Motorsport Roundup: Italian GP Thriller, Consistent Showing For Daruvala In F2, Ott Tänak Wins WRC Estonia And More

F1

The 2020 Italian Grand Prix served up a random, wild and thrilling race with Alpha Tauri-Honda’s Pierre Gasly taking a shock debut win and scoring the formerly-named Toro Rosso’s first win since Sebastian Vettel at the same venue in 2008. Chasing him to the finish was Mclaren-Renault's Carlos Sainz in second and Racing Point-BWT Mercedes' Lance Stroll rounding off the podium. It was also the second ever podium finish for the top three.

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton looked set for his 90th career win but entering the pitlane during the safety car period after the pitlane entry was closed cost him a 10-second stop and go penalty. After the red flag and Hamilton serving the penalty it was a straight sprint to the line between Gasly and Sainz.

F2

It was a much more positive race weekend for Carlin’s Jehan Daruvala in round eight of the 2020 FIA Formula 2 Championship at Monza, Italy. Qualifying 8th for the feature race, the Indian driver held on to the top 10 with a 10th place finish  in the end. Daruvala improved upon that in the sprint race, finishing 7th on the road and then inheriting 6th due to Dan Ticktum being disqualified from the race. Daruvala will be hoping to continue this momentum at Mugello for round 9 of the season from September 11-13.

WRC

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The 2020 FIA World Rally Championship finally resumed racing action at Rally Estonia. Reigning world champion Ott Tänak took a comfortable win for Hyundai Motorsport, with teammate Craig Breen in 2nd place to make up a Hyundai 1-2. Toyota’s Sebastian Ogier rounded off the podium. This result puts Tänak 3rd overall in the driver’s standings, just 13 points off leader Sebastian Ogier. In the manufacturers standings, Toyota Gazoo Racing are holding on to the lead by only 5 points to Hyundai Motorsport. Racing action will resume at Rally Turkey for round 5 of the championship scheduled to run from September 18-20.

Indian Motorsport 

The last seven days were a pivotal moment for motorsport athletes back home as the Government of India has accepted a proposal from the Department of Sports to include motorsports to the list of sport disciplines for the recruitment of sportspersons to Group C posts in the various Ministries/Departments of the Government of India. This is a welcome decision as motorsports was initially recognised as a recreational activity only. This proposal will allow athletes to be eligible for the recruitment sports quota. But there are some prerequisite requirements like having represented India at an international level, and having obtained at least a top three finish in a national championship.