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Johannesburg race driver Aqil Alibhai bounced back into racing with a win on his first outing since late last year in an action-packed Chennai Indian Racing Festival Formula 4 Night Race run under the lights on Sunday. 2023 British FIA British F4 winner Alibhai had not raced this season for family reasons, but he immediately found pace on the tight street circuit and was quickly out front to win the second race Sunday evening.

“I was delighted with the opportunity to be able to race once again and loved driving in Indian Formula 4 at the Chennai Racing Festival after almost a year away from racing,” an elated Aqil admitted. “And I am even happier with the outcome! Despite not racing at all so far this year, it was also my first time on a street circuit, and my first time racing under lights, so it was a pretty big one for me to win in those conditions.

“My car was good, which allowed me to settle in quickly and the pace soon came as I dealt with the pressures of night racing on these tight confines for the first time. “But I put it all together and here we are, on the top step of the podium with Nkhosi Sikelela Africa playing and the South African flag flying above. What a moment – this is one I will not forget!

“It was such a cool weekend too, with lots of on-track drama and such exciting racing in the first Indian Racing League weekend.  Special thanks mainly to my folks and my beautiful family. It’s been a trying time for us, so this one is so much for all of you! And to my team, thanks for a great car and wonderful support this weekend. I could get so used to this!”