NEWEY WINS MRF CROWN
Last-lap drama hands title to young British ace
Harrison Newey claimed the MRF Challenge title in dramatic style in Chennai last weekend after tying on points with Joey Mawson.
The 18-year-old son of F1 designer Adrian sealed his first car racing crown thanks to his seven victories in the India-based series, compared to Mawson’s three.
Australian racer Mawson had the championship in his grasp until lap 11 of 15 of the finale at the Madras Motor Race Track, when the German Formula 4 champion made a slight mistake which was enough for Newey to make the lunge and sneak through to take the lead.
Mick Schumacher was able to get ahead too and Newey’s title win was sealed when the British driver clocked the fastest lap of the race on the final tour as he tied on points with Mawson – both ending up on 277.
“It is just an unbelievable feeling to win the title like this,” said Newey. “Starting the last two races, I was 27 points behind Joey and really didn’t think I could overhaul him for the title but just kept focusing on doing the best I could – I’m over the moon.
“I arrived in India for the last four races with the mentality of simply doing the best job I could.
“I didn’t feel any pressure because I had absolutely nothing to lose – it was a case of getting my head down and focus in each of the races.
“In general, all four races turned out to be straightforward and drama free.
“Winning the title is a real confidence boost approaching my second season in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship. In MRF I was racing against a number of drivers I’ll be racing in Euro F3 like Ralf Aron, Mick Schumacher and Joey and so knowing I’ve been consistently outperforming them is a massive lift.”
Newey becomes the third British champion in MRF after Rupert Svendsen-cook and Toby Sowery in 2013/14 and 2014/15, respectively.
Sowery took part in selected rounds of the series this year as a guest driver, while Dan Ticktum made his MRF debut last weekend and took a podium in his second race.