Electric Cars

Tom Ingram achieved his second British Touring Car Championship title in a thrilling conclusion at Brands Hatch. Despite facing immense pressure, Ingram secured his championship victory in the penultimate race, strategically managing the intense competition and challenges throughout the final weekend. This win marks a significant milestone in his career, especially after a demanding season he described as "brutal" and "draining." His methodical approach to race strategy, particularly tire management, proved crucial in overcoming rivals and securing the coveted championship.

Ingram, known for his meticulous preparation and adherence to routines, showed signs of pre-race tension before the second race of the Brands Hatch finale. He meticulously followed his pre-race rituals, from a quick trip to the men's room to donning his racesuit, HANS Device, gloves, and helmet, all while intently focusing on drowning out external distractions. This disciplined approach underscored his commitment to the championship, despite admitting to feeling significant nerves and pressure.

The critical difference from the previous year, where he narrowly lost the title to Jake Hill in the final race, was the shifted pressure. This time, Ingram needed only a few points to seal his second title and prevent Ash Sutton from claiming his fifth. His performance in the opening race was key, where he extended his points lead over Sutton by finishing fifth, four places ahead of his rival. This result was achieved despite qualifying seventh on medium Goodyear tires, showcasing his ability to make progress and manage the race effectively.

Ingram's strategic decision to use the optional soft tires in the second race proved decisive. While his main competitors, including Sutton, were mandated to use medium tires, Ingram's Hyundai i30 N Fastback, equipped with soft rubber and a boost of power, transformed into an unstoppable force. He confessed that the car was a "dream to drive" under these conditions. Despite two safety car periods that could have disrupted his lead, Ingram dominated, even setting the fastest lap on his final boosted lap, emphatically sealing his championship.

Ash Sutton's championship hopes were significantly hampered by issues in qualifying. Starting 11th, four places behind Ingram, Sutton faced an uphill battle. He attributed his struggles to an "internal issue" with tires in Q2, which prevented him from advancing to Q3 and gaining a better grid position. This setback forced Sutton to adopt a cautious strategy in race one, where he struggled with understeer and could only manage ninth place after a tough battle with Chris Smiley.

The NAPA Ford Focus ST team, led by Sutton and engineer Antonio Carrozza, made a crucial decision not to use soft tires in the decisive second race, hoping for a stroke of luck against Ingram and reserving the softer compound for the final race. However, this strategy did not yield the desired outcome in the finale. Despite Sutton's valiant efforts and clever driving, he could not overcome Josh Cook's Speedworks Motorsport Toyota Corolla GR Sport, which, having saved its soft tires, had a significant advantage in boost power.

The final race also saw other notable events, including a controversial clash between Alliance teammates Dan Cammish and Dan Rowbottom, which cost Alliance Ford the manufacturers' title. Meanwhile, Daryl DeLeon clinched the Jack Sears Trophy after a fortunate turn of events, and Dan Lloyd secured a hard-fought victory in the Independents' battle. The season concluded with Ingram celebrating a well-deserved championship, albeit feeling physically and mentally exhausted from the intense competition. His victory was a testament to his resilience, strategic prowess, and the exceptional performance of his team.

Ducati factory rider Marc Marquez is set to withdraw from the upcoming MotoGP events in Australia and Malaysia. This decision comes after medical examinations in Madrid unveiled the full extent of the injuries he sustained during a collision at the Indonesian Grand Prix.

According to a statement released by Ducati on Monday, Marquez suffered a fracture at the base of his coracoid process and a ligament injury to his right shoulder following his crash with Marco Bezzecchi. While no surgical intervention is planned at this stage, Marquez will undergo a conservative treatment plan focused on rest and immobilisation. His return to competition will be determined by his recovery progress in the coming weeks. Marquez had already secured his ninth world title, including seven in MotoGP, during the Japanese Grand Prix last weekend, meaning his absence will not affect the championship outcome.

Marquez expressed his understanding of the situation, stating, \"Fortunately, the injury isn't severe, but it's important to respect the recovery timeline.\" He added, \"My goal is to be back before the end of the season, but without rushing things beyond the doctors’ recommendations. Both my personal and the team’s main goals have been achieved, so now the priority is to recover properly and return at 100%.” The incident occurred on Sunday at Mandalika, where Marquez, who qualified ninth, crashed on just the seventh corner after Bezzecchi misjudged his braking and collided with the rear of Marquez’s Ducati, sending both riders into the gravel trap. Ducati has yet to announce a replacement for Marquez for the Phillip Island and Sepang races.

In the demanding world of professional racing, an athlete's resilience is constantly tested. Marquez's determination to prioritize his long-term health while already having secured a championship is a testament to his maturity and foresight. This situation highlights the importance of patient recovery and the belief that even in moments of physical setback, strategic thinking and a positive outlook can lead to a stronger comeback.