With their racing background, Aditya Patel and Armaan Ebrahim understood the shortcomings for aspirational racing drivers in India and wanted to create a racing series to help drivers progress through the ranks towards international championships. The duo's first foray into hosting championships was in 2018 with the X1 Racing League, a franchise-based racing event. The X1 Racing League aimed to make the sport fun and aspirational in many ways like the IPL. Marred with technical difficulties, the racing turned out to be dull and the event failed eventually.

But backed by two new investors, Navjeet Gadhoke and Akhilesh Reddy, and all the learnings from the failure of the X1 League, the duo is back to hosting duties as they introduced India’s first FIA certified championships. Hosted by Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL), the brainchild of Patel and Ebrahim, the racing season will consist of the Formula Regional Indian Championship (Formula 3 equivalent) and Formula 4 Indian Championship to nurture young drivers and help them in their journey towards F1, the pinnacle of motorsports.

Talking about the lessons learnt from the shortcomings of the X1 Racing League, Aditya Patel, Director, RPPL, said, "The biggest issue we faced was with the reliability of the cars itself. To overcome any technical problems, we have purchased 15 cars each for the two championships. Apart from that, we are better aware of sponsor management and are in talks with multiple sponsors for fuel, oil and tyre, rather than focusing on just one. Unlike other sports, racing allows companies to equip the cars with their products, which in turn helps their marketing.”

A lack of proper FIA backed championship has always failed to create an impact for aspiring young drivers on the international stage. Set to make motorsport aspirational, Patel and Ebrahim set their sight towards creating a framework for racing in India by receiving FIA certification for the championship. Talking about the need for an FIA certification in India, Patel said, "After getting new investors on board during the pandemic, we came up with a plan. The plan was to create a ladder to Formula 1 to make the sport aspirational to youngsters. We want to help young drivers with a stepping stone after karting to make a career in racing. Unless youngsters see a career path in front of them, large scale racing events are not going to be successful in India.”

Racing will take place over five race weekends. Each race weekend will host three races, two practice sessions and a qualifying session. Premier racetracks like the MMRT in Chennai, Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore and Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida have been selected to host the racing event. In addition to the three racetracks, RPPL has created a brand new purpose-built street circuit in Hyderabad. This will be the first championship in the country to race on a street circuit. Explaining the decision to host the street circuit in Hyderabad, Patel said, "The reason for selecting Hyderabad for our street circuit was the city's automotive culture. The city boasts of a lot of motorsports fans and is a potential destination to scout for our sponsors. In addition to all this, the support provided by Akhilesh Reddy, our sponsor from Hyderabad, will help in smooth operations. Hence, we selected Hyderabad over other destinations.”

Racing will start at the BIC on 25 February 2022 and then continue for the next three weekends at Hyderabad, Kari Motor Speedway and MMRT before coming back to Hyderabad for the finale on 25 March 2022.

These one make  championships will consist of 15 drivers (national and international) competing in cars supplied by Prema Powerteam and powered by Alfa Romeo 1.8-litre ATM AR-F3R turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 275 hp. The car has a top speed of 250 kmph and can carry 100 litres of fuel. Shod with sticky rubber, these cars produce a high level of downforce through the carbon fibre front wing and rear wing and diffuser sufficient enough to set the Indian race tracks on fire. In addition to the cars, Prema Powerteam will also supply mechanics to service the cars during race weekends. In addition to the mechanics supplied by Prema, RPPL plans to create a team of junior mechanics who can work with the mechanics supplied by Prema and gain experience. In future, the organisers plan to use this opportunity to provide work experience to graduates through partnerships with different engineering institutes.

After receiving tremendous response for the announcement of the championships,  RPPL is in the process of finalising the selection process for the 30 drivers, Throwing light on the likely selection process, Patel said, "Since the announcement, we have received a lot of requests for F4 along with a handful of enquires for the Formula Regional. So based on the enquiries, we will look at the driver's profiles and based on their experience, physical fitness and track record, we will select the 15 for the championships. We want both the championships to include international drivers. So once things materialise, we will come up with a vetting process and select a mix of national and international drivers for the championships. At the moment, it looks like there will be more international talents in the Formula Regional championship and less in the F4 championship."

Besides racing, RPPL is also looking at providing mentors to young drivers through experienced international racers like Jehan Daruvala, Arjun Maini, Narain Karthikeyan and more. These drivers can transfer the knowledge gained in their international racing career to help young talents in developing the skills required to compete at the highest level.

Patel then went on to explain the costs involved in racing and RPPL’s plans to bring cost down. He said, "While costs for the Indian championships are undecided, a rough estimate to participate in a similar championship is around EUR 200,000. Our aim with RPPL is to subsidise racing to the masses with the help of our sponsors. This will help bring more talents into the limelight and fulfil the dream of many.”

