behind, with Ticktum unable to go through in fourth. This repeat result of Final One ensured Jehan crossed the line to increase his Championship point tally to six points above Ticktum, and thus put himself in the record books as the first and only Indian driver to ever win a British Karting Championship. This result is a vindication of Dr Vijay Mallya´s vision which resulted in the One From A Billion talent hunt and the establishment of the Sahara Force India Academy, which allowed a talent such as Jehan to emerge through the ranks and be set on course for a racing career.

Coach and mentor Terry Fullerton – who was crowned British Champion on this very track 45 years before his protégé – was full of praise for our Academy driver. "Jehan had to overcome very difficult and testing wet conditions, as well as a strong challenge from his more experienced team mate Ticktum – who as British MSA Cadet Kart Champion in 2011 was an incredible opponent. It was an historic achievement."

Jehan, who was surrounded by his family and friends on the day, couldn´t contain his happiness after stepping on the podium to receive his trophy.

Jehan said: "I worked really hard for this, both physically and mentally. I am really proud of what I have achieved and I would have been gutted if I hadn´t got the title. I put a great effort into this campaign and I hope to build on it and do well next season as well."

"I was a bit nervous before the race, I knew I had to be in front of Daniel to win. The track was damp but drying lap after lap, so I managed to settle down into a rhythm and still improve my times as the race went on. I really have to thank Sahara Force India Formula One Team, Ricky Flynn Motorsport, Terry and my mental trainer Don Macpherson for all the support they gave me – if it wasn´t for them, I wouldn´t be here."

Jehan will be flying back to India to attend the 2013 Formula One Airtel Indian Grand Prix with the Sahara Force India team to celebrate this historic achievement in his home country.