DARK DON IS KING OF FORMULA 4
The Chennai team clinch national crown with another 1–2 finish
New Delhi, December 1: Sarosh Hataria’s brilliant pole–to–flag victory in the Race 1 of the final round handed Dark Don Racing the LGB Formula 4 team title in the FMSCI–JK Tyre National Racing Championship. At the Buddh International Circuit on Saturday, the experienced racer from Coimbatore was unstoppable in the six–lap race as Dark Don recorded their seventh win (11 races so far) of their first domestic racing season.
If Sarosh’s triumph from pole position was flawless, Dark Don’s second driver S. Diljith stole the show by finishing second after starting fifth on the grid. The Kerala youngster was roped in at the last minute to replace injured Ashwin Sundar, who has already bagged the drivers’ crown. Mars Racing’s Saran Vikram took the final podium spot.
Team owner and former national championship racer Afsar Riyaz E was over the moon after Dark Don completed the rout, winning drivers’ as well as the team championship. “It’s been an unbelievable season. To win both the drivers as well as team title, that too on our very first season, is really special. This achievement was a result of the team’s hard work and it will give us impetus to work harder in the next season. I would like to take this opportunity and thank all those who have worked with us and inspired us throughout the season,” said Afsar.
For Sarosh, it was his second triumph in the season and the experienced driver, who has been in the domestic racing for more than a decade, paid tribute to his team members for providing him the well–tuned machine. “I really enjoyed working with Dark Don. It’s a great satisfaction to play my role to perfection and helping the team win the title. I would like to cap of the season on high by winning tomorrow’s race,” he added.
Race 1 classification (provisional, 6 laps):
1.Sarosh Hataria (Dark Don Racing)
2.S. Diljith (Dark Don Racing)
3.Saran Vikram (Mars Racing)
Afsar Riyaz E, Team Principal: We have exceeded our own expectations so far. When we started this team, our target was to be one of the top teams. Winning the drivers’ title and leading the team championship is a result of the team’s hard work and I would like to thank each member for the good show. The weekend at BIC is very special for us and we are eager to continue from where we left off at Chennai. For the finale, we have fielded a local talent Ankur Kushwaha. Promoting young talents has been the team’s objective and we are delighted to give this opportunity to the Noida boy.