Mazda To Highlight Heritage Fleet At Royal Tunbridge Wells Festival Of Motoring

It is a little-known fact that the Kent town of Royal Tunbridge Wells hosted the first motor show in Great Britain. In 1895 the Royal Tunbridge Wells Horseless Carriage Exhibition attracted huge crowds, and this motoring milestone will be celebrated on the weekend of Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August when more than 20 curated classic cars will be displayed along the tree-lined Georgian walkways of The Pantiles at the heart of the picturesque town.

This unique motoring festival will feature an eclectic display, exhibited by local world-renowned specialists, restorers and racing teams, in a celebration of the area and 130 years of motoring history.

Mazda’s history in the town is focused on the fact, that prior to the founding of Mazda UK in 2001, Mazda’s importer was based in town from the early 1970s until the end of the century, while today Mazda UK’s heritage fleet is still stored and maintained in the Kent town. Local dealer Hendy Group opened a new dealership earlier this year, located on the Kingstanding Business Park, it’s the latest evolution of Mazda’s retail presence in Tunbridge Wells.

Thanks to this local connection, Mazda UK’s 1969 Mazda Cosmo will be displayed across the weekend at this significant motoring showcase that is presented in association with Octane Magazine.

Spinny Releases Q2 2025 Trend Report

India’s used car market continues to evolve digitally, demographically, and geographically. Spinny, the country’s leading full-stack used car platform, has released its Q2 2025 Trend Report, offering a data-backed, consumer-first view of shifting buying behaviour across channels, formats, and regions.

Key Highlights Q2 2025

Automatic Cars – 30%

Home Deliveries – 20%

Hub Deliveries – 80%

Online Purchases – 80%

Women Buyers – 26%

Average Buyer Age – 34

Car Finance – 58%

First-Time Buyers – 70%

Petrol Preference – 82%

Sellers drive trends

Spinny’s Q2 data shows that hatchbacks made up the majority of seller supply at 55%, with Maruti Suzuki dominating the list of most-sold cars by sellers.

The WagonR, Baleno, and Swift were the most frequently sold models by sellers. In Kolkata, hatchbacks accounted for 62% of the city’s total vehicle supply.

SUVs accounted for 21% of the inventory, led by the Ecosport, Creta, and Brezza. Chennai recorded the highest SUV share, with 26% of vehicles supplied in the city falling under this segment.

Sedans made up 18% of total supply, with the Honda City, Honda Amaze, and Swift Dzire as the leading models. In Chandigarh, sedans comprised 22% of the city’s total vehicle supply.

Buyers mature with used car market growth

70% of Q2 buyers were first-time car owners, down from 74% in Q1, indicating rising repeat and upgrade buyers.

The average buyer age rose from 32 to 34 years, suggesting more thoughtful, value-driven decisions and a growing preference for used cars.

Trusted Brands, Fresh Preferences

● Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai retain the top two brand positions.

● Tata Motors moves ahead to third, replacing Honda, driven by new models and diverse fuel options.

● Top models include the Hyundai Grand i10, Renault Kwid, and Maruti WagonR, which overtook the Swift from Q1.

● White and Grey remain the most popular colours, while Blue has surpassed Red—signalling a shift toward bolder, trendier choices.

● SUVs continue to grow, holding a 20% share, led by the Ford EcoSport.

Fuel and transmission shifts

● Automatic cars accounted for 30% of Q2 sales, up from 29% in Q1, led by Mumbai with 35% automatic purchases.

● Petrol vehicles remain dominant at 82%, while Bengaluru had the highest share of diesel buyers at 28%.

● Pune and Bengaluru are showing growing interest in hybrids and EVs.

City-by-City landscape diversifies

Spinny’s data highlights unique regional trends:

● Bengaluru was the fastest-growing city overall, with diverse fuel preferences and strong demand

● Kochi led in home deliveries, with over 40% opting for doorstep handovers

● Chandigarh had the highest share of women buyers (30%+)

● Jaipur hosted the youngest buyers, with an average age of 31 years

● Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad remained top markets by volume, while Pune continued its upward climb

Online Trust, Delivery in Person

80% of Spinny customers bought their cars online in Q2, up from 77% in Q1. This digital-first journey—powered by transparent pricing, verified vehicle histories, and doorstep convenience—has become the norm.

