Kristianstad (Sweden): Indian racing prodigy Atiqa Mir displayed moments of brilliance in qualifying and the opening heat race before an untimely crash spoiled the remainder of her weekend at Champions of the Future Euro Series Round 4 here.
Considering it was her debut at the Kristianstad Kart Track here, the 11-year-old hardly took any time to get up to speed.
Fresh off a pole position in Italy, Atiqa turned heads by qualifying only 0.17 seconds off the fastest time in her Qualifying group for a commendable 10th place and 29th overall out of 86 drivers.
Atiqa, the first Indian to be backed by Formula 1 Academy, qualified second overall among the wildcard entries.
In the round held as a prelude to the high stakes FIA European Championship here this weekend, Atiqa got much needed track time for an invaluable experience. In the races, her seventh place in heat 1 was her best result of the weekend and came ahead of many established drivers on the grid.
Against all odds, Atiqa fought hard and gave a good account of her rare talent. After the impressive show in heat 1, Atiqa did not have much going her way.
Starting on the outside row was a big disadvantage before a crash and two penalties marred her smooth start to the weekend.
Atiqa qualified for the all-important Super Heats and finished 21st on road but got another penalty for an aggressive overtake.
“This is a fabulous track and very easy for overtaking, I tried all my moves and got some penalties as well for being over aggressive. I was quick all weekend and I feel prepared for the big FIA event next weekend,” she said.
Atiqa’s father Asif Mir, who is India’s first national karting champion, said the weekend was good preparation for the FIA round starting in couple of days.
“It was an eventful weekend with learning the track and all the overtaking opportunities. Atiqa lost places due to inexperience on this track compared to others, but now she feels prepared for the FIA event here next week. She has surprised everyone by her speed and poise,” he said.
