Indian racing sensation Jehan Daruvala bags McLaren trial

Jehan Daruvala is already considered one of India’s top race car drivers, and in one of the most crucial moments of his career, he has been invited to test run McLaren’s MCL35M.

JEHAN DARUVALA IS A FORMER PROTEGE OF FORCE INDIA AND A REGULAR F2 COMPETITOR

The 23 year old – who currently represents Prema Racing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, has seen a steady progression in his stature in the world of racing since his early interest in karting. He  is also a former protege of the now-defunct F1 team Force India, after being selected as one of the three winners of a ‘One in a Billion hunt’ organized in 2011.

The car Daruvala will drive in his trial run – a McLaren MCL35M – has previously been used by the team in their 2021 Formula 1 campaign. His trial is to take place on this Tuesday and Thursday. “As part of our Testing Previous Car (TPC) programme, @DaruvalaJehan will test the MCL35M at Silverstone on 21 June and 22 June. Enjoy your first drive in an F1 car, Jehan,” the Formula 1 team tweeted.

“Super excited and grateful for the opportunity to have my first experience in a Formula 1 car testing with @McLarenF1 this week!😀 A big thank you to the Red Bull Junior Team, my family, my support team, @MumbaiFalcons , McLaren and to everyone who’s supported me along the way,” the Indian exclaimed as he gears up for the trial.

TILL NOW, TWO INDIAN DRIVERS HAVE COMPETED IN F1

While two Indian drivers have competed in F1 till date – Narayan Karthikeyan for Jordan and HRT, and Karun Chandhok for HRT and Lotus – none have been able to attain a podium place. If the trials go well, Daruvala – currently 3rd placed in F2 – may at the very least hope for a reserve seat at the McLaren team in the upcoming season.