MMSC hands scholarship to 16 drivers for F1300 and F1600

The shootout conducted at the Madras Motor Race Track in Chennai last weekend, saw a total of 24 drivers participate, eyeing to be in the top eight, to be eligible for the scholarship.

16 drivers competed for a seat in the 2016 National Racing Championship in which Mahabalipuram's Raghul R took the winning honours beating 2015 champion Karthik Tharani.

The drivers were divided into two groups for 10 minutes each for the shootout in a qualifying-like format.

Prior to the shootout, they had two practice session to get used to the smaller FLGB 1300 cars, which was used for both the shootouts.

Upon winning the scholarship, Tharani told Motorsport.com: "First of all, I have to thank MMSC for having come up with the shootout concept. It's a big step in Indian motorsport and a much needed one."

"I feel great to have been selected as one of the participants to receive the scholarship. While I was definitely confident of getting through, it was definitely an experience driving the FLGB 1300 cars as I've never drive one before.

"Last year [the F1600 championship] was fantastic and I'm sure this year will only be more exciting," he added.

Among others, Nissan GT Academy finalists Abhinay Bikkani [in 2014] and Akshay Gupta [in 2015] also won the scholarships.

The 2015 Volkswagen Vento Cup drivers Sahil Gahuri, Neha and Ria Dabas missed the spot after finishing 11th, 13th and 14th respectively.

F1600 Scholarship Winners:

The shootout also saw eight drivers chosen for the FLGB 1300 championship, which this season will be categorised as a rookie class - drivers having no prior experience in single-seaters.

Assam's Alex Bora won in the junior category, which ran in a same format as for the F1600 to determine the top eight.

Bora had also qualified for the senior category but decided to compete in the junior division for 2016.

Goa's Brad Dias, who as well, got through both the categories, decided to race in F1600 promoting Najeeb Ahmed Shaik from Bangalore to eighth in the FLGB 1300 class.

FLGB 1300 Scholarship Winners:

As per the scholarship, all 16 drivers will get to do a full season in their respective championships at a discounted price than the normal.