Niranjan Todkari wins Mercedes Young Star Driver Program

Started in January 2013 the Mercedes-Benz Young Star Driver Programme aims to provide a direct international exposure to young racing talents in India. In its maiden year itself the Mercedes-Benz Young Star Driver Programme received close to 3200 applications from 48 Indian cities. 

The programme was open for racing aspirants between 15 years to 25 years, is conducted in association with the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI).

After a nationwide evaluation process based on different criterions like racing acumen, racing aptitude and accomplishment, FMSCI’s jury comprising Arjun Balu, Amittrajit Ghosh and Sanjay Balu shortlisted the candidates who are invited for a one day program at the Buddh International Circuit. The young drivers took to the country’s best race track for a couple of practice laps to exploit the most out of the car as much as they could out on the wide tarmac of the BIC. 

Considering the reputation of the race track Mercedes-Benz armed its young drivers with the ideal tool, the 558PS wielding E63 AMG. The youngsters put up a good show out on the track as they went lap after lap with the Biturbo V8 bellowing under full throttle and tyres howling for grip around the sweeping wide curves. 

At the end of the day three of the drivers with the fastest times took to the podium with Niranjan Todkari occupying the top spot with a lap time of 2:27.022 followed by Diljith who’s best lap time was 2:27.034 while Mezaan Anees came in third with a lap time of 2:28.796.  

Top 3 lap times at the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Young Star Driver Programme

Commenting on his win Niranjan B Todkari said, "Mercedes-Benz Young Star Driver Program trained me to become an expert racer from an amateur motorsports enthusiast. I got this once in a lifetime opportunity to learn the different aspects involved in racing on international track like the Buddh International Circuit. It is a dream come true to get a chance to learn from one of the world’s greatest motorsports team, the Mercedes AMG Petronas. Racing has been my childhood passion and I would like to thank Mercedes-Benz India for organizing such a platform for motorsports enthusiasts like us waiting for an opportunity to learn and enter the world of motorsports. I am extremely thrilled and excited on this win and feel motivated to enter the arena of professional racing. Motorsports in India is steadily being recognized and holds a bright future. I wish the best to all the aspiring racers and motorsports enthusiasts and hope that the Mercedes-Benz Young Star Driver Program will bring in more such exciting opportunities."

The winner of the Mercedes-Benz Young Star Driver gets an opportunity of interning with Mercedes AMG PETRONAS team for one race weekend while also winning a coveted seat in the AMG Driving Academy Basic & Advanced course in India, as well as for the next level PRO-Training in Germany. The First runner up wins a seat for the AMG Driving Academy Basic and Advanced courses and the Second runner-up wins a seat for the Basic course and gets trained under professional trainers.

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