Hugh Barter, the Australian-Japanese driver, etched his name in the Formula 4 Indian Championship history books with a stunning performance during the second round at the Madras International Circuit. After a heart-breaking first race where a broken rear wing forced him to retire, Barter made a spectacular comeback, winning both Race 2 and Race 3 in impressive fashion.
Barter had dominated practice and qualifying, signaling his potential for victory in the first race. However, the damaged rear wing dashed his hopes, leaving him to start from the back of the grid in Race 2. Unfazed by the disadvantage, Barter launched into a breathtaking charge, overtaking all 14 cars with incredible speed and precision. Within a mere 15 minutes, he had secured the lead and cruised to a dominant victory, finishing a staggering 18 seconds ahead of the second-placed driver. This remarkable win marked the second-largest margin of victory in F4IC history.
His victory in Race 3 further cemented his dominance, demonstrating his consistency and skill. He secured a comfortable win, leaving the competition trailing behind.
While Barter stole the show in Formula 4, the Indian Racing League (IRL) also witnessed thrilling action. Alister Yoong, the son of former Formula 1 driver Alex Yoong, secured a lights-to-flag victory in the first round of the IRL for Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers. He started from pole position and expertly defended his lead from Akhil Rabindra of Hyderabad Blackbirds, who ultimately settled for second place. Gabriela Jilkova of Goa Aces JA Racing finished third after a strong showing, marking a successful start to the season for the Czech driver.
The weekend saw a mix of exhilarating performances and competitive battles across various categories, showcasing the talent and passion within the Indian motorsport scene. Barter’s exceptional comeback victory, coupled with the exciting IRL races, left spectators thrilled and eager for more action in the upcoming rounds.