While home deliveries dipped slightly to 20%, hub-based pickups increased to 80%, with 60% of those occurring through Spinny Parks. This shows that while customers trust booking online, many still value the touch-and-feel experience that hubs provide. Spinny Parks offer a premium, new-car-like buying experience.

Loans and VAS at work

● Financing continues to surge, becoming the preferred mode of ownership for salaried customers.

● 58% of buyers opted for car loans in Q2, up from 57% in Q1

● 70% of Spinny’s buyers are salaried professionals

● Coimbatore topped the chart with over 65% loan adoption

● Assured+ Warranty attach rate grew to 30% till June, reflecting growing demand for post-sale assurance

Women buyers: A consistent growth story

Women buyers accounted for 26% in Q2, a slight dip from 28% in Q1, but part of a strong multi- year growth trend. Over the last three years, women’s share on the platform has more than doubled, driven by rising independence, 60% preferred automatic hatchbacks, and gender- inclusive financing options.

Chandigarh led with over 30% women buyers, the highest in India, with strong presence also in Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. Continued focus on women-centric services is expected to drive further adoption in H2.

Luxury, now accessible

● Luxury demand remains strong, driven by experienced urban buyers and accessible pricing.

● Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Mercedes GLA were the top premium models in Q2

● Metro repeat buyers lead this segment, often choosing upgrades over first-time ownership

● Tier 2 cities like Jaipur, Coimbatore, and Kochi outpaced metros with over 30% luxury segment growth

Q2 Highlights

● Akshaya Tritiya marked Spinny’s highest-ever single-day sales, with over 800 cars delivered.

● Net Promoter Score (NPS) reached a record 80 in June, reflecting strong buyer and seller satisfaction.

● Preference for cars under 3 years old rose steadily, peaking at 25% in June—driven in part by the Spinny Assured+ program offering a 3-year warranty.

○ April: 18%

○ May: 22%

○ June: 25%

Q3 2025 Outlook: Festive, Fast, and Financially Enabled

Looking ahead, Spinny expects:

● A surge in purchases during Onam and Diwali

● Continued growth in finance-enabled, digital-first journeys

● Deeper EV and hybrid interest, especially in tech-forward cities

● Stronger focus on women buyers, supported by tailored services and support models

“India’s car buyers today are more confident, better informed, and increasingly digital,” said Niraj Singh, CEO and founder of Spinny. “We see a diverse market coming together through trust and transparency. Spinny continues to enable this journey—city by city, car by car.”

MG Cyberster Launched At An Introductory Price Of INR 72.49 Lakh

MG SELECT, the luxury brand channel of JSW MG Motor India has announced the launch of Cyberster – the World’s Fastest MG, embodying the brand’s motoring heritage and crafted for future. Available at a price of INR 74.99 Lakh for fresh bookings and INR 72.49 Lakh for Pre-Reserved bookings, the Cyberster fuses modern performance with the timeless appeal of classic open-top motoring.

Rooted in the spirit of the legendary MGB, the Cyberster reinterprets the roadster silhouette for the electric age, blending muscular proportions, elegant lines, and high-performance engineering in a form that is as captivating as it is conscious.

Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said “At MG SELECT, we aim at curating experiences that spark emotion, inspire desire, and lead the shift towards conscious mobility. The MG Cyberster is a powerful expression of that philosophy. It is a car that is engineered for performance and designed to be remembered. For many, roadsters were once daydreams. The Cyberster brings that dream to life, with the freedom of the open road and the conscience of an electric future”.

The Cyberster’s silhouette is sculptural yet purposeful. Its electric scissor doors and soft-top roof evoke a sense of emotion. Its drag coefficient of 0.269 Cd attests to aerodynamic finesse. From the signature headlamps to the Kammback rear and active aero elements, every line carries intent. The front fascia is defined by distinctive LED lighting, sharp DRLs, and a sculpted bonnet, while the rear tapers elegantly into a full-width LED light bar with integrated indicators. The 20-inch staggered lightweight alloy wheels, paired with Pirelli P-Zero tyres, are engineered for superior grip and performance.

The interior mirrors this dynamic character. A wraparound, driver-centric cockpit is anchored by a futuristic triple-display interface—featuring a central 10.25-inch touchscreen and two 7-inch digital panels for seamless access to real-time vehicle data, entertainment, and settings. Dual-zone automatic climate control with PM2.5 filtration, along with steering-mounted paddle shifters for regenerative braking and drive modes, enhance the intelligent performance.