Together with the main championship events, RPPL will also run a rebadged version of the X1 Racing League called the Indian Racing League. This franchise-based racing series will be run using single-seater racing cars supplied by Italian manufacturer Wolf Racing. The racing format will be similar to the one used for the X1 Racing League but will be free of all the technical snags that surfaced during the first time. To help overcome the technical issues, RPPL has purchased 15 single-seater racing cars from Wolf Racing, which will be owned by the franchises at the end of the racing season.

So the stage is set. With three new exciting championships in the pipeline, the Indian racing scene will be changed forever. New teams, new drivers and a whole host of potential to become a spectacle racing event, the Formula Regional Indian Championship, Formula 4 Indian Championship and the Indian Racing League will create a legacy that will not only create racing drivers but also provide a learning ground for graduates and mechanics. In addition, the success of the championships can attract OEMs  to create racing schools across the country and deploy young driver programmes to transform motorsports into a mainstream career option for many. (TT)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The concluding day of 2026 F1 Pre-Season Testing at the Bahrain International Circuit saw Charles Leclerc set the overall fastest lap of the entire six-day programme. The Ferrari driver delivered a time of 1:31.992s on the C4 compound Pirelli tyres during the final hour of running, improving by eight-tenths of a second on the previous benchmark established by Kimi Antonelli. This performance placed him ahead of Lando Norris in the McLaren, who recorded a 1:32.871s on the C3 tyre. Max Verstappen and George Russell followed, with times of 1:33.109s and 1:33.197s, respectively, both also set on the C3 compound. Notably, none surpassed Leclerc's own leading time on that particular compound, a 1:32.655s. Pierre Gasly rounded out the top times, utilising the softest C5 tyres to post a 1:33.421s.

The C5 compound saw limited use on the final day, employed only by Alpine and Williams for short-run simulations. Aston Martin, despite having the tyre available, opted not to run it and instead completed just six laps on C3s before their session was curtailed. In contrast, teams focused on different aspects of performance. Gabriel Bortoleto and Arvin Lindblad set the pace on the harder C1 and C2 compounds, respectively. The day was also notable for the absence of several drivers, including Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and Alex Albon, who did not participate in any track action.

Beyond outright speed, teams dedicated significant effort to long-distance evaluation. Gabriel Bortoleto completed 25 laps on the C2 compound for Audi, while Esteban Ocon undertook 24 laps on C1s for Haas. Ocon was also the sole driver to run intermediate tyres, completing four laps to assess front wing behaviour. Over the entire six-day test, a total of 41,366 kilometres were covered across all 11 teams, a distance exceeding the Earth's circumference. The C3 compound proved the most popular, accounting for 61 percent of all laps. In total, 591 sets of slick tyres were utilised throughout the pre-season, with 326 of those deployed in the final three days alone.

Mario Isola, Pirelli’s Motorsport Director, said, “The radical changes introduced to the cars have inevitably shifted the teams’ focus towards power units and aerodynamics rather than tyres over the last few days. The final stages of testing are usually dedicated to optimising the car-tyre package, but it is clear some teams haven’t reached that point yet. Generally speaking, track feedback has been consistent with our simulation expectations. Drivers were able to gain confidence with the entire Pirelli range through both performance trials and long runs, even using the C4 and C5 compounds which aren’t particularly suited to a circuit like Sakhir.

“Mechanical resistance appeared strong across all options, with no signs of graining or blistering. Degradation levels are almost certainly higher now than what we expect for the Bahrain race, when temperatures will be lower and cars more developed. A central theme this season will certainly be balancing temperatures between the axles, especially ahead of the first race in Melbourne. The lower loads of a street circuit might require more intensive tyre preparation or differentiated tyre blanket temperatures, particularly in qualifying. In any case, it will be interesting to discover in Australia how much teams have been ‘sandbagging’ their engine power to avoid showing their hand. We only have to wait a couple of weeks to see the true pecking order.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Titan International, a global leader in off‑the‑road (OTR) tyre and wheel manufacturing and distribution, has entered into a significant 10-year exclusive distribution agreement with Triangle Tire USA. This strategic alliance grants Titan exclusive rights to distribute both Triangle and Diamondback branded OTR tyres across United States. By combining Triangle’s global manufacturing expertise with Titan’s extensive North American dealer network and the established recognition of the Diamondback brand, the partnership aims to deliver a comprehensive and unified portfolio of high-performance OTR solutions.

The collaboration enhances Titan’s product offering to include a diverse range of radial and bias tyres suited for the most demanding off-road environments. Customers across critical sectors such as mining, construction, earthmoving, aggregates, industrial operations and equipment rental will benefit from this expanded selection. The integrated portfolio supports a wide array of heavy machinery, including large earthmoving equipment, loaders, dozers, scrapers, haulage vehicles, mobile cranes and container handling machinery for ports, as well as industrial and rental fleets.

