CHENNAI:  MRF Formula 2000, among the fastest racing cars in the country, will return to the MRF MMSC-Fmsci Indian National Car Racing Championship after a 2-season break as the first round of the 2022 season gets underway at the Madras International Circuit, at Chennai on October 8.

The tight 10-race schedule, which also features the MRF Saloons (Toyota Etios), Formula LGB 1300, and the three-tier saloon car categories of Indian Touring Cars, Indian Junior Touring Cars, and Super Stock, will be headlined by the two-liter single-seater.

Nine youngsters who will be competing in their first MRF F2000 race will be on the starting grid. Shahan Ali Mohsin, the victor of the MRF F1600 championship in 2021, leads the pack. He is from Agra. All nine of the drivers have finished their junior formula and karting championshipsAs such, the competition is expected to be sharp.

The introduction of the Volkswagen Virtus GT car, which has two of them entered the top Indian Touring Cars category, is another noteworthy development. Sandeep Kumar of Chennai, who won the VW Polo Cup last year, and Jeet Jhabakh of Hyderabad, who won the VW Ameo Cup this year, will be behind the wheel.

The 1.5 litre TSi engine that powers the Virtus has been modified to produce 215 horsepower, and it is paired with a six-speed sequential gearbox. The customised Honda City Vtec owned by Race Concepts and piloted by Coimbatore native and reigning champion Arjun Balu will face off against the Virtus.

About 50 saloon cars and 30 single-seaters will be on the starting grid for the season-opener, along with a mix of new and veteran drivers. The spectator grandstand is accessible over the weekend.

Vicky Chandhok, vice president of the MMSC and the race director, said: "Due to a number of factors, the 2022 season got off to a slightly later start than expected, but the number of entries has been encouraging. In addition to welcoming the VW Virtus and all the rivals, we are pleased to welcome the MRF F2000 back into our midst after a two-season absence."

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