Sustainable Dinamica suede and premium vegan leather upholstery delivers a tactile, elevated feel, while a BOSE audio system with noise compensation ensures every drive is immersive and refined.

The Cyberster is available in four expressive dual-tone exterior combinations:
• Nuclear Yellow with Black Roof
• Flare Red with Black Roof
• Andes Grey with Red Roof
• Modern Beige with Red Roof

Beneath its sculpted exterior, the Cyberster is driven by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain that delivers 510 PS and 725 Nm of torque. With Launch Control Mode engaged, it sprints from 0 to 100 kmph in just 3.2 seconds, performance that is visceral. A 77 kWh ultra-thin battery pack, the slimmest in the industry at just 110 mm, offers an MIDC certified range of 580 kilometres and aids weight distribution and handling. An advanced thermal management system ensures long-term efficiency.

Engineered with the suspension and chassis expertise of former Formula 1 engineer Marco Fainello, the Cyberster features double wishbone suspension and a precise 50:50 weight distribution for razor-sharp handling and everyday comfort. Brembo 4-piston front brake callipers bring the vehicle to a stop from 100 kmph in just 33 m, delivering confident braking to match its performance.

Safety is built into the core. A high-strength H-shaped full cradle structure and Static Stability Factor (SSF) of 1.83 ensure best-in-class rollover resistance. Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), a real-time Driver Monitoring System, and a suite of features, including dual front and combination side airbags, electronic stability control, and electronic differential lock, work in concert to keep performance and protection seamlessly aligned.

(All India Ex-Showroom)Pre Reserve PricePost Launch Price
CybersterINR 72,49,800INR 74,99,800
  • Post Launch Price will be applicable for bookings done after the launch
  • Pricing is inclusive of 3.3 kW portable charger, 7.4 kW wall box charger and standard installation.

Kia EV4 Proves Endurance With Industry-Leading Battery And Durability Testing

Kia continues to raise the bar for EV endurance for standard-performance models with the EV4, the company’s latest all-electric compact model. Designed with durability in mind, the EV4 features innovations that ensure stable performance over long distances, challenging climates, and extended use.

The EV4’s endurance can mostly be attributed to Kia’s fourth-generation battery system. The system combines advanced thermal management with optimised coolant distribution over all cell units. These enhancements ensure that the battery operates within safe temperature levels, even under high-stress conditions. By doing so, the system ultimately extends battery life and maintains consistent performance.

Following comprehensive endurance trials, including a 110,000-kilometre European road durability test and a 10,000-kilometre Nürburgring campaign simulating 90-to-95% of the model’s maximum performance output, the EV4 showed minimal wear and sustained battery efficiency. Repeated hypercharging sessions between laps at the Nürburgring added to the potential strain on the battery system. However, the EV4 maintained impressive performance throughout.

“To provide our customers a reliable, everyday EV, we had to validate the EV4’s durability both in real-world and extreme environments,” said Stephan Hoferer, Manager Durability Development at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center. “With the rigorous testing – from icy roads to racetracks, we’re confident the EV4 will deliver dependable performance well beyond everyday needs.”

Engineers confirmed a battery State-of-Health (SoH) of 95% after 10,000 kilometres of track testing and 110,000 kilometres of road testing, Kia’s extensive endurance testing programme proves the EV4 as a reliable, high-endurance EV for customers looking for confidence during long-term ownership.

On top of its battery performance, the EV4 benefits from regenerative braking. The system improves long-term efficiency by reducing battery strain and recapturing up to 25% of energy during deceleration. Thanks to its robust design and intelligent energy management, the EV4 is guaranteed to retain at least 70% of its battery capacity after 160,000 kilometres driven or eight years of regular use.

New Nissan Magnite Secures GNCAP 5-Star Rating

Nissan Motor India Pvt Ltd has announced that the New Nissan Magnite has been awarded a 5-star overall safety rating by the Global New Car Assessment Program (GNCAP). The New Nissan Magnite is manufactured at the Chennai plant and is exported to 65+ countries under Nissan Motor India’s ‘One Car, One World’ strategy for RHD and LHD markets. The New Nissan Magnite (RHD) spec sold in India and South Africa both, was tested by GNCAP and received a perfect rating of 5-star rating in adult safety and 3-star rating in child safety accumulating an overall 5-star safety rating for the passengers.

