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Indian drivers Ashwin Sundar and Aditya Patel, both from Chennai, took part in the round 1 of the ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup at Hockenhein, Germany, held on 16-17 May 2009.

Ashwin had two days of testing and was 13th fastest in the free practice over half an hour. For Aditya it was all new ; the car, the circuit and Germany. Aditya got down to quicky getting to learn the car and the circuit. He finished 16th fastest out of a 27 strong grid. He agreed with a wide grin that the touring car was completely different from the formula cars, and was confident that he would master them after a couple of outings.

While other drivers were setting up their cars for qualifying, Aditya was beginning to learn the nuances of driving a touring car. Ashwin put in a few good laps to qualify a creditable 8th, and had he not missed a gearshift, he would probably been 2nd.

Aditya was advised by his engineer to concentrate on learning the car and circuit. He finished in 23rd place on the grid. The competition was so close that less than two seconds separated the 1st and 23rd.

The engineers for Ashwin and Aditya were extremely pleased with their performances and quickly pointed out their errors, which they would rectify in the race.

Sunday, race day was a bright and sunny morning and the Polo Cup grid was an absolute spectacle with TWENTY SEVEN identical cars.

The start was chaotic,as the entire lot was fighting for turn 1, and at turn1 Vivianne Volk of Germany nudged Ashwin, and he helplessly was sent to the barriers, ending his race.

At the back of the field, newcomer Aditya steadily moved up, keeping his nose clean and staying out of trouble, moving upto 17th place, and held on as the safety car was out for about three laps.

Once the race restarted, it was the usual fights again, and this time Aditya, holding his line was nudged by another driver trying to make his way forward. Being hit on the front wheel, damaged his front right driveshaft, and had to retire. Fortunately this happened just three laps short , and Aditya was classified a finisher in 23rd place, the same position he started. Aditya used the race to his advantage , and is now on pace with the field.

It has been a tremendous exposure for the boys, as they now are seeing real racing, and judging from their performance, we are sure to see some good racing in the events to come.

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