Crash cuts short Gautam Singhania's race in Ferrari Challenge

Abu Dhabi: After the high came the low as business tycoon Gautam Singhania crashed out of the final Ferrari Challenge 2014 race, a day after becoming the first Indian to finish on the podium in one of the world's most competitive racing events, here on Saturday.

It turned out to be a bad day for the 49-year-old Singhania, chairman and managing director of Raymond Group, as a racing incident at the end of the back straight cut his race short in the Coppa Shell Final at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Despite his failure to finish the final race, Singhania was happy with his overall performance in the competition, held outside Europe for the first time in its 21-year journey.

"I am pleased with the way things have turned up. But yes, today's race was unfortunate. I braked 0.1 second too late and hit Rick Lovat's car. It's racing and these things do happen," Singhania said after the race.

On the experience of participating in the event, Singhania said, "It has been a great week for me. I wish I had a better finish today, but we are still taking a trophy home."

Defending champion Massimiliano Bianchi took the top honours, while Thomas Loefflad and Chris Rudd settled for second and third positions, respectively.

The script though was completely different yesterday as Singhania made his debut race at the Ferrari Challenge a memorable one by finishing a creditable third on the podium, his success coming on the back of a spirited fightback.

Singhania, who is the first Indian racing at the annual event, earned the third position in the Coppa Shell event on day two of Ferrari Mondiali. He had qualified fourth in his category.

Gunning for a podium finish, Singhania faced tough competition from fellow drivers, but did not allow "myself to be intimated" in the race that drew in 43 top participants from across the world.

The car used by Singhania for the race was Ferrari 458 challenge.