The New Nissan Magnite underwent rigorous testing, including assessments of adult occupant protection, child safety, and safety assist features. The vehicle demonstrated exceptional performance across all categories, showcasing its robust build quality, advanced safety features, and innovative design aimed at safeguarding drivers and passengers alike. The New Nissan Magnite, launched in October 2024, boasts of over 40 + standard safety features including 6 airbags, improved body structure incorporating 67% high tensile strength steel (>440Mpa), 6 Airbags, ABS + EBD, ESC, TCS, HSA, Brake Assist, TPMS among others.

Global NCAP’s crash test protocols assess frontal and side impact protection for all models, as well as ESC. Pedestrian protection and side pole impact protection assessments are required for vehicles scoring the highest star ratings.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, stated, “We are delighted to receive a 5-star safety rating for the Made In India New Nissan Magnite. Safety remains at the core of our engineering philosophy, and this reflects our dedication to providing our customers with secure, reliable, and technologically advanced and safe vehicles. As per our One Car, One World strategy, Nissan remains committed to the production and sale of the highest quality and safest cars in India for the domestic and export markets”.

The New Nissan Magnite is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), vehicle dynamic control, and more, ensuring protection on every journey. It also offers enhanced safety with a reinforced body structure, over 40 standard safety features including six airbags, electronic stability control, traction control system, and hydraulic brake assist. The Magnite’s bold and stylish design, 20+ first & best-in-segment features, and 55+ safety features make it a standout choice in the compact SUV segment.

Additional safety features such as three-point seatbelts for all seats, seatbelt reminders, child lock, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, and rear parking sensors now come as standard across all variants, ensuring every journey is not just comfortable but more secure than ever.

All-New Renault Triber Launched In India

Renault India has launched the All-New Renault Triber with ex-showroom prices starting at INR 6,29,995. The new Triber comes with new and modern design language along with comfort enhancing features, while retaining its unique DNA of modularity, adopting to rethink space philosophy.

The All-New Renault Triber sports a completely redesigned front fascia, featuring a bold new grille, sculpted new hood, refreshed bumper, new sleek LED projector headlamps with integrated LED DRLs and new LED fog lamps.

Inside, the cabin has been revamped with a stylish dual-tone dashboard, seamlessly integrated with an 8-inch floating touchscreen display that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The renewed interior also includes new seat upholstery, a modern LED instrument cluster, LED cabin lighting, and blacked-out door handles for a premium touch.

At the rear, the new Triber showcases a redesigned bumper, updated LED tail lamps, a new skid plate, and a stylish tail lamp connecting embellisher, completing its contemporary makeover.

The car equipped with 35 new features, is the first ever product under renault. rethink. brand transformation strategy. In line with rethink space philosophy, it offers best-in-class modular seating with 3rd row Easy-Fix seats configurable as a 5, 6, or 7-seater, complemented by a segment-leading boot space of up to 625 litre, allowing customers to use the car in unique and innovative ways to fulfil their varied lifestyle utilities.

Designed with thoughtful enhancements, the new Triber is now available in four new variants, Authentic, Evolution, Techno and Emotion.

The new Triber now comes fitted with 21 standard safety features including 6 Airbags, ESP, TPMS, EBD with Brake Assist to name a few. Further adding on the safety features is Front Parking Sensor, available for the first time in the segment.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Venkatram Mamillapalle, Managing Director, Renault India, said, “India remains a cornerstone of Renault’s global strategy, driven by a strong product pipeline, expanding export operations, and a renewed focus on customer satisfaction — exemplified by the launch of the All-New Triber. This model is also the first in India to proudly feature Renault’s new brand logo, symbolizing the company’s bold, modern direction and deep alignment with Indian aspirations.”

He further added that “As a fully integrated operation with a manufacturing plant, R&D centre, and design studio based in India, Renault continues to develop and produce vehicles tailored specifically for Indian customers — truly by India, for India. The new Triber is over 90% localized, underscoring Renault’s long-term commitment to the Indian market.”

Asserting the significance of the new launch, Mr. Francisco Hidalgo, Vice President (Sales & Marketing), Renault India, said, “The Triber has always reflected our deep understanding of the evolving needs of Indian families — blending smart engineering, modularity, and exceptional premium value. With the All-New Triber, we continue to champion our ‘rethink space’ philosophy, offering India’s most spacious sub-four metre car, now with a fully renewed design and features. This launch brings the spirit of renault. rethink. to life in the most tangible way, and we are confident it will further accelerate our momentum and strengthen Renault’s footprint in India.”

