Jehan 6th at Champions Cup in Spain

Sahara Force India Academy driver – Jehan Daruvala, was unfortunate in being unable to get the result he desired in the finals of the Champions Cup at the 1.3km Vendrell Karting circuit, in Spain. The weekend however proved to everyone in karting, that the young Indian certainly has the potential to be at the very top, in Europe as well. After qualifying on pole, Jehan won his first heat with ease. His win ensured that he started the Pre-Final on Pole. Jehan had a bad start for the Pre-Final & fell down to 3rd. However he soon made amends & pulled of some good overtaking manoeuvres to get back into the lead. While leading the Pre-Final comfortably, Jehan unfortunately had damage to his reed valve towards the end. This led to a loss in power & he was unable to hold of the fast charging European Champion - Alessio Lorandi, who was right on his heels. Jehan finished 2nd, behind the Italian.

The finishing order of the pre – finals decided the starting grid for the 16lap final. Starting 2nd was not an ideal situation for Jehan. He fell down to 3rd at the start & was soon back into 2nd place when he put one wheel off the circuit into the dirt. So close was the entire grid, that over the next 6 corners, the Sahara Force India Academy racer lost 7 positions to fall down to 8th position. With very few laps left, Jehan could only overtake 2 drivers to finish in 6th position, a mere 4 seconds behind the race winner – Lorandi.

A sixth place result in Jehan’s first visit to the Vendrell Karting Circuit is certainly a fantastic result & one of the best results by an Asian on this circuit. However, given the pace Jehan showed in the early stages, the end result was a bit disappointing for the 14 year old Indian who reflected on his race & said – “I was happy to be on Pole at this fantastic event, unfortunately I had a technical problem with the engine in the last few laps of the pre final which made me start 2nd & on the outside for the final. The competition is so tough that just one wheel off the circuit by me, lost me 7 positions. I am disappointed with a 6th place, especially since I had the pace to be on top. That’s racing in Europe & I have learnt a lot.”