Rahul on the top step joined by Nick Canal in second and Haytham Sultan in third
Fri, Jan 25th, 2013 – Malaysian driver Rahul Mayer gained his first place podium finish in round seven of the Formula Gulf 1000 Championship.
The young Malaysian has waited for this win since the series began in Nov 2012, having been on the podium in six of the previous races.
Rahul has raced in karts for six years, and has gained sixty trophies to his name, he made his move up to Formula racing earlier on this season. Rahul is currently the youngest competitor in the premier Gulf based single-seater Championship.
During practice Rahul found his pace on the short 2.35km South Circuit configuration as temperatures hovered around 20 deg with a light headwind, the weather was perfect.
Nearing the end of the qualifying session Rahul had a problem with the engine and he had to change to the spare car. Thankfully all the cars are the same in the one make FG1000 Championship so there was no variation in performance.
Rahul races to his win through the hotel section at Yas Circuit
Starting race 1 in fourth position, and second row on the grid, Rahul made good progress and made up one grid position into the first turn. In lap 7 the leading car of Nicholas Canal made contact with Natasha Seatter and so Rahul made his move round the outside of the battling pair to take the lead. While in the lead Rahul settled into a rhythm, and pulled away from the pack setting the fastest lap of the race in 1:01.18 in lap eleven.
“Im so happy to eventually be on the top step of the podium, I have been on the podium so far in six races, this is my first time on the top step and it feels great.” he enthused.
In race two, Rahul started from pole position on the grid and by the first few corners had conceded his first place but managed to cling on the pack. With his tyres beginning to wear and some brake issues to contend with Rahul managed to maintain third position with a fastest lap of 1:01.39 during the race.
“During race two it was a real struggle as my tyres were beginning to go off and I had a brake issue to deal with so I was really struggling to keep up with Natasha and Nicholas.” commented Rahul.
“I really love the Yas F1 Marina Circuit, it’s one of my favourite tracks, especially the hotel section.” Now the next step for me to attract some sponsors and focus on promoting Malaysia as I progress in my motorsports career hopefully to F1 but that is a long way yet and my ultimate dream.” said Rahul.
Formula Gulf 1000 Championship returns on Feb 14th for rounds 9 and 10 at Yas Marina Circuit.
