Bandaragama (Sri Lanka), Sep 26 (NationPress) The Indian team has commenced their preparations, adjusting to the new and challenging environment at the expansive Bandaragama sports complex as the FIA Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship 2025 kicked off under rainy conditions on Friday. The sporadic monsoon showers led to delays and necessary adjustments to the practice schedules.

Friday was dedicated to paperwork, driver briefings, and practice runs, while the actual competitions for Karting (including Sprint, Endurance, and Slalom), E-Sport, Autocross, and the Asian Auto Gymkhana Championship (AGCC) series are set to begin on Saturday and wrap up by Sunday.

The Indian delegation arrived amid heavy rain, but this did not dampen their enthusiasm or hinder the efforts of the Ceylon Motor Sports Club, whose officials worked tirelessly to ensure drivers could familiarize themselves with the track.

“Driving in the rain was enjoyable today,” expressed 8-year-old Arshi Gupta from Delhi, who is competing in the Karting Sprint (Cadet class). “I have experience driving in wet conditions, but today was different with a lot of rain. I performed well, and my goal is to win in my category,” she stated.

Mumbai’s Kiaan Shah, participating in the Junior segment of Karting Sprint, noted that the track required high precision. “It’s both enjoyable and challenging. We have to be very accurate, especially during mid-corner and at the exit when close to the wall. With limited run-off areas, caution is key while overtaking or racing side-by-side. Securing a top-three qualifying position is crucial. I’m optimistic about my performance,” remarked the 14-year-old Kiaan.

The Karting Sprint event has drawn over 40 participants across three classes (Cadet, Junior, and Senior) from seven different countries, making it the most competitive discipline, while Karting Endurance features 28 drivers from nine countries.

Elsewhere at the sports complex, Autocross competitors Philippos Mathai, Chetan Shivram, Arushi Vikram, and Pragathi Gowda took a track walk around the 550-meter circuit, which comprises a blend of dirt and tarmac. However, the Crosscars, designed to FIA standards and equipped with a 600cc Kawasaki engine producing 140bhp, were expected to arrive only by late afternoon, resulting in the postponement of the practice session.

Shivram, a former National Rally champion from Bengaluru, observed post-walk that the track allowed little room for error. “It’s a varied terrain and quite slippery due to the rain. Proper handling is essential. These rear-wheel-drive Crosscars will take some getting used to. I would prefer a longer circuit to maximize the vehicle's potential, but we will have to adapt to what we have,” he commented.

Practice sessions for Karting Slalom and Endurance also began after some delay, with the circuit marked by water puddles. With more rain on the forecast for the weekend, the challenges ahead are expected to be significant.