Vishnu sizzles in China, finishes impressive 6th

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Chennai youngster Vishnu Prasad made full use of the Volkswagen driver exchange programme by finishing an impressive sixth in the Polo Cup series in China last weekend.

Vishnu put up a sizzling at the scenic 2.1km Shanghai Tianma circuit, overcoming treacherous weather and adjusting to left-hand drive.

Another Indian Avdumber Hede came home 13th. Vishnu had qualified seventh, while Avdumber was behind him.

Vishnu’s sixth place earned him pole position for the second race, but it turned out to be a disappointment for him.

“After finishing sixth, I was expecting a better result in race two. At opening car, my car was bumped from behind and I rejoined the race at last position. I, however, managed to overtake nine competitors to finish 13th. This has been a good learning experience and I sincerely thank Volkswagen India and JK Tyre for this opportunity,” he said.

In race one, Avdumber got off to a good start overtaking three competitors but due to an unfortunate incident at the first corner, he re-joined the race at 16th position, while Vishnu made full use of the first corner incident and jumped to sixth.

Avdumber fought back to ninth position as the race progressed but had to settle for 13th after he spun at the penultimate lap. Avdumber, however, showcased excellent racing skills in the second race after starting 13th on the grid to finish 6th.

Avdumber said, “I was happy with my performance, despite wet conditions, bad tyre grip and left-hand drive. With a 13th position in race 1, I was determined to perform better in race 2. I knew I had to get a good start and had to make up as many places to be in top-10.

“From starting on the 13th position and finishing sixth was challenging. It was a fantastic experience and I was happy to see the crowd cheering me on.”

The two Indian drivers were in China under the driver exchange programme offered by Volkswagen Motorsport and JK Tyre Motorsports.

Similarly, Polo Cup China drivers will get an opportunity to race in Polo R Cup India in round five.