MRF Challenge: Martono on pole
CHENNAI: The qualifying round of the fourth and final leg of the MRF Challenge saw Presley Martono dominate the proceedings at the Madras Motor Racing Track (MMRT) on Friday. The Indonesian driver clocked 1 minute and 30.017 seconds to bag his second pole position of the season.
Martono will start with championship leader Felipe Drugovich, who came second on Friday, for the first race of the weekend. Van Kalmthout and Julien Falchero will be in the second row with Ravishankar and Danial Frost locking out row three.
At the end of the race, Martono said, “I have heard great things about the MMRT and it sure did live up to its expectations. The track is challenging and unforgiving even if you put two wheels off. Qualifying was key and starting at front will give me advantage. Felipe and Rinus are both quick but I will do everything to stay in front.”
Drugovich, who can secure the championship crown for himself if he wins only the first race on Saturday, appeard disappointed at missing out on the pole position but said he was hopeful of a good show going ahead.
Earlier, the day began with the drivers squandering no time in going out for the opening practice session.
With most drivers experiencing the circuit for the first time, they appeared circumspect in the beginning before pushing the speed limit.
Brazilian driver Drugovich was the fastest driver in this session with a timing of 1:30.771. Van Kalmthout and Martono finished on second and third place.
In the second practice session, Drugovich again set the early pace but it was Martono who went fastest, clocking 1:30.595.