Indian Motorsports
EXCLUSIVE: Arjun Maini on past experiences, current challenges, and future aspirations.
Desi Racing Co caught up with Arjun Maini during the GT World Challenge Europe round at Monza for an exclusive chat.
At the 2025 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup round in Monza, Desi Racing
Co. sat down with Arjun Maini — Indian driver for HRT Ford Performance. Competing in
the Pro category, Maini shares the #64 Ford Mustang GT3 with teammates Jann
Mardenborough and Thomas Drouet. He reflected on his journey from his early days in
India to competing on Europe’s premier endurance racing stage, discussing his past
experiences, current challenges, and future aspirations.
“We didn’t realize we were making memories; we just knew we were having fun.” — A.A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh)”
Q1. Starting Days
When you look back to your earliest days in India, what’s one moment that still fuels you
before every race?
“Honestly, it’s that feeling of just going to the karting track with my dad and Kush. No
pressure, just the excitement of knowing I’d get to drive a go-kart that day.
That memory — that pure love for racing — has stayed with me.” – Arjun Maini
There’s something pure about the way Arjun remembers his early days, the sound of
engines, the joy of driving, and the absence of expectations. It’s easy to forget that
behind a competitive athlete is often just a kid who fell in love with the sport. That early
feeling, untainted by pressure, is what still fuels him today.
“Be like water, my friend.” – Bruce Lee

Q2. Recent Past
You’ve shifted across F2, DTM, and now endurance racing — was this always the plan?
“I mean, when growing up, I always wanted to be in Formula One. That was always my
dream in my earliest single-seater days. And honestly — wrongly, I think — I didn’t look
at this side of racing as a part of the career. But you know, I got proven wrong. It’s a great world out here.” -Arjun Maini
His views reflect a quiet belief that endurance and other formats are where the sport
still lives in its rawest form. The message of adaptability runs deep in his story — it’s not
about one path, but about staying open to them all. Simply put, being paid to drive race
cars — that itself is a dream.
“There’s more to life than driving in circles.” – Sebastian Vettel

Q3. Present
What’s something people don’t see about what it takes to keep performing at this level
— mentally or emotionally? Especially beyond track time and physical training?
“As much as you love racing, there needs to be a very balanced life in order for you to
also perform on track. For sure you have to work hard and it has to be a priority, no
doubt, but also don’t close yourself off from other stuff. Enjoy off-time a little bit and
when you’re on track, go out there and kill.” – Arjun Maini
Maini’s perspective feels both raw and reflective. Behind the helmet is someone who’s
learned the hard way that obsession without balance burns out even the most
passionate. Talking from personal experience and acknowledging that this lesson rarely
sinks in until it’s lived — Arjun, standing on Italian soil, admits that sometimes La Dolce
Vita needs to be embraced off-track in order to hunt down your goals on it.
“Learning never exhausts the mind.” – Leonardo da Vinci

Q4. What’s next?
I believe everything in life — especially motorsport — keeps teaching us something new.
What has been your current battle?
“I would say my race starts, especially in the sprint races, can be better and that’s
something I’m working on. Everything else seems to be in a good window right now, but
as the season progresses, there will be stuff I will learn, not just with my driving, but how
to make the car work underneath me, how to use the tools in the car better, and there’s
always something you can learn every session.” – Arjun Maini
Growth is the only constant. If you feel there’s nothing left to learn, it’s time to change
tracks — literally. Arjun’s mindset reflects quiet confidence. He’s not chasing
perfection, he’s chasing The Right Track — session by session.
“You can’t aim for success if you don’t know what it looks like to you.” – Lewis Hamilton
Q5. Eventual Goal
Moving from here, what does success really look like for you — a title, a legacy, or
something more personal?
“I’m quite happy with my start at Ford, to be honest. So, yeah, of course, I want to stay in
this world. A dream would be to race in the Le Mans in top class and win, it would be
absolutely amazing.” – Arjun Maini
Always striving for the next big thing while keeping his foundational roots alive — that’s
what makes Arjun’s character complete. He’s not just racing for a result; he’s racing for
a future that carries both passion and purpose.
A strong spirit, paired with the smile of a young kid about to go karting with his family —
that’s what best describes Arjun Maini. He’s carried that spirit with him all the way to
today. And toward the end of our chat, he acknowledged something simple, yet
powerful — the presence of a fellow Indian in the paddock.
Motorsport, and Arjun especially, need more of our countrymen trackside — not just to
be seen, but to be felt.
Because every driver needs a home crowd — and Arjun is still waiting for his.
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X/, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
Indian Motorsports
Super Formula to race at India’s Buddh International Circuit?
A delegation from Japan Race Promotion (JRP), the organizers of Super Formula, visited the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida to inspect the track and discuss a potential future race.
Japan’s premier single-seater championship, Super Formula, could soon make its debut in India. A delegation from Japan Race Promotion (JRP), the organizers of the series visited the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida this week to inspect the facilities and explore the possibility of adding India to the championship’s future calendar.

