Daruvala ends second in FR 2.0 NEC rookie class

Yesterday, the Fortec driver clinched a podium with a fine third place finish and brought down the gap to 4.5 points between him and rookie rival Max Defourny (Strakka Racing).

Earlier today, in treacherous conditions at Hockenheim, the Indian failed to see the chequered flag after spinning four times in the second race; the fourth one ending his run having completed six laps.

It was only his second retirement of NEC season. Starting sixth, Daruvala lost positions after an early spin and continued having off moments until his retirement.

His rival Defourny finished ninth stretching the lead to 16.5 points with one race to go where Daruvala started from the front row.

Meanwhile, Josef Kaufmann Racing's Louis Deletraz sealed the championship, winning the second race as teammates Kevin Jorg and Dries Vanthoor completed the podium.

Recovery in race three

While starting the third race from the front row, Daruvala made the cardinal mistake of a jump start. He immediately realised the mistake and stopped briefly where he lost positions.

Going into the Mercedes corner in the first lap, Daruvala and Vanthoor made contact which sent the Indian flying off the track.

But the damage was already done as the stewards' handed the Indian a drive-through penalty for a jump start.

While serving the penalty, the Force India protege came out last in 18th position. It was then a race to salvage points as Defourny was far ahead in the field.

He made seven positions to finish 11th while rival Defourny was fourth, enough for the Belgian driver to take rookie honours of the season.

Deletraz won the final race of the season from Jorg and ART's Ukyo Sasahara. The final standings see Deletraz with 378 points followed by Jorg with 305 points and Sasahara on 296 points.

Defourny ended fourth and the top rookie with 218 points as Daruvala rounded off the top five and the second-best rookie with 194.5 points, well ahead of third-best rookie Vanthoor on 181 points.