This initiative is designed to strengthen the market presence of the combined Titan, Triangle and Diamondback brands within the OTR sector. By leveraging Titan’s national sales and support infrastructure, the partnership aims to drive long-term performance through enhanced dealer adoption and improved customer satisfaction. The arrangement ensures that end users have access to a broader spectrum of mission-critical tyre solutions backed by reliable distribution and service support.

The initial rollout of Triangle and Diamondback OTR products is currently underway through Titan’s dealer network in United States. An expanded range of sizes and patterns is scheduled for release throughout the year, with dealers encouraged to consult their Titan representatives for detailed information on availability, specifications and ordering procedures.

Paul Reitz, CEO & President, Titan International, said, “This partnership combines Titan’s deep channel reach with Triangle’s expanding OTR portfolio to deliver a broader, more competitive offering to our customers – backed by Titan’s service, training and technical support. We’re excited to bring the Triangle and Diamondback families into our US distribution platform to improve availability, coverage, and value across critical OTR customers.”

Campbell Metcalfe, CEO, Triangle Tire USA, said, “Triangle is pleased to join forces with Titan to bring our OTR innovations to more US customers, faster. Titan’s scale, distribution strength and customer support capabilities will substantially enhance access to Triangle and Diamondback products across key industries.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Radar Tires, a globally recognised manufacturer known for its off-road and high-performance products, is broadening its footprint in the light truck and off-road vehicle segment with a major expansion of its popular Radar Renegade-X line. Responding directly to robust market demand and the model's sustained success among enthusiasts, the company will introduce nine new sizes featuring rim diameters from 18 to 26 inches. A key highlight of this expansion is the debut of 26-inch options, catering to the growing trend of customised and lifted trucks requiring larger wheel fitments.

Since its market introduction, the Renegade-X has built a strong reputation for delivering uncompromising off-road capability without sacrificing on-road civility. Consumer feedback consistently praises its superior traction in mud and rocky terrain, its robust durability and notably low road noise – a combination rarely achieved in the mud-terrain category. This balance of aggressive performance and refined driveability has solidified its appeal.

The tyre’s distinctive design is the result of a collaboration with the renowned Italian design house GFG Style, blending engineering rigor with premium aesthetics. Its technical features include a high void-to-lug ratio designed for effective self-cleaning in mud, alongside a specialised rock-crawl compound for enhanced grip on varied surfaces. Durability is addressed through a three-ply sidewall construction, while a strategic combination of stone ejectors and serrations protects the tyre casing. Furthermore, sidewall lugs inspired by stealth design not only contribute to a striking visual profile but also improve lateral traction in challenging conditions.

The newly added sizes are intended for a wide range of vehicles, including Jeeps, pickup trucks and full-size SUVs. Availability is scheduled to commence through authorised dealers in February 2026, with additional sizes arriving through April of that year.

Rob Montasser, Vice President, Radar Tires, said, “The response to the Radar Renegade-X has exceeded our expectations, and our dealer partners have consistently requested additional sizes to meet customer demand. This nine-size expansion, including our first 26-inch rim diameter sizes, demonstrates our commitment to providing dealers with a comprehensive product offering that supports sustained, profitable growth while giving consumers more choices for their vehicles.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Nokian Tyres has formally released its climate transition plan, a comprehensive roadmap guiding the company’s decarbonisation efforts. This strategy is anchored in the company’s near- and long-term climate objectives, which received validation from the Science Based Targets initiative in 2024. Crucially, the organisation’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions across Scope 1, 2 and 3 aligns with the stringent requirements of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, as dictated by contemporary climate science.

The company has already made significant progress, particularly within its own operations. By the close of 2025, Nokian Tyres had successfully reduced absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by more than 38 percent relative to the 2022 baseline, edging closer to its interim target of a 42 percent reduction by 2030. The newly published plan elaborates on this trajectory, detailing the primary sources of emissions and the essential strategies for reduction both internally and across the broader value chain. These actions are designed to meet the 2030 benchmarks while maintaining a clear pathway towards the ultimate goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Endorsed by the company’s Board of Directors, the plan is a living document subject to updates as emission-reduction technologies and methodologies evolve. Further details are accessible on the corporate website. This strategic approach is already yielding tangible results and external recognition. The company’s Romanian facility stands as the world’s first full-scale tyre factory to achieve zero CO2 emissions in its own operations. Furthermore, this commitment to sustainability was acknowledged in 2025 by TIME Magazine, which named Nokian Tyres one of the World’s Most Sustainable Companies, and by CDP, which awarded the firm its sixth consecutive leadership-level score for climate action.

Paolo Pompei, President and CEO, Nokian Tyres, said, “Our work towards net-zero emissions is not only about us but also about drivers worldwide. Through our actions and innovations, we reduce the environmental impact of tyre manufacturing while delivering the safety and quality that define Nokian Tyres.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!