Saturday, October 4, 2025
31.1 C
New Delhi

From Japan to Coimbatore: Itsuki Sato’s dream debut lights up Round 3 of Indian Racing Festival

Japan’s Itsuki Sato won on debut as Indian Racing Festival Round 3 kicked off in Coimbatore on Saturday, October 4. Mehul Agarwal and Kyle Kumaran also took top honours on Day 1 of the event at Kari Motor Speedway.

Japan’s Itsuki Sato won the first race of the Formula 4 Indian Championship on Saturday, October 4. The race was part of Round 3 of the Indian Racing Festival (IRF) 2025, held at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Sato took a total time of 27:10.989 to complete 24 laps.

It was Sato’s first race in India, and he made a great start by taking a clear win for the Ahmedabad Apex Racers. He finished more than 20 seconds ahead of the next two drivers. Mozambique’s Ghazi Motlekar, driving for Kolkata Royal Tigers, came second, and India’s Saishiva Sankaran from Speed Demons Delhi finished third.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

“This was difficult for me, more challenging than the Japanese surface because of less grip. I am delighted to win a race here on my debut. I am happy with how the car performed,” Sato told Firstpost after winning the race.

When asked if he would join the final two rounds of the championship, Sato said he wasn’t sure. “I am here for this weekend only. I am not sure if I will take part in the upcoming races in India,” he added.

Japan’s Itsuki Sato took the first prize in Race 1 of F4 India in Coimbatore. Image: Vishal Tiwari/FP

Meanwhile, Mehul Agarwal of Dark Don Racing took pole position in LGB F4 Race 1, a 15-lap event with all Indian drivers, which was held in the morning. Dhruv Goswami (MSport) and Aditya Patnaik (Dark Don Racing) took second and third place, respectively.

“I am driving for the best team in India, so it’s pretty much given that it’s the best car. I am just doing justice to the car,” Mehul told us after his victory.

“It’s been amazing working with my team. It’s been almost 13 years of domination with this team, so hopefully we will win another championship this year,” Mehul said about his team.

“Get up in the morning, have some fruits, pray to god, hug my dad, and come and drive fast,” Mehul said when asked about his race day routine.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Mehul Agarwal took the first place on podium in LGB F4 Race 1. Image: Vishal Tiwari/FP

India’s Kyle Kumaran from Kichcha’s Kings Bangalore took first place in Race 1 of the Indian Racing League (IRL). Kumaran completed 22 laps in a total time of 26 minutes and 34.556 seconds. He held off a strong challenge from Akhil Rabindra of Black Birds Hyderabad, who finished second just 2.299 seconds behind.

Swiss driver Neel Jani, representing Kichcha’s Kings Bangalore, came third with a total time of 26:36.934.

The next two rounds of the Indian Racing Festival will take place on the street circuits of Goa and Mumbai. It will be the first time in India that fans can see full street races on public roads, so a bigger crowd is expected there.

The Coimbatore event was rather full of media persons, officials, and participants, with fans hardly seen watching the race live on the track. Before the upcoming rounds, another day of Round 3 will be held at Kari Motor Speedway on Sunday, October 5.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

End of Article

Go to Source

Hot this week

Nikita Dutta Masters Art Of Fashion In Stunning Ruched Strapless Gown

Published By : Last Updated:October 04, 2025, 19:20 IST Nikita Dutta’s strapless gown featured a plunging sweetheart neckline, daring yet graceful, beautifully highlighting her collarbones and shoulders. Read More

Taylor Swift says diss track is ‘love letter to someone who hates me’

1 hour ago ShareSave Noor Nanji & Ian YoungsCulture reporters ShareSave PA Media Since the release of Taylor Swift’s new album on Friday, fans have been falling over themselves to try to work out who she is referring to in one tra Read More

UK PM Keir Starmer To Visit India Next Week; Hold Talks With PM Modi On Trade, Security

Curated By : Last Updated:October 04, 2025, 19:21 IST UK PM Keir Starmer will visit India on October 8–9, meet PM Modi to discuss the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Read More

Scorpio Horoscope (04 October, 2025): Success, Health, And Family Harmony Awaits

Scorpio Horoscope: Precision is your forte, Scorpio! You are known for your meticulous attention to detail, analytical mind, and relentless desire for order. Scorpios are amazing friends, always there to lend a hand and also give advice. Read More

Libra Daily Horoscope (05 October, 2025): Health, Travel, And New Ventures Insights

Libra Horoscope: Salutations, harmonious Libra! Your sign is all about balance, beauty, and diplomacy. Read More

Topics

Nikita Dutta Masters Art Of Fashion In Stunning Ruched Strapless Gown

Published By : Last Updated:October 04, 2025, 19:20 IST Nikita Dutta’s strapless gown featured a plunging sweetheart neckline, daring yet graceful, beautifully highlighting her collarbones and shoulders. Read More

Taylor Swift says diss track is ‘love letter to someone who hates me’

1 hour ago ShareSave Noor Nanji & Ian YoungsCulture reporters ShareSave PA Media Since the release of Taylor Swift’s new album on Friday, fans have been falling over themselves to try to work out who she is referring to in one tra Read More

UK PM Keir Starmer To Visit India Next Week; Hold Talks With PM Modi On Trade, Security

Curated By : Last Updated:October 04, 2025, 19:21 IST UK PM Keir Starmer will visit India on October 8–9, meet PM Modi to discuss the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Read More

Scorpio Horoscope (04 October, 2025): Success, Health, And Family Harmony Awaits

Scorpio Horoscope: Precision is your forte, Scorpio! You are known for your meticulous attention to detail, analytical mind, and relentless desire for order. Scorpios are amazing friends, always there to lend a hand and also give advice. Read More

Libra Daily Horoscope (05 October, 2025): Health, Travel, And New Ventures Insights

Libra Horoscope: Salutations, harmonious Libra! Your sign is all about balance, beauty, and diplomacy. Read More

Bobby recalls how Sunny carried him after a major injury

Bobby Deol has never shied away from expressing his deep affection and gratitude towards his elder brother, Sunny Deol. Read More

UK PM Keir Starmer To Be On Maiden Visit To India On October 8, Review Bilateral Ties

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will be on a maiden visit to India for two days on October 8 and 9. Read More

‘Not recommended for below 5’: Centre issues advisory on cough syrups for children amid deaths

The Centre has issued a safety advisory on the use of cough syrups in children, following reports of child deaths linked to them in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Read More

Related Articles