Shanghai, July 12 (IANS) Indian driver Armaan Ebrahim finished third in Race 1 of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Series here on Sunday and along with Sri Lankan team-mate Dilantha led the Championship by four points.
With a typhoon hitting the outskirts of Shanghai, the conditions varied drastically and the team got caught out in Qualifying as Armaan qualified fifth and Dilantha sixth for Race 1 and Race 2.
The race started in treacherous conditions with torrential rain. Armaan moved up the grid steadily and finished his stint in third place before handing over the car to Dilantha who maintained his position till the chequered flag to take a well deserved podium finish.
In Race 2, Armaan started sixth on the grid and dropped to 18th place after getting hit from behind at the first corner. An amazing fight back followed with Armaan passing 15 cars to slot himself into third before handing the car over to Dilantha in the Pits stop.
With conditions worsening, Dilantha unfortunately spun with a few laps to go, thus losing out on two places and finished fifth.
Armaan said: “The conditions were very difficult and it was a gamble to get the set up right. Starting fifth on the grid and passing the cars ahead was difficult as the water spray from the cars in front kept me almost blinded throughout.
“With the rain getting harder, the car was aquaplaning quiet badly which allowed the leader to pull away. Given the situation we were in, a third place podium was a good result to walk away with and earn vital Championship points.
“Race 2 was unfortunate as I dropped to last after the first corner after getting hit from behind. Nevertheless, it was extremely satisfying to pass 15 cars after that and regain third place before handing over the car to Dilantha who had a spin which cost us two places to eventually finish fifth.”