Tio Ellinas strikes back in Race 3: MRF Challenge in Bahrain

David Bodapati November 30, 2013

441 2 minutes read

Sakhir (Bahrain) 30 Nov 2013: Cypriot driver Tio Ellinas struck back in fine fashion to beat championship leader Arthur Pic in Race 3 of Round 2 of the MRF Challenge 2013 at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir, Bahrain. The two championship contenders traded place 5 times in the first two laps before Ellinas finally pulled away to win his first race of the weekend. Sam Dejonghe passed Race 1 winner Rupert Svendsen-Cook on the last lap to take the final step of the podium.

Earlier, Renault sponsored driver Arthur Pic pulled off a brilliant move around the outside of 4 cars into the first corner of lap 1 and went on to win Race 2 of Round 2. Pic crossed the chequered flag to comfortably finish ahead of Tio Ellinas and Harry Tincknell.

In Race 3,

Winners pose with Vinoo Mammen (left) and Arun Mammen., From left on podium Pic, Ellinas, Dejonghe. An Adrenna Photo

Ellinas started on pole after setting the second fastest time in qualifying. Both Ellinas and Pic had great starts but it was Pic who took lead as they crossed turn 1. Both drivers were side-by-side for the next three corners before Ellinas took the lead into turn 4. They were still together as Pic took the lead again. The first 2 laps had both drivers battling for the lead before Ellinas took the lead on lap 3. Behind them Dejonghe had a great start from 7th on the grid and passed Sam Brabham and Shinya Michimi to move into 4th place. Svendsen-Cook in third place caught Pic and started to put pressure on him. Ellinas continued to pull away while Pic, Svendsen-Cook and Dejonghe battled for second place. Svendsen-Cook tried to get past Pic on the last lap but could not make the move stick, letting Dejonghe make a move on the last lap and get past to take the final podium spot. Sam Brabham, son of Le Mans legend David Brabham, finished in a brilliant 5th place in only

Yudai Jinkawa, female driver Carmen Jorda and Australian Dylan Young had their own battle taking place as they fought for 8th position. Behind them the three Indian drivers were fighting their own battle for a top ten finish. Vikash Anand and Parth Ghorpade both collided forcing Ghorpade to retire. Raj Bharath finished in a creditable 12th position after missing out on practice and qualifying due to mechanical problems.

Race winner Tio Ellinas was thrilled to win after starting on pole for 2 of the 3 races. He commented, “It is great to win my first race of the season after being so close in the last few races. I had a great battle with Arthur and all credit to him as the racing between us is always clean and fair. Once I got past him I was able to pull away and hold a considerable lead. The car has been quick all weekend and I finally got to show what we are capable of. We are half way through the championship and it is building up really well.”

Second place man Arthur Pic commented, “I had a good start and the first few laps with Tio were great. I could not hold him off and he passed me on lap 3. I am very happy with the weekend as I have taken a good haul of points this weekend. The Bahrain circuit is very nice and challenging just like the Indian circuit.”

Third place finisher Sam Dejonghe got on the podium after a scary roll in yesterday’s Race 1. He commented, “To get on the podium is a great after yesterday’s crash. I had a good start and managed to pass both Brabham and Michimi. I was close with Rupert and got past him when he tried a move on Pic. The car has been quick and am looking forward to the next race.”

eom