The high-level delegation included Yoshihisa Ueno (President), Takuya Hori (Technical Director), Takashi Matsui (GM, Corporate Strategy), and Genki Miura (Assistant Manager, International Sales and Marketing). They met with officials from the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA), including CEO Rakesh Kumar Singh, ACEO Nagendra Pratap Singh, and OSD Shailendra Bhatia, before touring the circuit to assess its readiness for hosting a Super Formula round.
“The visit is a major step toward adding India to the Super Formula calendar. If the delegation finds the circuit suitable, we’ll move ahead with detailed planning and formalities for hosting the championship” – YEIDA CEO Rakesh Kumar Singh

What is Super Formula?
Founded in 1973, Super Formula is Japan’s top-tier open-wheel series and is often regarded as the second-fastest racing championship in the world after Formula 1. The series features advanced Dallara-built chassis powered by Honda and Toyota engines and races at iconic Japanese circuits such as Suzuka, Fuji Speedway, and Twin Ring Motegi.

If confirmed, this event would mark the return of world-class motorsport to India, years after the Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix (2011–2013), FIA Formula E Hyderabad E-Prix 2023 and MotoGP Bharat 2023. Both faced setbacks due to logistical and financial hurdles, but Super Formula’s potential entry signals renewed international interest in Indian motorsport.
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
Indian Motorsports
Akshay Bohra’s 2025 FRECA Season Review: First Indian Race Winner & Pole-Sitter
A historic win, a breakthrough pole, and a season of undeniable progress. Akshay Bohra has firmly established himself as one of the most exciting rising talents in European junior racing. With the 2026 season fast approaching, one question remains: what lies ahead for the #FlyingNaan?
Early Season: Finding Pace and Consistency
Akshay Bohra entered the FRECA season with some prior experience in the Formula Regional car, having competed in the Formula Regional Middle East Championship earlier in the year — a five-round series held across January and February of 2025. Akshay got up to speed quickly, scoring points on his FRECA debut with a P9 finish at Misano. He continued to build momentum in Round 2 at Spa-Francorchamps, showing strong pace, though a few small mistakes prevented him from converting it into a bigger points haul.

The breakthrough came in Round 3 at Zandvoort. In a weekend marked by the season’s first wet sessions — one of the hardest conditions for any young driver — Akshay delivered a standout performance, qualifying on the front row and going on to claim his first FRECA podium. This result also made him only the second Indian to stand on a FRECA podium, following his brother, Nikhil Bohra.
History Making Weekend: The Pole and the Win
Akshay’s standout moment came at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, where he made history by taking pole position and converting it into a lights-to-flag victory. He controlled the race from the start, managing pressure, tyre wear, and pace with maturity well beyond his experience. The result marked the first pole and first race win for an Indian driver in the Formula Regional European Championship.

Mid-Season Challenges and Growth
Following his historic win at Imola, Akshay encountered a more challenging phase of the season beginning at the Red Bull Ring. He finished outside the top four for the first time in five races and missed out on points for the first time since Race 2 at Spa-Francorchamps, which brought an end to his nine-race points-scoring streak. The difficulties continued into Race 1 of Round 8 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where he once again finished outside the points.

However, in Race 2 at Barcelona, Akshay appeared to regain his momentum. He finished on the podium in P3, showing composure and racecraft by holding off a fast-charging Freddie Slater, the eventual 2025 FRECA champion.
Final Rounds and Overall Championship Standing
Akshay was running comfortably inside the top five in the overall championship heading into the final round, but his position changed after a difficult weekend at Monza. In Race 1, he had produced one of his strongest drives of the year, climbing from P18 to P5 within the first ten minutes of racing despite a tough qualifying. However, just after a safety car restart, his car suddenly lost power and he was forced to retire. “It was tough,” Akshay reflected, “but these things happen in motorsport.” The incident not only cost him a significant haul of points, but also shifted the momentum in the championship standings at a critical stage.

Akshay concluded his Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA) campaign 6th in the overall championship(2nd of the first-years’), with 1 race win, 1 pole position, 6 podium finishes, and 15 points-scoring races.
What’s next for Akshay?
Akshay Bohra’s 2025 racing campaign is not over yet. He will return to India to contest the remaining two rounds of the Indian Racing League with Hyderabad Blackbirds. He will be back behind the wheel of the #31 car, which he shares with Gabriela Jílková, and the duo currently leads the Cars’ Championship standings after Round 3.

Given his performances in FRECA this year, a step up to FIA Formula 3 would seem like a natural progression. However, Akshay will not be making that move for 2026 due to financial constraints. Speaking to Desi Racing Co, Akshay Bohra said that his “future plans are still being discussed.”
F3 in 2026 seemed like the next step considering my performance this year, but unfortunately with no major financial support from anyone but family, the budget was too high. However, I still have many exciting options that I’m looking forward to – Akshay Bohra
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
Indian Motorsports
Mumbai Street Circuit Announced; Set to A Host Night Race in 2025
Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis has officially announced the Mumbai Street Circuit, set to host a night race. With this, Mumbai becomes the fourth city to feature a street race and only the second to stage a night street race.
“This is a step in the direction to make Maharashtra the motorsports capital of Asia. We will be hosting the F4 race as a street circuit in Navi Mumbai as our 1st initiative in this direction.” – Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
The Mumbai Street Circuit will host Round 5 of the Indian Racing League and Indian Formula 4 on November 29–30, 2025. With this, Mumbai joins Hyderabad, Chennai, and Goa as a street circuit host city, becoming only the second venue to stage a night street race after the Chennai Formula Racing Circuit, which held its race in August 2024.

Neither Racing Promotions Private Limited nor the Government of Maharashtra have confirmed details of the track or location yet. It is understood that more details, including the track layout, will be revealed closer to the round in November.
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
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