MRF Challenge opener in Bahrain

The sixth edition of the MRF Challenge will begin with a race in Bahrain on November 16. The seasonopener will be held alongside the season finale of the FIA World Endurance Championship. This edition will feature four rounds, during which 16 races will be held, in addition to Bahrain, in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Chennai.

The MRF Challenge machine has now been given something of a tweak, with the updated car featuring inputs from famous F1 engineer Adrian Newey. The car will now feature a Hewland 6-speed sequential gearbox, with an integrated dash and paddle shift system. The car will also feature upgraded aero, with an underbody diffuser.

Arun Mammen, MD of MRF Tyres, said the organisers thrive on the constant need to develop. “We will continue to push the envelope and showcase India as a key hub for R&D development in motorsport. We provide drivers with identical cars so that talent plays a key role,” he said. Drivers line-up: Nazim Azman (Malaysia), Harri Jones (Australia), Richard Wagner (Germany), Robert Megennis (USA), Henning Enqvist (Sweden), Julien Falchero (France), Daniel Nielsen Frost (Singapore), Rinus Van Kalmthout (Netherlands), Perdana Putra Minang (Indonesia), Kurt Hill (Australia), Dylan Young (Australia), Pavan Ravishankar (Singapore), Alex Karkosik (Poland), Michelangelo Amendola (Belgium), Felipe Drugovich (Brazil), Presley Martono (Indonesia), Louis Gachot (France), Manuel Maldonado (Venezuela). Calendar Round 1: November 16-18 (Bahrain); Round 2: December 7-9 (Dubai); Round 3: December 13-15 (Abu Dhabi); Round 4: February 2-4, 2018 (Chennai).