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Daruvala first Indian to clinch British Karting Championship

Sahara Force India Academy’s Jehan Daruvala became the first and only Indian driver to ever win a British Karting Championship after driving a composed race to claim the British KF3 Championship at the Shenington race track, over the weekend.

The Indian edged past rival Daniel Ticktum in a battle that went down to the wire in the fourth race of a rain-soaked weekend.

"I worked really hard for this, both physically and mentally. I am really proud of what I have achieved and I would have been gutted if I hadn't got the title. I put a great effort into this campaign and I hope to build on it and do well next season as well."

"I was a bit nervous before the race. I knew I had to be in front of Daniel to win. The track was damp but drying lap after lap, so I managed to settle down into a rhythm and still improve my times as the race went on.

I really have to thank Sahara Force India Formula One Team, Ricky Flynn Motorsport, Terry and my mental trainer Don Macpherson for all the support they gave me -- if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be here."

'Jehan had to overcome testing conditions'

Following a win in his first heat and having survived a questionable penalty that relegated him to 10th in the second, Jehan went into the two final events.

Daruwala kept his rival behind in the first final, finishing second to Ticktum's fourth, as teammate Enaam Ahmed stormed to victory. Following this performance, he lined up in the second final ahead of his championship contender on the grid and with a two-point advantage in the standings.

With the second final taking place on a damp track, Jehan settled for the second place and produced an impressive defensive display to keep Scotland's Ross Martin behind, with Ticktum unable to go through in fourth.

This repeat result of Final One ensured Jehan crossed the line to increase his Championship point tally to six points above Ticktum, and take home the title.

"Jehan had to overcome testing wet conditions, as well as a strong challenge from his more experienced teammate Ticktum -- who as British MSA Cadet Kart Champion in 2011 was an incredible opponent. It was an historic achievement," Coach and mentor Terry Fullerton said.