Kyle Mitchell clinched the Rookie Championship in the final race of the year at Zhuhai by finishing fourth overall, first in class after a nail biting race with rival, Ross Jamison
The start saw the race immediately suspended after James Grunwell flipped at turn one, ending up upside down in the gravel trap. Race leader, Saavedra, obviously had not read the rules and returned to the pit lane rather than line up at the red flag line on the pit straight consigning himself to a drive through penalty at the re-start. This left Jazeman leading from Lemvard, Kyle and Ali. Kyle grabbed second at Turn one but later that lap he was down to fourth after Lemvard forced his way past and Ali followed him through.
Jazeman drove away from the field to win and Lemvard was soon in a safe second leaving Ali and Kyle to squabble over third. All the time Jamison was closing as the dueling duo held themselves up and by lap 8 Ross and Kyle were side by side into turn 7. Mitchell was aware the championship was his if he finished in front of Jamison and their private race allowed Ali to draw away. Over the final four laps they were inches apart and more than once wheel to wheel but try what he may Jamison was unable to find a way past.
Mitchell took an accomplished first in class after a brilliant drive under tremendous pressure – it is a well deserved championship win. “I couldn’t race too hard with Jack and Zahir as I knew I had to finish” remarked an elated Mitchell. “I am so happy for my family who have supported me so much and for the team who have given me such a great car”.
