Sahara Force India Academy driver Jehan Daruvala showed the composure of a champion as he fought his way against rival Daniel Ticktum in a battle that went down to the wire in the fourth race of a rain-soaked weekend, to claim the British KF3 Championship at Shenington.
The Indian talent achieved the feat on a track that saw legends like Nigel Mansell and Jenson Button among its previous conquerors.
Following a win in his first heat and having survived a questionable penalty that relegated him to 10th in the second heat, Jehan went into the two final events knowing a class performance was required of him -- and he duly delivered.
Jehan kept his rival behind in the first final, finishing second to Ticktum's fourth, as teammate Enaam Ahmed stormed to victory; this result ensured he lined up in the second final ahead of his championship contender on the grid and with a two-point advantage in the standings.
With the second final taking place on a damp track, Jehan settled in second place and produced an impressive defensive display to keep Scotland's Ross Martin behind, with Ticktum unable to go through in fourth.
This repeat result of Final One ensured Jehan crossed the line to increase his Championship point tally to six points above Ticktum, and thus put himself in the record books as the first and only Indian driver to ever win a British Karting Championship.
Jehan, who was surrounded by his family and friends on the day, couldn't contain his happiness after stepping on the podium to receive his trophy.
"I worked really hard for this, both physically and mentally. I am really proud of what I have achieved and I would have been gutted if I hadn't got the title. I put a great effort into this campaign and I hope to build on it and do well next season as well," he said.
Jehan will be flying back to India to attend the 2013 F1 Airtel Indian Grand Prix with the Sahara Force India team to celebrate this historic achievement in his home country.
