Indian Motorsports
EXCLUSIVE: Sai Sanjay on Breaking Barriers, Factory Dreams, and the Road Ahead in GT Racing
In an exclusive chat at the 2025 GT World Challenge Europe round in Monza, Desi Racing Co. sat down with Indian talent Sai Sanjay, a rising star in endurance racing.
At the 2025 GT World Challenge Europe round in Monza, Desi Racing Co. caught up
with Sai Sanjay — Indian driver for CSA Racing in the Silver Cup. Sharing the
McLaren 720S GT3 EVO with teammates Edgar Maloigne and Maxime Robin, Sai
spoke about his journey from karting in India to Europe’s top endurance circuits,
reflecting on where it began, where he is, and where he’s headed.
“I don’t know, I just never thought I couldn’t” -Lighting McQueen
Q1. Starting Days
What’s a memory from your early racing days in India that still pushes you today?
“The main motivation that pushes me is that… I think I have the potential to reach it
and to make the top level in endurance racing.
When I started in karting, we didn’t know if I had the talent or anything like that. But
once I started showing results and when I got results in the MRF F2000, GT Cup and
then British GT last year, we said, OK, we’ve got the potential and we’ll try as much
as possible to make it to the top level in endurance racing, GT World Challenge.
Even in round one, I was very quick and that further proved the point that we can
pursue this. And so, yeah, that’s the main motivation that pushes me.”
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” – Seneca
Q2. Recent past
What challenges have you faced recently as an Indian driver in Europe?
“There’s less track time for drivers in general and there’s less track time for people
from India. If you want to succeed here, then you must go through all this.
Now there are a lot of other options as well with regards to sim racing. You can get to
know the tracks because there are a few tracks in this world where there are no
testing days. It’s very difficult for me to adapt to the new track. Whereas when you
already come prepared with the digital sim racing and everything, if you go to any
track, you can adapt quickly. Also, I think the biggest challenge would be the grid, top
level, because you have factory drivers from all the manufacturers here, and they
won every kind of endurance as you can think of.”
“To finish first, first you must finish.” – Rick Mears
Q3. Present
What’s your mindset before a race like Monza?
“It is always the same, take the start, complete the first lap, don’t be very aggressive and try making up 10 positions at the start, stay out of basic penalties (pit lane speeding/track limits) because they add up to your race at the end of 3 hours and becomes crucial, finish the race. I also think it’s better to be lose two or three positions at the start than to risk damaging your car. In sprint races, you can take more risks but in endurance racing, it’s not worth it.”
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Q4. Next steps
What habit or mindset have you recently changed to level up your game?
“Stay in the present, think what’s best for you at that moment, stay calm and to prepare yourself as much as possible physically/mentally. I think that will help you in adapting to the track and performing at your best. I wouldn’t say anything recent, but I think mindset wise you just must believe in yourself because sometimes the result won’t go in your way, and you might be slower than your teammate or slower than other cars for some reason but once you know that you have the talent, you should never doubt yourself.”
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Q5. Eventual goal
What’s the dream that keeps you going through it all — WEC, Formula 1, or beyond?
“My aim is to become a factory driver in one of the manufacturers. Once you become a factory driver, I think it’s probably like a dream life because you get to race and you get paid to race and you race in these amazing tracks like Monza, Paul Ricard, and Spa. Eventually of course you win Spa 24, Le Mans 24, Nürburgring 24, and when I achieve it, there’s probably nothing more on the bucket list.
Racing in WEC would be a dream as well. There’s Hyper car and GT3 as well. The Hyper car grid is becoming big. I think there are a lot of opportunities coming up in endurance racing. But my end goal would be to win, obviously.”
Message to Upcoming Indian Drivers — from Sai Sanjay
“My message to young Indian drivers would be to explore different options in motorsport. A lot of drivers look only at Formula 1 and think, ‘This is it.’ But realistically, there are just 20 seats in F1 — and to get one, you usually have to win Formula 2.
When you look at endurance racing, there are far more opportunities. It’s just as fun — if not more — and I think that’s the path more Indian drivers should consider.”
Sai Sanjay – an upcoming racer with a quiet belief that he can put results on the board. It’s hope, paired with conviction, that drives him forward. He focuses less on what’s missing, and more on understanding how the sport actually works and that’s what makes him well-prepared. Grounded in realism, yet fueled by ambition, he knows his time will come. While there’s a storm on the racetrack, it’s the calm in his mind that keeps him sharp. He trusts his gut, doesn’t overthink the path, and stays relentless; a driver firmly On The Right Track to becoming a winner, a champion.
I met him right after qualifying, sitting in his motorhome with his brother. A quiet, warm moment of support. And maybe that’s what we all need: someone in our corner. That’s exactly why Indian motorsport needs more voices in the paddock, and more of us cheering when the chequered flag drops. We’ve waited long enough to be in the paddock. Now, we’re here to stay.
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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