Parth rounds up with a podium: Formula Pilota
Sepang, 3 Nov 2012: Young Indian racer Parth Ghorpade finished a tough weekend with a podium finish in Race 3 at Round 5 of the 2012 Formula Pilota Championship. He had earlier finished in 5th & 9th position in Races 1&2. However he still lies 3rd in the overall championship and 1st in the Asian category. Parth had qualified in 2nd position for all three races, said a Press Release from Adrenna.
In Race 1 on a wet track, Parth had the perfect start and led into the first corner. He continued to lead for 3 laps before going off track due to brake issue, putting him at the back off the field. He fought back from last place to finish in 5th position. Before the start of Race 2, Parth’s car stalled on the grid, with the team not able to identify if it was a mechanical or driver error. Race 3 saw Parth drop from P2 to P4 at the start but he managed to pass Sean Galeal to make it to the final step of the podium. His third place in Race 3 gave him the win in the Asian category to further strengthen his lead in the class. His team-mate and overall championship leader Antonio Giovinazzi won all 3 races.
After a troubled weekend Parth was happy to finish the weekend on the podium. He commented, “We had a really tough start to the weekend when we struggled to find the right balance for the car. Qualifying in 2nd position was definitely a surprise and had my best laps of the weekend. Antonio was untouchable the whole weekend but thought I should have finished on the podium in Race 1. Race 2 the car just stalled and after that it was a really tough race. Race 3 was good as I ot the best result I could have for the weekend. There is one more Round left so hopefully things will be a lot better. Leading the Asian Championship is a great feeling so will continue to push at the last round. ”
18 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.
ends
