Mixed results for Ghorpade in Formula Pilota

Shanghai, June 17 (IANS): India’s Parth Ghorpade delivered mixed results in the two races here on Sunday with a DNF (Did Not Finish) and fifth place behind compatriot Raj Bharath in the first round of the Formula Pilota Championship.

The 18-year old Ghorpade, who had finished second in the first race on Saturday, collided with Bharath in the second outing and then managed a fifth after being struck by an electrical problem.

Ghorpade said: “Not a very good day for us after we struggled with an electric problem since morning. In Race 2, Raj (Bharath) spun off at the end of the first lap and unfortunately collided with me, forcing me to retire.

“In Race 3, I lost a position at the start and was running third till I lost power on the straight. I was lucky to finish in fifth position as the longer the race, the more positions I would have lost.

“I am satisfied with my pace over the weekend and look forward to the rest of the season as I feel we can challenge for more wins.”