MRF launch path-breaking car

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A breathtaking demo drive by Narain Karthikeyan marked the launch of tyre manufactures MRF’s path-breaking single-seater race car project here on Friday.

Burning tyre by demonstrating ‘doughnuts’, the F1 racer took the vehicle for a spin in the parking area of a mall, but he could show only a glimpse of the car’s capability on the marble surface.

Powered by a two-litre Renault engine and built around the stylish Dallara chassis, the 2000cc (210bhp) machine is the most sophisticated Formula car ever assembled in the country.

As many as 20 identical cars will be rolled for the MRF International Challenge that will begin at the Buddh International Circuit on October 27.

The opening round will be a support race for the Indian Grand Prix. The second round will be held at the same venue when FIA’s GT1 Championship comes to India on December 1.

The 10-race challenge (four race weekends) will conclude in Chennai in February 2013. The prize purse is $130,000.

“Italian company Dallara are the chassis partners, while French company Renault supplies engine. The cars will be assembled in Coimbatore, at JM Motorsport’s facility. Shakedown and testing will be held in September,” said Arun Mammen, MD, MRF.

Chennai boys Vikas Anand, Ashwin Sundar and Mumbai’s Shahaan Engineer are likely to be signed up with a majority of other drivers from Europe. F1 team Hispania are in talks with MRF to field two of their development drivers.

Narain said the series has potential to be the best single-seater series in Asia. “The series has all the ingredients to become Asia’s most dominant single-make championship. The cars are expected to be on par with Formula 3 in terms of lap times with much lesser budget,” he added.

Calendar: Round 1: October 27& 28 (BIC, Noida). Round 2: December 1 & 2 (BIC, Noida). Round 3: February 1, 2 & 3 (Chennai). Round 4: February 8,9 & 10 (Chennai).