Karun crowned Renault V6 Champion in China

Zhuhai, Oct 22 (UNI) Race talent Karun Chandhok today became the first ever driver to win the Asian Formula Renault V6 series with three dominant victories this weekend.

The result left the Indian with 131 points, 24 ahead of Team New Zealand's A1 Grand Prix lead driver Matt Halliday while Ananda Mikola finished third with 98 points.

In front of an enormous crowd, Karun shot into the lead of Round 11 this morning morning with Halliday in pursuit. Despite needing just a ninth place finish, the Indian pushed ahead increasing his lead as he pleased in a race.

Karun was throughout in control and was able to open a gap to Halliday before the New Zealander stabilised things at about 1.5 seconds. Karun, however, soaked up the pressure and didn't put a foot wrong, setting the fastest lap on route to his fifth consecutive victory as well as the Championship.

The final race of the year started perfectly for Karun with a great start followed by a strong few corners which helped him to open a lead. Half way around the first lap though, an engine failure ended his race while in the lead.

After the race, a delighted Karun spoke of his nervous ride.

''The car was brilliant but I just kept thinking back to the mechanical failures we had earlier in the year so it was quite a nervous race. I was able to control the pace well and to win the Championship with a race to go is the best Diwali present I could think of for team, my sponsors JK Tyre, S&N and Amaron, my family as well as everyone from the media who have been great this year.

Now we can relax and just enjoy the last race of the year this afternoon.'' Reflecting on the season, the E-Rain Racing driver said, ''This year has been really enjoyable for me. After a difficult season in 2005 I came into this series to win and use it as a platform to move on to the World Series in Europe or the Champcar Atlantic Series in America. To have won 7 races and also the Championship against quality drivers like Halliday and Ananda is just the perfect way for me to remind people that I can still drive quickly.'' Final championship standings: 1. Karun Chandhok - 131 points 2. Matt Halliday - 107 points 3. Ananda Mikola - 98 points UNI XC AY DB1807