Raj Bharath wins at Shanghai Circuit: Formula Masters

·         Posts first win of the season under mixed conditions.

·         Rounds off the weekend with a solid haul of points with a fourth place in race one, second place in race two and finally a win in race three.Shanghai (China), 26 May 2013

: After getting on the podium with a second place yesterday, Indian youngster Raj Bharath went one better and posted his first win of the 2013 Formula Masters championship in the final race at Shanghai International Circuit here today.

Backed by Bangalore-based real estate developer Embassy Group and driving for Meco Motorsport, Raj had started fifth on the grid with an inspired strategy in mixed weather conditions which paid off. Afiq Yazid and Akash Nandy finished second and third respectively.

In the minutes leading up to the race, there was a faint drizzle but the entire field with exception of Raj decided to stay on slick tyres as the rain was expected to ease off in a couple of laps.

However, the team decided to put Raj on wet tyres, hoping that Raj’s pace advantage in the opening laps would help him get in the lead and build up a big gap by the time the rain eased off and drivers on slicks would be quicker once again.

The start didn’t turn out as planned though, since the race direction decided to go for a safety car start at the last minute – something which Raj wasn’t aware of as he didn’t have a radio in the car.

“I was thinking it was the formation lap when I suddenly saw everyone take off at the penultimate corner. Only after I came into the final corner that I realised it was a rolling start but I had already lost a place by then”, said Raj.

Having gone backwards already, Raj began to charge hard trying to get back in the pack and was passing cars by the end of the first lap.

Three laps later, he was firmly in the lead and pushing further to build up a gap before the rain subsided, which happened soon after and the track dried up quickly, rendering his wet tyres gripless.

“The wet tyres wear out pretty quickly on a dry track as their tread is meant to displace water, so all of a sudden I had no grip but only oversteer and understeer”, chuckledRaj.

Lady luck seemed to be in his favour though, as another faint drizzle came down two laps from the finish, cooling the tyres and disrupting the rhythm of his opponents behind as they had to be cautious on slicks.

“That shower gave me some much needed some room to breathe and we were only two laps from the finish, but I knew it was going to be tight”, he added.

The track dried out soon once again and his opponents began to gain hand over fist on Raj and the Indian’s advantage began to erode at a rapid rate.

Raj had to defend heavily on the final lap as his opponents were significantly quicker as their slick tyres offered far better grip than Raj’s worn out wet weather tyres.

“I could see two cars filling up my mirrors, but I kept focussed and made sure that I didn’t make any mistakes, as that would’ve put paid to all the hard work till then.

In the end, Raj crossed the line 1.1 seconds ahead of second placed Afiq Yazid and 1.2 seconds ahead of third placed Akash Nandy.

Surmising his thoughts for the weekend, Raj said, “I got my first win here in Shanghai last year so we were hoping to repeat that coming into this weekend.

“But understanding the new tyres and engine package took a little more time than expected, but I am happy we finally sealed that elusive win and scored a solid haul of points which helps the championship.

“I’ve been in China for almost a month so now I’m just looking forward to get back home and come back for round three at Ordos in another month’s time”, he concluded.

ABOUT RAJ BHARATH:

Born November 20, 1994 in Bangalore, Raj took his first steps in motorsport with karting in 2008 – like all aspiring F1 drivers. Then aged 14, he immediately showed glimpses of his potential in his debut year, winning the trophy for the ‘Most promising rookie of the year’ in the National Karting championship.

He eventually won the title in 2010 and progressed to Formula BMW Asia in 2011 followed by the Ferrari Academy supported Formula Pilota in 2012.

For 2013, Raj aims to participate in the Formula Masters China and win the championship before moving to Europe in 2014, and getting closer to his aim of making it to Formula 1.

Career highlights:

Formula Masters China calendar

Zhuhai (China)                  10-12 May
Shanghai (China)             24-26 May
Ordos (China)                    28-30 June
Inje (Korea)                        2-4 August
Sepang (Malaysia)          13-15 Sep
Shanghai (China)             25-27 Oct
Macau Grand Prix             8-10 Nov