Mercedes-Benz India got its first winner from its Young Star Driver Program which concluded yesterday at the Buddh International Circuit in Noida. Niranjan Todkar from Aurangabad claimed the first place. He was followed by Diljith from Thrissur and Mezaan Anees from Bengaluru in second and third place respectively.
The program saw applications from 3233 racing aspirants from across the country aged between 15 and 25 being given a chance to burn the rubber for the top step at the Buddh International Circuit.
From the total, 12 were chosen to participate in the finals and given the opportunity to do two laps around the circuit in the recently launched Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. The programme was conducted in association with FMSCI and the aspirants were evaluated by experienced motorsports associates.
The winner will get an opportunity to intern with the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team at the Indian GP season in October. He/she will also undergo a basic, advanced and pro level training at the AMG Driving Academy in Germany and India. The second runner up of the contest will undergo basic level training.
"Motorsports has been the DNA of brand Mercedes-Benz and we are proud of our long and successful association with different forms of motorsports across the globe and our unsurpassable racetrack achievements. It was Mercedes-Benz vision to identify and nurture motorsports talents in India and ‘Mercedes-Benz Young Star Driver’ programme is yet another pioneering effort in realising that vision,” said Eberhard Kern, managing director and CEO, Mercedes Benz India.
“The overwhelming response from youngsters across India, be it small towns or big metros, aspiring to make a career on the race track has made this one-of-its kind initiative a huge success and reiterates Mercedes-Benz’s leadership in pioneering unique engagements not only for our customers but also for motorsports enthusiasts,” he added.
