28 Feb. 2016 (Sepang Circuit, Malaysia): 11-year old Shahan Ali Mohsin completed almost a flawless run in the opening round of the 2016 Rotax Asia Max Challenge here at the Sepang Circuit today by finishing first in the pre-final and a close runner-up in the finals.

 

Kicking off the weekend by finishing first in the opening practice on Friday, Shahan was in scintillating form throughout the weekend, ending on the top of the time sheets in both practice sessions, before clinching pole position in qualifying.

 

The Indian National Micro Max Karting Champion held his advantage in the heat races as well and won the pre-final on Sunday morning, setting himself up for the final race of the day.

 

Competing in the micro max category (8-12 years) made up of Asia’s top karting racers, Shahan is driving for Top Kart Asia team – led by the experienced Wai Leong from Malaysia.

 

Shahan, who won in the Rotax Asia Max Championship season finale at Shah Alam Circuit last year, seemed to pick up where he left off and drove consistently and flawlessly right from his first lap of this weekend. He was leading the final race from start to the last lap, only to cede the position to his teammate Oscar NG just a couple of corners from the finish line.

 

“I think we did very well throughout the weekend, my first race with Top Kart Asia team was almost flawless but I must admit I am disappointed to not have won the finals. It was very close between us [Oscar NG] and having led throughout the race, it would have been nice to cross the finish line in first place. My congratulations to Oscar for recording his first Asia Max win”, remarked Shahan.

 

“However, I hope it is a sign of things to come for this season as I am determined to make this 2016 Rotax Asia Max season count. I am confident that we will be able to fight at the front consistently and to finish in the top three in the championship”, he added.