Mercedes-Benz India Concludes Young Star Driver Programme Season II

The second edition of the Mercedes-Benz India 'Young Star Driver Programme' came to an end yesterday as the finalists battled their hearts out on the Buddh International Circuit. The programme received 5,970 applications from over 100 Indian cities, metros and non-metros alike, and saw the young participants undergo rigorous training and tests in order to obtain its final 6. The 6 chosen ones included 3 participants from Chennai, 2 from Bengaluru and 1 from Mumbai. These carefully chosen finalists then put on an intriguing show as they competed against each other for the best lap time in the Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG.

The grand finale was flagged off by Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India and Vicky Chandhok, a renowned personality in the Indian racing circuit. Here are the names of the 6 finalists that were vying for the 'Mercedes-Benz Young Star Driver' title:

a. G Vikash Anand (Chennai)

b. Ali Yawar Hayat (Bengaluru)

c. Alisha Abdullah (Chennai)

d. Chetan Korada (Chennai)

e. S Raj Bharath (Bengaluru)

f. Advait Deodhar (Mumbai)

The finale was divided in three sets, with each set comprising of two participants on the track. Raj Bharath emerged the winner after the conclusion of the three sets, followed by Vikash Anand and Ali Yawar Hayat in second and third, respectively. Though their talent behind-the-wheel can not be compared, the truth of the 'podium' is undeniable.

Lap time of the winners:

1. Raj Bharath: 2:26:708

2. Vikash Anand: 2:28:622

3. Ali Yawar Hayat: 2:29:255

Speaking about the second edition of the company's coveted programme, Eberhard Kern, said, "Mercedes-AMG was born on the racetrack and we are proud of the brand's global association with different forms of motorsports and our immaculate track record which spells excellence. Mercedes-Benz is proud to pioneer such unique initiatives which not only bears a direct connect with the youngsters of the country, but also leaves them with an indelible impression of brand Mercedes-Benz."

While the winner of the title gets a seat in the AMG Driving Academy PRO-Training in Germany, the runners-up will undergo BASIC & ADVANCED course in India. Furthermore, the winner also get to meet Mercedes AMG PETRONAS Formula One team drivers, Lewis Hamilton or Nico Rosberg, in the Singapore Grand Prix this year.