Even as there was palpable excitement for the inaugural Indian GP, the only local connection when it came to the on-track action was through a wildcard entry for Chennai-based rider K.Y. Ahmed.
The national champion took part in the practice sessions for Petronas MIE Racing on Friday and Saturday but failed to enter qualifying as he did not set a time within 105% of the fastest time in any of the sessions.
It was not entirely surprising, considering the 26-year-old had never driven the Honda NSF250R bike coming into the weekend. Though he had driven a similar bike in 2016 at the Asia Talent Cup, Ahmed said there was a world of difference between the two.
