Can India's Mahaveer Raghunathan Secure a Podium Finish at the Italian GT Season Opener?
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Synopsis
In an electrifying season opener of the 2025 Italian Gran Turismo Championship, Indian racer Mahaveer Raghunathan and AF Corse narrowly missed a podium finish, ending in P4 in the Pro-Am class. Facing early challenges, their comeback showcased resilience and strategy, setting the stage for a thrilling season ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Mahaveer Raghunathan finished fourth in the Pro-Am class.
- The #51 Ferrari faced early setbacks but made a strong comeback.
- Strategic execution and safety car interventions were crucial.
- Competition in the Italian GT Championship is intensifying with 36 cars this year.
- Mahaveer is optimistic about future races after valuable learning experiences.
New Delhi, May 5 (NationPress) It was an intense and fiercely contested season opener for Indian driver Mahaveer Raghunathan and the AF Corse team in the 2025 Italian Gran Turismo Championship. They managed to bring the #51 Ferrari 296 GT3 home in P6 overall and P4 in the Pro-Am class, just missing out on a podium by a mere 1.2 seconds.
The race commenced with Mahaveer’s teammate taking the initial lap and making an impressive ascent to P2 in class by the end of the first lap. However, an early collision with another competitor led to minor damage and a considerable drop in positions.
Mahaveer took the wheel 30 minutes into the race during the second stint and began his resurgence through the pack. A consistent pace, tactical execution, and timely safety car interventions facilitated the team’s return into the top 10.
As the race approached its final hour, the #51 Ferrari was contending with the leaders. Despite a determined effort to close in on the front-runners in the Pro-Am class, traffic from slower cars played a crucial role in the last moments, ultimately costing the team a chance at the podium by the narrowest of margins.
After the race, Mahaveer Raghunathan expressed, “Overall, it’s been a rollercoaster weekend, with luck not favoring us since our pace warranted a podium finish. But we secured valuable points in our first race of the season with P4 in class. I’m eagerly anticipating the next round in three weeks.”
Reflecting on the comeback, he stated, “I’m quite pleased that we managed to battle back into the top five. After the initial 10 minutes, we found ourselves at the back due to the incident, so we have learned a lot. These insights will be crucial as we aim for better results in the future races.”
Mahaveer is the sole Indian representative in the 2025 Italian GT championship this year, a season expected to be extremely competitive. In 2024, 30 cars participated, but this year, 36 cars will be racing. Teams and drivers from the GT World Challenge and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) are also involved, making it a highly competitive environment.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the growing presence of Indian talent in international motorsport. Mahaveer Raghunathan's performance at the 2025 Italian GT Championship exemplifies not just personal determination but also the potential for Indian representation in a competitive global arena. His ability to recover from early race difficulties reflects the resilience needed in racing, making his journey noteworthy for fans and aspiring racers alike.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What position did Mahaveer Raghunathan finish in the Italian GT season opener?
Mahaveer Raghunathan finished P6 overall and P4 in the Pro-Am class.
What challenges did Mahaveer face during the race?
Mahaveer faced early contact with another car that caused minor damage and a significant loss of positions.
How many cars are competing in the 2025 Italian GT Championship?
This year, 36 cars are competing in the 2025 Italian GT Championship.
What did Mahaveer say about his performance?
Mahaveer expressed that it was an up-and-down weekend and felt that their pace deserved a podium finish.
Is Mahaveer Raghunathan the only Indian in the championship?
Yes, Mahaveer is the only Indian representative in the 2025 Italian GT Championship.
