Parth finishes 5th in Race 3 at Formula Pilota
Shanghai, 16 June 2012: Upcoming Indian racer Parth Ghorpade had a tough day at the Shanghai International Circuit in Races 2 & 3 of Round 1 of the 2012 Formula Pilota Championship. The young Indian, who finished in second place in Race 1, had a DNF in Race 2 and finished in 5th place in Race 3. Race 2 ended for Ghorpade at the end of the first lap when he collided with fellow Indian Raj Bharath as the latter spun in front of him. Race 3 saw Ghorpade drop down to 3rd place at the start and finished in 5th after struggling with an electric problem.
Ghorpade was disappointed with the finish to the weekend but was optimistic about the season ahead. Ghorpade commented, “Not a very good day for us after struggled with an electric problem since the morning. In Race 2 Raj (Bharath) spun off at the end of the first lap and unfortunately collected me forcing me to retire. In Race 3 I lost a position at the start and was running third till I lost power on the straight. I was lucky to finish in 5th position as the longer the race the more positions I would have lost. I am satisfied with my pace over the weekend and look forward to the rest of the season as I feel we can challenge for more wins.”
The 1+8-year-old Ghorpade is a five-time National Karting Champion, runner-up in the inaugural 2010 Volkswagen Polo Cup India, and recently competed in the Renault F4 series in 2011, finishing in the top five multiple times.
About Formula Pilota Championship
Following the extremely successful Formula Abarth in Europe, a new series – Formula Pilota Championship was established in Asia in 2011. Also known as Formula Pilota China, the series managed to keep the Asian entry level formula up-to date with Europe and provided the exact same platform & race cars at a more affordable price.
The 2011 season held 12 rounds (6 events) plus 1 FPC Final Master Race. The series gathered 8 teams & 26 drivers from 20 difference countries and regions. Having a strong connection with European motorsport has qualified FPC one of the best stepping stones for the young drivers to either move forward to the next level, or have a taste of single-seater right after graduation from Karting. The series has a great mix of young Asian, European and South American drivers and in 2011, FPC sent 2 young drivers (Champion & best Asian) to the Ferrari Drivers Academy (FDA) test. In 2012 season, FPC will have 6 triple-rounds events and 1 invitational race, which will sure to bring more excitement to the competition. The series will travel to Shanghai, Zhuhai, Taiwan and Sepang.
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