2016 MRF Formula 1600: Two wins for Anand as crash scuppers Tharani Singh

G. Vikash Anand capitalized on a qualifying crash on Saturday for the defending MRF Formula 1600 champion and current points leader Karthik Tharani Singh to take two wins while last year's inaugural Volkswagen Vento Cup champion Anindith Reddy Konda took his first win in the category.

Anand's first win, that came on Saturday, was a thriller as he initially got passed at the start where he started on pole position. Both Reddy and Raghul Rangasamy managed to get past him before the former MRF Formula 2000 racer managed to repass both drivers and claim the top step of the podium.

Tharani's crash meant that he had to use a spare car used by Goutam Parekh and start the first race from the back of the grid. He managed to fight his way to points finishes in all three races but was not comfortable enough with the car to challenge for the podium. Also, having not set a time at all in qualifying meant that he had to start from the tail of the grid and fight his way through bitter midfield scraps.

Reddy's first win since being awarded a sponsored drive by Volkswagen Motorsport India - for winning last year's Vento Cup crown - was a solid effort by the Hyderabad native as he consistently lapped faster than the other drivers on the grid.

He followed up the win in the first F1600 race on Sunday with a second place finish in the third and final race of the weekend in the category.

The next round of the F1600 series is expected to be held at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida on 17 and 18 September instead of visiting the MMRT for a second time this season.