All-New Triber delivers a maximum power output of 72 PS at 6250 rpm and a maximum torque of 96 Nm at 3500 rpm. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual transmission available across all variants. The top-end Emotion variant also offers the advanced Easy-R AMT, enhancing driving comfort and convenience. This powertrain setup ensures a smooth and responsive performance suited for both city and highway driving.

Offering an absolute peace of mind, the car comes with 3-year standard Warranty extendible up to 7 years / unlimited kilometres coverage under Renault Secure program. To enhance the accessibility, now the new Triber is available with government approved CNG retrofitment kits across country along with a 3-year warranty.

The made in India Triber already enjoys 1.84 lakhs happy customers in the country and it is exported to over a dozen countries around the world. The All-New Triber flaunts bolder looks, rich features and packed with thoughtful premium technology upgrades, reaffirming Renault’s commitment to design-led and people-centric innovation for the Indian customers.

The brand is well entrenched in the country with over 350+ sales and 450+ service touchpoints across the country. The introduction of the All-New Triber marks an important milestone in Renault’s product renewal strategy, aimed at claiming its due position in the dynamic and competitive Indian automobile market.

New Prices – All India One Price

Ex-Showroom (INR)AuthenticEvolutionTechnoEmotion
Manual6, 29,9957,24,9957,99,9958,64,995
Easy-R AMT9,16,995

Parkobot Raises INR 2.09 Crore In Seed Round Led By Inflection Point Ventures

Parkobot the world’s first “Airbnb for parking” powered by IoT smart Parking Space Barrier has raised INR 2.09 Crores in seed round led by Inflection Point Ventures, one of India’s largest angel investing platforms. The round also saw participation from HNIs. The funds will be utilized to expand infrastructure, reach additional markets, strengthen backend and increase product portfolio.

Since its founding, Parkobot has made its mark as the world’s first startup to launch an “Airbnb for private parking” which makes it an innovative platform powered by an IoT-enabled parking space barrier. With a mission to redefine urban mobility and space utilization, Parkobot has made it possible for its owners to monetize unused private parking spaces on an hourly basis, which in turn provides real-time, location-based booking through a smart, integrated mobile app.

The strength of this platform is its completely in-house tech stack, horizontally and vertically scalable IoT devices, and smart automation features generating efficiencies to enhance parking and generate revenues.

Mitesh Shah, Co-Founder, IPV says, “Urban parking is a huge challenge facing today’s cities. Poor planning and lack of proper parking spaces lead to encroachment on roads, illegal parking and congestion. However, Parkobot is driving the change by bringing in technology and smart parking systems that provide real-time availability of parking spaces and making underutilized private parking spaces available to the public.”

Parkobot operates in a rapidly growing market, with a global Total Addressable Market (TAM) of $114 billion and an Indian TAM of $9.5 billion, expanding at a CAGR of 6.5%. Currently in stealth mode, the startup has already deployed high-traffic parking spots at key locations, laying the groundwork for scale.

Founder of Parkobot, Amrit Choudhury says, “Parkobot envisions decongesting India’s streets by utilizing underutilized private parking spaces, transforming them into revenue-generating assets via our IoT-enabled Parkobot barrier & app. Our goal is to create cleaner skies, less traffic congestion, and seamless urban mobility for all.”

With over 20,000 monthly bookings, Parkobot leverages its proprietary Parking Management System (PMS), featuring smart boom barriers and exclusive pre-booking to boost parking revenue and reduce manual intervention. With no direct global competitors in IoT-enabled parking monetization, Parkobot is uniquely positioned to convert underutilized parking spaces into smart, revenue-generating assets.

Six Lakh Units Of Tata Punch Sold Under Four Years

Tata Motors has announced a historic milestone for its compact SUV, Punch, which has surpassed 6 lakh production milestone in less than four years—a record-breaking feat that cements its position as one of India’s favorite SUV.

Launched in October 2021 with the vision of making the SUV experience accessible to every Indian, the Tata Punch pioneered an entirely new segment — the sub-compact SUV. Since then, it has struck a powerful chord with customers across the nation. From bustling metros to aspiring hinterlands, the Punch has emerged as a symbol of choice, reliability, and style, reshaping the contours of the Indian automotive landscape. It made history by becoming the highest-selling car in the country in CY2024. Whether navigating urban streets or rural trails, appealing to first-time buyers, young professionals, or growing families — the Punch has evolved into more than just a car.

