MRF International Challenge series begins Saturday

Chennai, Jan 29 : It will be a challenge for most in more ways than one as MRF International Challenge series gets under way here Saturday, when first of the six rounds spread over three consecutive weekends will be run.

While the races would be held in six categories - the home-grown Formula 1600, 600cc Superbikes, 165cc (Group B and D), 115cc Underbone, Super Saloons (cc to weight) and Race Star - the showpiece would be the single-seater that MRF manufactured locally and is powered by Ford engine.

The only foreign component are the five British riders who will astride the Superbikes besides a lone Sri Lankan, Pasinndu Peiris, in F-1600 whose grid is filled up with Indian drivers who were chosen on the basis of their racing credentials in the 16-24 age group.

The lone exception is the 34-year old Rally ace Arjun Balu who has been entered as a "guest driver" in a late bid to fill up the grid where a race seat costs Rs.Two lakh per round, something beyond most Indian drivers.

Speaking to IANS after the practice session Friday, Welsh champion David Jones said: "The track is a bit bumpy and a mix of slow and fast. Some of the corners, especially the long right-hander at the back, are quite tricky as there are no braking marks on the track. Otherwise, I am quite happy with the track conditions."

The other attraction in the Superbikes category is Dilip Rogger, undoubtedly India's best rider and he will be seen in action on a Honda CBR after a long absence owing to injury.

The F1600 drivers too had their first feel of the 150bhp cars most of which received top marks, though a few glitches do persist. Balu, who last drove a track race in a single-seater in 1999 when he won six of the eight rounds, had a narrow escape as the nose cone flew off while he was on full throttle through the fast, first corner.

"I was going flat in fifth gear when the nose came off just before I hit the apex of the curve. It flew over my head and I was lucky it didn't strike me," said Balu who was the quickest Friday as per unofficial timings, doing a one minute, 44.2 seconds lap around the 3.717-km circuit.

Ashwin Sundar, the national single-seater champion, was pleased as punch with his car. "It is fun to drive this and I found it very responsive. Of course, it is much quicker than the Formula Rolon by a good six to seven seconds. I am confident of going even quicker once I get used to the car," he said.

The track itself was receiving a fresh coat of paint besides a temporary spectator gallery along the main straight as big time racing returns to Chennai after a lapse of 11 years.