After top 10 finish in rookie season Tathagata sets eyes on Asia

Now the only Bengali racer in the category plans to turn on the heat next year.

Only 18, a class 12 student from G D Goenka School in Siliguri, Tunna, as the racing circuit knows him, is excited about his performance this season.

He said, “I have done fairly well most of the season. Till Coimbatore I was maintaining a steady eighth position before a fire in the fuel tank did me in. I plan to concentrate on racing far more next season onwards. I am very happy to have been able to see my cart through at the Buddh International where it rained heavily before the race.”

The final of LGB 4 or Formula IV took place on Dec 14.

With intermittent light drizzle rendering the track slippery and cold, the drivers struggled to get heat in the tyres and brakes. The trying conditions put a heavy premium on the driving skills and race-craft of the young drivers. Much to their credit, the men behind the wheels provided for thrilling action and hard racing much to the delight of crowds in the grandstand.

The final race of the JK Formula LGB F4 brought the crowd on its feet with wheel-to-wheel action.

At times four cars went abreast into turns on a greasy track providing for nail-biting racing. Once the five red lights went out the drivers put in a show worth remembering. While Vishnu Prasad of Meco Racing won the day, the overall champion was Tunna’s teammate from Dark Don Racing team Diljit TS.

The surprise attraction was Armaan Ebrahim, who participated in the FB 2 at the circuit as a guest racer.

Asked about his interaction with Armaan Ebrahim before the race, Tunna said: “He is just excellent. He gave me a few tips on how to tackle the vehicle near the curves and how to manoeuvre the brakes especially on a wet surface. Several carts spun out, but I made it through safely till the chequered flag.”

Tunna races for Dark Don Racing team.

Next year besides racing in Chennai, Coimbatore and Noida, he also sets his eyes on the Asian circuit.

Tunna plans to race in Malaysia and Japan next year. The Rotax Max circuit in Malaysia mimics the Sepang F1 track and is one of the most competitive racing arenas in Asia and a hotbed for future racers.

Tunna also plans to try his luck in the Formula 3 racing in Japan in Suzuka. Suzuka is the first of the seven rounds of racing in Formula 3 in Japan.

“I am trying to send him to Japan to take part in the Formula 3. But it is very competitive. We are checking our options,” said John Mukherjee, Tunna’s father and guide and also the first and only Bengali F1 Marshall at the Indian Grand Prix.

John also plans to send Tunna to Silverstone for a 6 month training session at the Gary Chapman Academy. “It’s the best training facility in the world. I want him to race in the alien conditions and prepare for bigger races,” said John.