Formula Renault 2.0 NEC: Jehan Daruvala eighth on debut

Jehan Daruvala finished in eighth place on his car racing debut at the first race of Formula Renault 2.0 NEC season-opener in Monza on Saturday.

Driving for Fortec Motorsport, the Indian qualified his 210 bhp car in 10th place for race one and was able to capitalise on his starting position to take eighth at the chequered flag.

The race was won by ART’s Ukyo Sasahara who passed Kevin Jorg’s car at the first of the two Lesmo corners during the penultimate lap in a clumsy manoeuvre that punctured latter’s tyres.

The incident promoted Manor’s Ignazio D’Agosto to second position while rookie Max Defourny completed the podium.

Daruvala starts tomorrow’s race from sixth position (achieved on merit - and not on the basis of reverse grid - in qualifying two) which sets him nicely for a strong result.

The Force India academy driver would be hoping to replicate his one-lap pace during the race that saw him finish in the top five during two of the four practice/test sessions in the build up to the weekend.

Daruvala came into the season opener after posting the fastest time in a pre-season test session at Assen among Formula Renault 2.0 NEC drivers in dry conditions before setting the second fastest time among the field in wet conditions that prevailed in the second session of that test.