Speaking about the Punch and its deep connection with the growing aspirations of a bold and confident India, Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., said, “The Punch embodies the spirit of a new India — bold, self-assured, and ready to forge its own path. Crossing the 6 lakh milestone is more than a production achievement; it’s a reflection of the immense trust that over 6 lakh Indians have placed in a vehicle that represents confidence, presence, and a fresh start to their journeys. It’s especially heartening to see how Punch has become the natural first choice for so many first-time car buyers. Punch is not just a car — it’s a breakthrough brand that has sparked a cultural shift and redefined what India expects from the first car in their family. With the launch of the ‘India Ki SUV’ campaign, we celebrate this extraordinary journey and the customers who made it possible. This is more than a celebration of numbers — it’s a tribute to a product that made SUV attitude accessible to all, without ever compromising on substance.”

Indian Racing Festival 2025 Kicks Off With Historic Driver Draft In Mumbai

The 2025 season of the Indian Racing Festival (IRF) added another significant milestone to its journey, with the first-ever official Driver Draft for the Indian Racing League (IRL). Hosted at the iconic Taj Lands End in Mumbai, the event brought together franchise owners, league officials, and media to mark the formal beginning of a season that promises high-stakes competition, global talent, and deeper fan engagement. The event was designed to introduce greater structure and transparency to the process of building teams – a first for Indian motorsport and to reiterate IRF’s  vision of creating a league that is both inclusive and performance-driven.

In a thrilling session earlier in the evening, 24 drivers were selected across six city-based franchises for the upcoming IRL season. Each team picked four drivers, creating a balanced and competitive lineup that includes an experienced international driver, an emerging international or Indian-origin talent, a domestic Indian driver, and a female driver. The selection was not only symbolic  but also strategic, with teams building their rosters around driving styles, track experience, and data-backed performance indicators.

The final grid features accomplished names like Neel Jani – former Formula 1 test driver and Le Mans winner, Jon Lancaster – with a background in GP2 and endurance racing,  and Raoul Hyman – a two-time IRL champion of Indian origin who returns with strong fan support. On the Indian side, young talents such as Ruhaan Alva, Sohil Shah, Sai Sanjay, and Akshay Bohra bring proven speed and sharp race craft, while female racers like Fabienne Wohlwend, Gabriela Jilkova, and Caitlin Wood round out the grid with international experience across W Series, F3, and GT formats.

The draft was followed by a joint press conference where all six team owners including public figures from Indian cinema and sport took the stage to reveal their teams and discuss their vision for the league. Team owners and key personnel from the franchises were present during the event, as teams finalised upon their picks. Each owner, along with their technical teams, worked closely to build a roster tailored to both competitive goals and regional identity. This high-engagement approach signals a new level of dedication and investment from franchise owners, not only in the sport but in shaping the narrative around their teams.

“This brings our collective vision to life when it comes to the Indian Racing Festival 2025,” said Mr. Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director of Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd. (RPPL), the organisation behind IRF. “With this driver draft, we’re building a new foundation for motorsport in India – one that’s inclusive, structured, and deeply competitive. The Driver Draft for IRL 2025 celebrates talent, promotes competence, and builds serious anticipation for the racing season. What we’re doing here is building a sport for India, by India, with the world watching.”, he added.

Each franchise from Delhi’s Speed Demons to the newest entrant, Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru now heads into the season with a race-ready lineup. The 2025 season will begin in August and will feature races across multiple cities, including permanent circuits and urban street tracks throughout India.

The evening concluded with an media interaction where the management, owners and the press engaged– a fitting end to a day that marked the beginning of a pivotal & memorable chapter in Indian motorsport.

