Historic result for Jaden; only Indian in six years to get a British F4 podium

Leicestershire (UK), 23 April 2023: Young Indian racing star Jaden Pariat of Argenti Motorsport displayed his immense talent with a podium in the first round of the ROKiT British F4 Championship at Donington Park here on Sunday. He is only the second Indian to get an international podium in a Tatuus F4 car after Kush Maini’s podium in 2017.

“The podium is being hailed as a big milestone for the younger generation looking to break-through to higher levels of Formula racing. We are overwhelmed by the congratulatory messages and thank everyone who stood by us,” said Atikur Rehman, a former Indian national rally star and the force behind Jaden, who last year took a rookie podium in one of the two rounds he took part.

The 16-year motorsports athlete from supported by Minerva’s Virtual Academy, Lyca Radio and Bobatree, scored a creditable Overall third place in Race 2. He overcame initial hiccups in the qualification session and took a P17 after slipping from P5 as he came for a tyre change and fell short of laps due to a red flag following an incident in front of him.

Showing good pace and consistently the fastest of the four Phinsys by Argenti drivers in Thursday’s practice sessions, the teenager, from Northeast India, had high hopes of impressing as he started his first full year in the series. Joined on Saturday by lucky Lyca Radio competition winners who enjoyed VIP access to the British F4 paddock, Jaden was keen to put on a show for his guests. 
 
Heading into qualifying on Saturday, Jaden was just 0.7s from pole position, but with the grid so closely matched, finished 18th fastest. However, his consistency paid off on second quickest times, as he would line up 13th for race one that afternoon and fourth for the reversed grid contest.
 
Sadly, the teenager loaded the clutch too much on the line meaning the car switched off before the lights went out for the first race, falling down the order. However, he would have a chance to make amends as the red flag was shown when a rival went into the gravel. Starting 17th for the restart, he had a superb launch to gain two spots before he made it to turn one and, continuing to battle, making up five places in total, crossing the line 12th.
 
Starting fourth for the fully reversed grid race, held in difficult, cool, and wet conditions on Sunday morning, Jaden drove well to avoid trouble with many of his rivals spinning off or coming into strife. Holding his own – when rival teammates came together in front of him – he crossed the line third for a superb maiden podium in the series. 
 
The third and final race of the weekend provided yet more challenging conditions with rain falling once again – at times heavily – making for a slippery track surface. Marking a promising end to the opening weekend of the season, the young driver made up an excellent six places to finish 12th once again.

 “Logging important points in the bag after a tough week-end, it was important to cash in on the little chances we had,” said Jaden, who had very little seat time in the Championship car.

“I’m very satisfied with the results we achieved. I am super happy to have gotten an overall podium for Race 2. With wet conditions and a whole lot of chaos ahead of us, it is great work by the team. I am surrounded by the amazing support from everyone at Lyca Radio and my team Argenti. I can’t wait for the next race,” added Jaden.

Jaden Pariat, #77
 
Grid 1 – 13, R1 – 12
G2 – 4, R2 – 3
G3 – 18, R3 – 12
 
Championship: 12 (11 points)
 
“Qualifying was very tight. We definitely had the pace in the first stint, we were up with the front runners and well into the points. Unfortunately, on our second stint, it took some time for the tyres to come in, and then when it looked like we were set to complete our fastest lap, the red flag cut it short. We didn’t get the opportunity to see where we truly could have been, but it’s so close, so that could have happened to anyone, even one tenth can make such a huge difference.
 
“For race one, the initial start wasn’t great. I loaded the clutch too much and the car switched off, but it happened just before the lights went out, so I did lose a little bit of time there, but I wasn’t too far behind the pack. The two laps that we had before the safety car, were pretty strong and we gained three places. Luckily, after the red flag we had a full restart, and I had a much better start that time, making up some places during the race.
 
“Race two was really chaotic, with a lot of cars going off and a lot of drama happening in front of me, but we kept it clean. We played it smart, trying to always calculate what was about to happen. We were patient and in the end that really paid off. I’m really happy with third, it’s a great feeling to be back on the podium, and for it to come on the first weekend of the season is really promising.  
 
“The third race was good, unfortunately we were held up a lot by the two cars I was battling with. We had the pace to be in the points, but it’s racing, and these things happen. I’m happy with how my race craft has been improving, I made two moves that I’m quite proud of. It’s sometimes difficult to find the correct balance of pushing to the limit and holding back, but I think we managed it well. There were a few close calls, but we kept it clean the whole weekend.
 
“It’s been great to work with everyone at Argenti, we have a good relationship and continue to give each other input and feedback that has been pushing us forward together. I’m happy with how the team have been supporting me and the car they’ve given me this weekend. I hope I can bring home some more good results and podiums for them.
 
“It was an honour to welcome the Lyca Radio competition winners into the paddock, as well as representatives from the station. To have achieved the podium whilst they were here to see was very special, and I can’t thank them enough for their continued support.” 

The Championship now moves to Brands Hatch for the next three races on 6-7 May.