IRL 2025 Driver Draft – Final Team Line-Ups

Speed Demons Delhi (Owner: Arjun Kapoor)

●      Alister Yoong (Malaysia) – Regular in Asian single-seaters, son of former F1 driver Alex Yoong

●      Sai Sanjay (India) – Consistent domestic performer across Indian circuit championships

●      Shahan Ali Mohsin (India) – Former F4 SEA champion and one of India’s top karting graduates

●      Caitlin Wood (Australia) – Experienced in W Series and GT World Challenge

Hyderabad Blackbirds (Owner: Naga Chaitanya)

●      Jon Lancaster (UK) – Former GP2 winner and Le Mans podium finisher

●      Akshay Bohra (India) – Promising Indian-origin driver with F4 experience in Europe and UAE

●      Mohamed Ryan (India) – Young talent with strong sim-racing and F4 credentials

●      Gabriela Jilkova (Czech Republic) – Sim and GT racing expert with international recognition

Goa Aces (Owner: John Abraham)

●      Raoul Hyman (UK/SA) – Two-time IRL champion and F3 veteran

●      Akash Gowda (India) – Versatile Indian racer with multiple podiums in national series

●      Chetan Surineni (India) – Emerging domestic competitor known for pace and consistency

●      Fabienne Wohlwend (Liechtenstein) – W Series and Ferrari Challenge star

Kolkata Royal Tigers (Owner: Sourav Ganguly)

●      Tom Canning (UK) – British GT Champion with endurance racing experience

●      Sohil Shah (India) – F4 India podium finisher and consistent IRL performer

●      Sandeep Kumar (India) – Returning driver with national championship wins

●      Alexandra Hervé (France) – F4 and Eurocup contender with strong racecraft

Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru (Owner: Sudeep Kichcha)

●      Neel Jani (Switzerland) – Le Mans winner and former F1 test driver

●      Ruhaan Alva (India) – Bengaluru’s young prodigy and F4 India front-runner

●      Kyle Kumaran (India) – National karting and F4 talent

●      Jem Hepworth (UK) – British endurance and GT racing driver

Chennai Turbo Riders (Owner: Keerthivasan)

●      Aqil Alibhai (Kenya) – Formula 4 UAE race winner with strong international pedigree

●      Shibin Yousaf (India) – Consistent performer in Indian circuit racing

●      Tijil Rao (India) – Part of India’s new wave of single-seater talent

●      Laura Camps Torras (Spain) – Ferrari Driver Academy alumna and standout karting graduate

Ferrari Unveils Four Debuts and Celebrates 75 Years of Formula 1 at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025

Ferrari delivered its most extensive presence to date at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, unveiling four model debuts and supporting the Festival’s celebration of ‘75 Years of Formula 1’ with a striking heritage line-up.

At the all-new Ferrari display, the spotlight was on the public debut of the Ferrari Amalfi. The new 2+ coupé redefines the Grand Tourer formula with a front-mid-mounted twin-turbo V8 delivering 640 cv, everyday usability, and sculptural styling. Inside, the Amalfi introduces Ferrari’s latest HMI system and a return to tactile, analog-inspired controls on the steering wheel – including the return of the iconic ‘Engine Start/Stop’ button.

Debuting in the UK alongside the Amalfi was the Ferrari 296 Speciale. A lightweight, special-series evolution of the 296 GTB, it pairs a 120° twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor to produce 880 cv. Sharpened aerodynamics, reduced weight, and track-focused dynamics make it the most extreme interpretation of Ferrari’s hybrid berlinetta to date.

The Ferrari F80, Maranello’s latest limited-series supercar, stunned specators with its first worldwide dynamic debut following its global reveal at the Finali Mondiali in October 2024. Producing 1200 cv from a hybrid V6 powertrain derived from the 499P Le Mans Hypercar, the F80 introduces electric turbochargers, e-4WD, and generates 1050 kg of downforce at 250 kmph.

The final debut was the Ferrari 12Cilindri, which also made its UK dynamic debut. Powered by a naturally aspirated 830 cv V12, the front-engined two-seater Ferrari combines a blend of elegance, versatility, and performance – representing the latest evolution of this lineage, passing on an unique heritage and elevating it to new standards of performance, comfort, and design.

Complementing the four model debuts, Ferrari’s expanded presence included a F50 and a bespoke Purosangue from Ferrari Tailor Made, bridging heritage and personalisation in one of the brand’s most significant static displays to date. Guests also marvelled at the latest Ferrari 296 Challenge race car: which made its UK season debut earlier this year in the Ferrari Challenge UK Trofeo Pirelli race series.

To support the Festival’s 75 Years of Formula 1, Scuderia Ferrari brought two modern F1 cars for dynamic demonstrations: the SF90 from 2019 and the SF21 from 2021, showcasing the latest Ferrari technological advancements on the Goodwood Hill. The celebrations were also supported by a collection of passionate Ferraristi, who contributed a remarkable selection of historic F1 cars, including the 312T, 640, and F2007.